Can't install Sims 3 no matter WHAT I do.[SOLVED]

[Guest]

Okay, the base game installs fine, then after that it's a hairpulling nightmare.

First, I tried doing as the guide said and installing Seasons, it claims it's unable to update, then after that I try to instal World Adventures and I get this error.

So, I tried using Revo Uninstaller and uninstalling all versions of the Sims I had installed, that didn't work. Then I went into Regedit and uninstalled it all MANUALLY. AND IT STILL GIVES ME THIS ERROR.

I literally am baffled at how hard it is just to install this game. I installed it once before, and uninstalled it wrong (Deleted folders) and I had the blackbox version installed before I uninstalled it (If that will attribute to any errors I am having)

Does anyone have any ideas other than formatting my harddrive and starting over?

[Guest]

Do you remember where the keys were that you removed manually from the registry? For the InstallShield info:
Navigate to:
(32bit) HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
(64bit) HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

Look through all of the keys that are GUIDs (ie: {117B6...E53}) and ensure that none of them are for World Adventures. IF you find a key for World Adventures, you need to note two things:
1) the GUID (see abbreviated example above)
2) the location where the Sims3EP*.exe file is in the "UninstallString"

Once you have those noted, delete the key. Delete the directory where the exe is located that is noted in the "UninstallString".

Finally, navigate to:
(32bit) HKLM\Software\Sims\
(64bit) HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Sims

Make sure there is not a key for World Adventures.

Those two locations are the -only- locations in the registry that are touched when installing or uninstalling any of the Sims games/expansions.

(Note: Some aren't aware that in the registry "keys" are the things that look like file folders, so when I say "look for a key" that's what I mean.)


Let me know if this helps.

[Guest]

I'm about to go and do that, but I must mention, I also can't install any other expansions. I either get a similar error or the can not update error.

EDIT: Searching through registry, there's no sims folder, I just uninstalled it and deleted the entire thing, I deleted the sims 3 key that EA told me to (I'd post the link but I can't because I'm a new member) and now I'm wondering, what are the keys for all the sims 3 games? I don't wanna end up deleting something and royally screwing up my computer.

[Admin]

Hello,

Please contact me via the Forum's chatbox when you see me online on the Forum, I'll try to solve the problem for you via TeamViewer.
It's better not to mess with the Registry.

[Guest]

Alright, when do you think would be the best time for you?

EDIT: Also, just tried CCleaner, no dice either.

EDIT2: Tried installing without having basegame installed, it gave the same error. Not sure if this is important or not.

[Admin]

Hello,

I'm usually online in the evenings, GMT+1.

[Guest]

Okay, I live in the eastern timezone and typically get on around 3:00 EST and I'm available after that point. I'll try and log on earlier on this weekend, though. Winter vacation is soon, too.

//EDIT

Sorry for the double post, but I solved this!

I really, really wanna post a link incase anyone has the same issue. But, basically, I looked up how to manually uninstall the sims 3, and found out how to do it for all expansions, and well, after doing it, I can install normally now.

If I could request the admin let me put the link in my post, that'd be awesome. If not, google 'remove sims 3 completely' and look at the 7th result, Carls sims 3 help, and it has links to all the guides. ( http://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=4886.0 ) Thanks for being willing to do a teamviewer session with me, though it's unneeded now.

Link added.

- Lady ElDi

[☠ ~ Aɳɳ ~ ☠]

Hello,

Good to hear you solved it!
Don't hesitate to post if you have questions or problems again.
Happy simming topic closed.

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