if I downloade they patch thats it... I don't see how I can back it up
I'm sorry but I don't understand what you are saying I have to do... how I do it.
If you download the patch you need to get the file you downloaded and back it up or you won't be able to patch in the future. Look in your My Documents > Downloads folder. Not the downloads folder that is in your Sims 3 folder.
I've been told to back up the Sims 3 folder then you have everything. I will be doing this soon. In the case of sims I d say upload them to the exchange in case something goes wrong when you have to move the stuff in your backed up sims 3 folder to the new one.
i wouldn't upload sims or lots to the exchange to have a back up copy of them as the exchange gets culled and you may loose something you really want, what i would do is hit the share button which sends a copy of the sim/lot to the exports folders then make a copy of the exports folder any time i need to install that sim or file just double click it to install it and or have a mediafire account or something like that and save the sims/lots to that and download when they are needed
if I downloade they patch thats it... I don't see how I can back it up
I'm sorry but I don't understand what you are saying I have to do... how I do it.
We have two types of patches. One is the store patch. When you download a store item from your purchase page, if it needs to be patched it triggers a double-check to see if you have previously patched store content. If you have, it stops and tells you that you are patched to date. If it doesn't see a store patch, then it will patch your game. That information is stored in your The Sims 3 folder, near the top of the window when the folder is open. You can see it clearly named "ContentPatch." This must be saved, because in the future once the server is down you will no longer be able to get this directly from EA. But if you have it in your folder, then store items will still be patched.
The other type of patch is for updating the game, itself. For that, you will need the superpatches I gave links for in an earlier reply. You will not be able to access a server to get a fresh install patched. But after installing the base game, you can double-click on the superpatch and it will patch your game. Then install all the expansions and stuff packs you own. After that, double-click the superpatch again, and let it overwrite anything that might have been installed over the earlier patch. Once that is done, you will be fully patched, just as if you had been patching for each expansion or stuff pack.
So, to back up patches, you will need to have a backup copy of the ContentPatch from your The Sims 3 folder found in Electronic Arts/Documents and you will also need a superpatch for your PC or Mac.
If I am understanding your confusion correctly you are asking for the method of backing up the Super Patch. If I am misunderstanding you my apologies.
1). In order to back up the super patch you first need to download the file to a file folder such as "Downloads" (if you are on a windows PC). Or any other location you see fit. The file is awfully large (1.6GBs) if memory serves me correctly.
2). Once you have the file completely downloaded, you can then back it up by copying (burning) it to a DVD, or moving it (or copying it) to a Thumb Drive (Flash Drive) or putting it on an external drive. It's up to you.
You may want to create a file folder and name it something like "TS3-SP167" (that is what I named mine). Keep the patch wherever you decide to store your other TS3 backups so you will always have it.
AS A PRECAUTION: I always create more than one (x1) copy of my backups on more than one type of media just in case disaster finds one version (such as a disk becoming unreadable), I can always use (or create) another one which I may have saved on my External Drive.
I've been told to back up the Sims 3 folder then you have everything. I will be doing this soon. In the case of sims I d say upload them to the exchange in case something goes wrong when you have to move the stuff in your backed up sims 3 folder to the new one.
You need the super patch files too. Or you won't be able to patch your game if you ever put it on a new computer.
If you have any digital download games you will need the installer files.
I thought when you reset the game you still had the patches. Does that mean I have to redownload all of those. Also explain the installer files.
I'm wanting to reset my game soon not uninstall and reinstall so I thought that just backing up the sims 3 folder backed up everything including the patches and stuff.
I've been told to back up the Sims 3 folder then you have everything. I will be doing this soon. In the case of sims I d say upload them to the exchange in case something goes wrong when you have to move the stuff in your backed up sims 3 folder to the new one.
You need the super patch files too. Or you won't be able to patch your game if you ever put it on a new computer.
If you have any digital download games you will need the installer files.
I thought when you reset the game you still had the patches. Does that mean I have to redownload all of those. Also explain the installer files.
I'm wanting to reset my game soon not uninstall and reinstall so I thought that just backing up the sims 3 folder backed up everything including the patches and stuff.
People are getting ready for still playing Sims 3 after the site closes down. If you need to install Sims 3 on a new computer after the site has closed you won't be able to if you haven't kept copies of everything you need.
If you only want to play this game while you have access to the Sims 3 sites then you don't need to do anything just continue on as you have so far. But after the site closes, you won't be able to continue to play the game if you have to reinstall it for any reason if you haven't kept all the files you need to keep.
Edit this has nothing to do with resetting your game.
This is a summary of things I am aware of that will be needed if you want to keep playing Sims 3 after the Sims 3 sites have all closed.
Once the site has closed you won't have access to them so you need to keep copies of the files somewhere safe. Preferably in more than one place and continue to back them up with fresh backup copies from time to time because all digital media will eventually break. Meaning nothing is for ever.
It is your responsibility to keep you own files if you want to be able to continue to enjoy this game.
Here is what I am aware of that you will need to keep. If you know of other things that area also needed, please store that data too.
1. The files in your Purchase History.
2. The Installer files if you have digital download versions of your games. I suspect Origin will continue to have these files available to you - but I don't now that so if you are concerned about it, then keep a backup of the files.
3. Game Patches
4. Store Patches
5. Sims and Lots you have made and want to keep - they get deleted from the Exchange regularly so don't assume if you have loaded a file to the Exchange it is going to be kept there for you. I think they currently stay there for 2 weeks unless they get downloads and recommendations.
6. Whatever other files you know of that you will need to keep your game playable.
Purchase History
These filed download into your downloads folder that is in the My Documents\The Sims 3 folder. Get them from there and save them somewhere safe.
Installer Files
You need to log into Origin and make a tick in a check box to have the Installer files stay on your computer.
The menu path is: Origin > Application Settings > Advanced
You will then see a check box: 'Keep game installers after games have been installed'
Make sure there is a tick in that box. The Installer files can be found in the windows path: Program Files (x86) > Origin Games > The Sims 3 > _Installer
This path is valid for the base game. You will find a separate folder for each game you have a digital download file for.
I have never seen a Mac with games on it so I have no idea of where you will find them on a Mac.
Game Patches
You need to go to the sticky at the top of the general technical forum and find the link to download the Cumulative Manual Super patch. Any links given for super patches are valid for only that patch. This is the link to the sticky that has the link to the current patch in it.
I think the Mac and Windows patch links are both there.
It has been suggested that you should keep both versions of the patch in case you decide to buy a different type of computer at some stage and want to put Sims 3 on it.
When you download the super patch, you find it in the Downloads folder which is in the same folder as your My Documents folder in Windows 7. I can't tell you where to find it on other computers.
NOTE: It does NOT go into the Sims 3 Downloads folder.
Store Patches.
Store patches are found in your Sims 3 folder that is in the My Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 3 > Content Patch folder
These patches may still be updated at some stage between now and when the site finally closes so don't assume that backing them up today will save all the patches that might come between now and when they stop patching the store content. And I don't foretell the future so don't ask me when they are going to stop patching anything.
You can turn your Sims and Lots that are in your library into Sims3Pack files by clicking onto them in your library and choosing Share from the buttons that appear. The Share button will save them as Sims3Pak files and put them in the Exports folder that is found in your The Sims 3 folder.
Apparently, you can double click on them to install them. I prefer to put them into the Downloads folder and install them like the downloaded content from the store. They appear as Custom Content when in your library.
How DRM loaded are these files? Can I just move them to a new computer easily?
If you are talking about the digital download versions of the games. As far as I know you can install the games on up to 5 computers before reaching the end of your license limit.
You can extend this by deauthorising a computer before uninstalling the game from it.
The other thing I don't know is how easily you can use them to install on a new computer. There is a setup file in there though.
I personally have disk copies of all but one game - that is Into the Future. I will probably get the disk version of it eventually.
I mean the store content. Theres no way I'd have the game installed on 5.
I don't know anything about the store content.
It isn't hard to get it installed on 5 computers if you only have it on 1. You have to remember to deauthorise it before you get rid of an old computer, or get your current comoputer rebuilt. And if the old computer dies on you before you de authorise the computer for this game, then that is one authorisation gone.
if I downloade they patch thats it... I don't see how I can back it up
I'm sorry but I don't understand what you are saying I have to do... how I do it.
We have two types of patches. One is the store patch. When you download a store item from your purchase page, if it needs to be patched it triggers a double-check to see if you have previously patched store content. If you have, it stops and tells you that you are patched to date. If it doesn't see a store patch, then it will patch your game. That information is stored in your The Sims 3 folder, near the top of the window when the folder is open. You can see it clearly named "ContentPatch." This must be saved, because in the future once the server is down you will no longer be able to get this directly from EA. But if you have it in your folder, then store items will still be patched.
The other type of patch is for updating the game, itself. For that, you will need the superpatches I gave links for in an earlier reply. You will not be able to access a server to get a fresh install patched. But after installing the base game, you can double-click on the superpatch and it will patch your game. Then install all the expansions and stuff packs you own. After that, double-click the superpatch again, and let it overwrite anything that might have been installed over the earlier patch. Once that is done, you will be fully patched, just as if you had been patching for each expansion or stuff pack.
So, to back up patches, you will need to have a backup copy of the ContentPatch from your The Sims 3 folder found in Electronic Arts/Documents and you will also need a superpatch for your PC or Mac.
Thanks Karritz for the info, but I have one question I have a MAc and in my Documents folder there is a folder that says content patch can I just copy that and keep a backup of it. I know that I would have to keep it updated on a regular basis, but that is what I was planing on doing.
Just read the thread above how do you put the super patch on your computer and store it for future use. Without messing your game, sorry, but I not that smart about computers.
Go to the very top of this page (first entry) where I posted an answer to your question on "How to back up the Super Patch".
@catloverplayer - If you are only resetting the game (creating an .old folder), you do not need to re-install the patches all of that information is retained. You only need to re-install the patches if you are reinstalling the game (whether on the same or different PC).
Thanks Karritz for the info, but I have one question I have a MAc and in my Documents folder there is a folder that says content patch can I just copy that and keep a backup of it. I know that I would have to keep it updated on a regular basis, but that is what I was planing on doing.
Just read the thread above how do you put the super patch on your computer and store it for future use. Without messing your game, sorry, but I not that smart about computers.
I don't have access to a Mac so I can't look at it and see what you are talking about. The content patch folder should have files in it.
When you download the super patch you save the file then you have to click on it to install it. It doesn't just run. So if you only want to keep it don't run it.
Comments
if I downloade they patch thats it... I don't see how I can back it up
I'm sorry but I don't understand what you are saying I have to do... how I do it.
If you download the patch you need to get the file you downloaded and back it up or you won't be able to patch in the future. Look in your My Documents > Downloads folder. Not the downloads folder that is in your Sims 3 folder.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuW44b3uCMtCSaq4gwC8EZg
i wouldn't upload sims or lots to the exchange to have a back up copy of them as the exchange gets culled and you may loose something you really want, what i would do is hit the share button which sends a copy of the sim/lot to the exports folders then make a copy of the exports folder any time i need to install that sim or file just double click it to install it and or have a mediafire account or something like that and save the sims/lots to that and download when they are needed
We have two types of patches. One is the store patch. When you download a store item from your purchase page, if it needs to be patched it triggers a double-check to see if you have previously patched store content. If you have, it stops and tells you that you are patched to date. If it doesn't see a store patch, then it will patch your game. That information is stored in your The Sims 3 folder, near the top of the window when the folder is open. You can see it clearly named "ContentPatch." This must be saved, because in the future once the server is down you will no longer be able to get this directly from EA. But if you have it in your folder, then store items will still be patched.
The other type of patch is for updating the game, itself. For that, you will need the superpatches I gave links for in an earlier reply. You will not be able to access a server to get a fresh install patched. But after installing the base game, you can double-click on the superpatch and it will patch your game. Then install all the expansions and stuff packs you own. After that, double-click the superpatch again, and let it overwrite anything that might have been installed over the earlier patch. Once that is done, you will be fully patched, just as if you had been patching for each expansion or stuff pack.
So, to back up patches, you will need to have a backup copy of the ContentPatch from your The Sims 3 folder found in Electronic Arts/Documents and you will also need a superpatch for your PC or Mac.
I hope that answers all your questions.
If I am understanding your confusion correctly you are asking for the method of backing up the Super Patch. If I am misunderstanding you my apologies.
1). In order to back up the super patch you first need to download the file to a file folder such as "Downloads" (if you are on a windows PC). Or any other location you see fit. The file is awfully large (1.6GBs) if memory serves me correctly.
2). Once you have the file completely downloaded, you can then back it up by copying (burning) it to a DVD, or moving it (or copying it) to a Thumb Drive (Flash Drive) or putting it on an external drive. It's up to you.
You may want to create a file folder and name it something like "TS3-SP167" (that is what I named mine). Keep the patch wherever you decide to store your other TS3 backups so you will always have it.
AS A PRECAUTION: I always create more than one (x1) copy of my backups on more than one type of media just in case disaster finds one version (such as a disk becoming unreadable), I can always use (or create) another one which I may have saved on my External Drive.
Hope This Helps You.
I thought when you reset the game you still had the patches. Does that mean I have to redownload all of those. Also explain the installer files.
I'm wanting to reset my game soon not uninstall and reinstall so I thought that just backing up the sims 3 folder backed up everything including the patches and stuff.
People are getting ready for still playing Sims 3 after the site closes down. If you need to install Sims 3 on a new computer after the site has closed you won't be able to if you haven't kept copies of everything you need.
If you only want to play this game while you have access to the Sims 3 sites then you don't need to do anything just continue on as you have so far. But after the site closes, you won't be able to continue to play the game if you have to reinstall it for any reason if you haven't kept all the files you need to keep.
Edit this has nothing to do with resetting your game.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuW44b3uCMtCSaq4gwC8EZg
Once the site has closed you won't have access to them so you need to keep copies of the files somewhere safe. Preferably in more than one place and continue to back them up with fresh backup copies from time to time because all digital media will eventually break. Meaning nothing is for ever.
It is your responsibility to keep you own files if you want to be able to continue to enjoy this game.
Here is what I am aware of that you will need to keep. If you know of other things that area also needed, please store that data too.
1. The files in your Purchase History.
2. The Installer files if you have digital download versions of your games. I suspect Origin will continue to have these files available to you - but I don't now that so if you are concerned about it, then keep a backup of the files.
3. Game Patches
4. Store Patches
5. Sims and Lots you have made and want to keep - they get deleted from the Exchange regularly so don't assume if you have loaded a file to the Exchange it is going to be kept there for you. I think they currently stay there for 2 weeks unless they get downloads and recommendations.
6. Whatever other files you know of that you will need to keep your game playable.
Purchase History
These filed download into your downloads folder that is in the My Documents\The Sims 3 folder. Get them from there and save them somewhere safe.
Installer Files
You need to log into Origin and make a tick in a check box to have the Installer files stay on your computer.
The menu path is: Origin > Application Settings > Advanced
You will then see a check box: 'Keep game installers after games have been installed'
Make sure there is a tick in that box. The Installer files can be found in the windows path: Program Files (x86) > Origin Games > The Sims 3 > _Installer
This path is valid for the base game. You will find a separate folder for each game you have a digital download file for.
I have never seen a Mac with games on it so I have no idea of where you will find them on a Mac.
Game Patches
You need to go to the sticky at the top of the general technical forum and find the link to download the Cumulative Manual Super patch. Any links given for super patches are valid for only that patch. This is the link to the sticky that has the link to the current patch in it.
http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/175477.page
I think the Mac and Windows patch links are both there.
It has been suggested that you should keep both versions of the patch in case you decide to buy a different type of computer at some stage and want to put Sims 3 on it.
When you download the super patch, you find it in the Downloads folder which is in the same folder as your My Documents folder in Windows 7. I can't tell you where to find it on other computers.
NOTE: It does NOT go into the Sims 3 Downloads folder.
Store Patches.
Store patches are found in your Sims 3 folder that is in the My Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 3 > Content Patch folder
These patches may still be updated at some stage between now and when the site finally closes so don't assume that backing them up today will save all the patches that might come between now and when they stop patching the store content. And I don't foretell the future so don't ask me when they are going to stop patching anything.
You can turn your Sims and Lots that are in your library into Sims3Pack files by clicking onto them in your library and choosing Share from the buttons that appear. The Share button will save them as Sims3Pak files and put them in the Exports folder that is found in your The Sims 3 folder.
Apparently, you can double click on them to install them. I prefer to put them into the Downloads folder and install them like the downloaded content from the store. They appear as Custom Content when in your library.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuW44b3uCMtCSaq4gwC8EZg
See my Sims 3 studio for latest progress.
If you are talking about the digital download versions of the games. As far as I know you can install the games on up to 5 computers before reaching the end of your license limit.
You can extend this by deauthorising a computer before uninstalling the game from it.
The other thing I don't know is how easily you can use them to install on a new computer. There is a setup file in there though.
I personally have disk copies of all but one game - that is Into the Future. I will probably get the disk version of it eventually.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuW44b3uCMtCSaq4gwC8EZg
See my Sims 3 studio for latest progress.
I don't know anything about the store content.
It isn't hard to get it installed on 5 computers if you only have it on 1. You have to remember to deauthorise it before you get rid of an old computer, or get your current comoputer rebuilt. And if the old computer dies on you before you de authorise the computer for this game, then that is one authorisation gone.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuW44b3uCMtCSaq4gwC8EZg
so since I am patch I just copy the folder?
Just read the thread above how do you put the super patch on your computer and store it for future use. Without messing your game, sorry, but I not that smart about computers.
Go to the very top of this page (first entry) where I posted an answer to your question on "How to back up the Super Patch".
@catloverplayer - If you are only resetting the game (creating an .old folder), you do not need to re-install the patches all of that information is retained. You only need to re-install the patches if you are reinstalling the game (whether on the same or different PC).
Does that link point to patches that are stored on the Sims VIP site? Or are they pointing to the patches on Sims 3 Site?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuW44b3uCMtCSaq4gwC8EZg
I don't have access to a Mac so I can't look at it and see what you are talking about. The content patch folder should have files in it.
When you download the super patch you save the file then you have to click on it to install it. It doesn't just run. So if you only want to keep it don't run it.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuW44b3uCMtCSaq4gwC8EZg