Uninstalling & Reinstalling The Sims 1
Here is a step by step guide to a "clean" uninstall and reinstall. It is quite necessary to remove all traces of the Sims from your computer after running the uninstaller (step1), because the uninstall program will leave files on our hard drive and entries in your registry, and that can cause major problems when you go to reinstall. That said, steps 2 and 3 are CRUCIAL! This process will erase your entire saved game and all your downloads. If you would like to save them please see the "How to save your game" information, and do that first.
1) Uninstalling The Game.
To uninstall the game, simply go to "Start" on your taskbar, and then to [All] Programs, Maxis, The Sims, Uninstall. You can also open your "Control Panel" and then open the "Add/Remove Programs" area to uninstall the games. This will uninstall all of the games; there is no way to uninstall simply one expansion pack, as the games "patch" to one another to form one "big" game. If neither option is available to you because you have an incomplete uninstallation skip this step and go on to step 2
2) Cleaning Up Left-Over Files Manually.
> The uninstall doesn't remove all of the game from your computer. It is vital that you open up your "The Sims" folder (located in My Computer, C:, Program Files, Maxis) and delete everything within the folder. Then, delete the "The Sims" folder in its entirety. Empty your "Recycle Bin" after removing the files.
3) Cleaning The Registry Entries.
> The last step of the uninstall process, is to make sure that any entries left in your Windows' registry are removed. To do this, go to the "Get Cool Stuff" section of this site. Look underneath the "Installation Utilities" header and download/run the "SimsEraser" utility. This handy tool can also be found on Disk 1 of your Makin' Magic disk in a folder entitled "Eraser". Run this program three to four times.
4) Run Scan Disk / Defragmenter ***optional but a very good idea!***
Now that the games are completely removed, it may be a good idea to run system tools such as Error Checking/Scan Disk, as well as the Disk Defragmenter. These can both be run by opening up "My Computer" and then right-clicking on the drive the games were installed to. Choose "Properties", and then select the "Tools" tab. Now select which ever process you wish to run. Both help to fill the gaps that were left in your hard drive from the removing of the games.
5) Now, reboot your machine, if you haven't already, and close off all unnecessary background applications listed under the "Task Manager" window. Here's how:
To do this with Windows XP: Press ctrl + alt + delete at the same time, once. Click the Applications tab and close everything listed. Next, click the Processes tab and end process on everything with your username attached, except Explorer.exe and Taskmgr.exe Ignore any warnings you may get about ending processes possibly messing up your computer, on the offchance it did all you'd need to do is reboot to fix it. Do not end any processes that have System, Local Service or Network Service as the username.
To do this with Windows 98, 2000 or ME: Press ctrl + alt + delete at the same time, once. Close everything but Systray and Explorer.
Once those are closed, check for any firewall programs and anti-virus programs, and disable those. Now you're safe to install the games. If you have a continuous connection to the internet, like DSL or cable, you will want to shut off your modem while the install is going on to keep your computer safe. If you have dial up you don't need to worry unless you are currently connected to the internet, in that case disconnect.
6) Reinstall the games in the following order:
The
Sims or Deluxe
Livin Large (included in Deluxe)
House Party
Hot date
Vacation
Unleashed
Superstar
Makin Magic
--Skip
any games you do not have
--If you have Double, Triple or Mega Deluxe, be sure to follow the Quick Installation
Guide to make sure you install the games properly, and load the bonus cd at
the correct time.
--If you have The Sims original AND Deluxe, only install Deluxe.
7) Make sure that you test each game before installing
another, or at least every few.
Playing the game for about ten minutes or so will make sure that the game is completely "patched" to any previous versions. Doing so will allow you to know if the game has any trouble running. (Better to find out early on, rather than after having all of the games added). It is important to remember that Deluxe came out after Vacation. If you are using Deluxe, and you are going to test your games before installing Unleashed, Superstar or Makin Magic you will have to use the Deluxe disk 1 to play the game. It will also automatically reinstall Deluxe after these ep's. Once Unleashed, Superstar or Makin Magic are installed you need to use the disk for the newest of those three that you have to play your game.
8)
If you are still having problems after going through this entire process,
post in the Help
section of the Sims BBS
or on the Sims
Attic forum and be sure to post your computer specifications (RAM,
Windows version and which Sim games you have installed at the least). Best
of luck to you!
