Downloading Lots...a reminder...

BlogpostPublished: Nov 26, 2008Views: 754

Here's a quickie way to be POSITIVE you will get that lot you really want!

First thing's first - If you are new to downloading here on TSR, or downloading in general, I would suggest reading these helpful tips and tricks:

Installing Sims 2 Custom Content

Here's what it says about downloading lots:
"Residential & Community Lots
When downloading packaged Residential and Community Lots you will get a file ending with .Sims2Pack. Simply save this file anywhere that you will be able to find it (My Documents for example), then browse to the file using Windows Explorer, and click on it to install. A popup box will appear asking if you wish to install the package. You can also refer to the Sims 2 manual for details on installing .Sims2Pack files."

Using the Sims 2 Pack Clean Installer is even better for installing lots, and seems to have less problems than the game installer when it comes to ensuring a clean upload to your game. You can Google the Clean Installer...it is a free download!

My advice is this:
1 - Be sure you have all the EPs necessary to download the lot.
2 - Download the lot using the ZIP file button (the green arrow). DO NOT open directly from the site. Some browsers and firewalls can corrupt the file in transit. To prevent this, ALWAYS save a file to your computer, and then open it from there instead.
3 - Save it to your computer somewhere easy to find.
4 - Open the ZIP file and extract the Sims2Pack file into the same folder.
5 - Once it is extracted, you can either double-click on it to install it, or use the Sims 2 Clean Pack Installer to install it.
6 - Make SURE you have checked the Show Details page for any lot you wish to download. This is because sometimes Notes or Installation Instructions may be necessary to get your lots to work. If there are, PLEASE follow them! Instructions are usually not written unless they are absolutely necessary.

Go to your lots bin that has lots that are already built, and scroll through them. Sometimes new lots will be at the beginning of your list, and sometimes at the end. PLEASE check the whole list before informing me that the lot isn't in your game.

If it is a BEACH lot:
1 - Follow the installation instructions for any beach lot you download! They are there for a reason!
2 - Try reading this short tutorial by myself on beach lots and how tricky they can be: The Hidden Rules of Beach Lots

ONE LAST THING - If despite your best efforts, and after doing all of this stuff, it still hasn't worked, it may well be just a server "hiccup". They do that sometimes. Wait around 5 minutes, and then try downloading it again the same way. At this point, if it STILL hasn't shown up in your game PLEASE...BY ALL MEANS...PM me! I want to know if one of my lots is having troubles so I can fix it! Thank you SO much for your support and feedback. :D

I do hope that this helps people better be able to enjoy my lots, as well as other lots! Happy simming!

--Illiana

Illiana ∙ Oct 2, 2008

Thanks Cadiva! $\:D$ I have duly edited my little "guide" to reflect this new info. You're the bestest! (((Hugs!)))

cadiva ∙ Oct 1, 2008

And, to add, Lot files will show up if you switch between neighbourhoods or sub-hoods without having to restart the game $\:\)$
Hope this helps you with your excellent guide.

cadiva ∙ Oct 1, 2008

Just one thing honey, you can add Lot files while your game is running without any issue. If they contain CC, that won't show up until the next time you start your game, but the Lot file itself will install correctly without any problems.