Service installation failed?!

Pretty sure I've followed all the directions correctly. I go to start the game, black screen appears like the game is just about to start..then a box pops up that says "service installation failed..."

So close, yet so far! Help!

//MOVED
Hello,

Did you install Supernatural?
Do you have any Mods or Custom Content?

All I have in Generations, and of course the (paid for) base game

//EDIT

Also, updated to 1.38

Hello,

Please re-do step 3 to 5 and let us know the result: games4theworld.forumotion.com/t1171-must-read-how-to-install-the-sims-3-correctly
DO NOT skip any steps and read carefully!

Good luck!

Now it's telling me I need the disk.

Hello,

Step 3 and 4...
Where did you put the crack? Please post a screenshot of the folder you put the crack in.

I'm going to try uninstalling and reinstalling...again. hah
Pretty sure I'm following every step correctly but clearly something is not right

//EDIT

I do have some downloads from the Sims online store and thesimsresource.com if that's what you meant by custom content...

Hello,

Please remove all the Custom Content - yes, that's what I mean - first and then try again.
If it didn't work, please tell me on what game version you're on, currently?