Need help in locating hidden files (to remove)

LaBlue0314

I am trying to reinstall my Sims 3 games. At this point I have reinstalled the base game, and store content without any issue. The problem is when I attempt to install the expansion and stuff packs. Normally when you get ready to install a disk, it will have you enter the code (a series of numbers and letters). But it will (after) updating it will go straight into downloading. I know that there must be some files still in my computer that didn't get completely removed from before.
I used this link from EA to manually uninstall.

https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/the-sims/the-sims-3/manually-uninstalling-the-sims-3/


But when I got to this part, is where I ran into problems

Click the Start button and select My Computer.
Select the Local Disk (C:) drive folder.
Select the Program Files folder.
Select Tools, then Folder Options, then View, then select Show hidden files and folders.

I have an 8.1 windows, and when I got to Program Files, I couldn't find the area for select Tools. I have an odd feeling that is where I have some files to remove, but I just can't seem to find it.

phoebebebe13

Uninstall everything. Use CCleaner to clean your computer registry. it's a free download https://ccleaner.com

The game leaves files behind and you have to remove them before reinstalling

Nichaedemus

Hi,

I have an 8.1 windows, and when I got to Program Files, I couldn't find the area for select Tools. I have an odd feeling that is where I have some files to remove, but I just can't seem to find it.

The Tools menu option can be invoked by pressing the ALT key on your keyboard, after opening the C drive folder in File Explorer.

igazor

Sorry to (sort of) disagree with the others here, but exactly what problem are you trying to solve? I believe that the install codes used prior are hiding in the Registry someplace, not in files, and some players report that using standard Registry cleaning tools like CCleaner does not really remove them even though they do a good job of cleaning everything else up from a prior install. They aren't doing any harm if you were going to enter the exact same codes anyway, or is that not where you were going here?

LaBlue0314

@igazor
The problem I have, if I install and it doesn't ask me to enter those codes, is it will install just fine, but the game won't start, ever.

igazor

LaBlue0314 wrote: »

@igazor
The problem I have, if I install and it doesn't ask me to enter those codes, is it will install just fine, but the game won't start, ever.

Oh sorry, must have missed that part somehow. In that case I would recommend Piriform's CCleaner to clean up the prior install stuff, best done in between the uninstall and the attempted reinstall, as @phoebebebe13 also said.

LaBlue0314

I'll check it out, thanks.

phoebebebe13

@igazor I'm passing you a cup of coffee. you need more fuel