Disk Images

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This method is used for reinstalling Sims 2 but also works very well for Sims 1. 

Make local Disk Images of your CDs so that if the disks get damaged you will still be able to reinstall your precious game. This can also be useful if your CD drive is not very fast or you have a virulent anti-virus program installed.

Make sure to follow the steps below exactly, or else the install may not work.

To make the disk images:

1. Double-click My Computer.
2. Right-click on the Local Disk C and choose Open.
3. Right-click inside the window and select New, and then Folder.
4. Name the folder Disk Images it is important that the name has a space in it.
5. Double-Click the new Disk Images folder to open it.
6. Right-click inside the window and select New, and then Folder.
7. Name this folder Disk1.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 while substituting Disk1 for Disk2, depending on how many disks there are for this EP. Note there must not be a space between "Disk" and the number.
9. Insert the disk of The Sims 1 into your CD-Rom drive and if the auto-play starts, cancel it.
10. Double-click My Computer to open it.
11. Right-click on your CD-ROM drive and choose Open.
12. When you see the contents of the disk in the Window, click on Edit at the top of the window and choose Select All.
13. All the contents of the disk should now be highlighted, click on Edit at the top of the window again and choose Copy.
14. Open the Disk1 folder you created under C:\Disk Images; click on Edit at the top of the window and choose Paste. This will copy the contents of the CD into the Disk1 folder.
15. Once all the disks have been copied, remove ALL CDs from any drives.

    To do the actual install:.

16. Open the Disk1 folder under Disk Images and double-click on autorun.exe to start the installation.
17. To save disk space, you can delete the Disk Images folders after the installation has completed.

The above is a process recommended by EA here for Sims 2. It works (and is quick!) for Sims 1, at least for single disk installs... I haven't managed to get it to work for the EPs that need more than one disk. So Deluxe, for instance, needs to be done the old-fashioned way!

NB you still need the disks as well - when you reinstall this way the program still asks for them, to actually PLAY the game - so it's not a CD crack, hack or anything else. Just a way to save wear and tear on your nerves! and time - it's a LOT quicker!

Expansion Packs

You do not necessarily have to install EPs in order. If you add Unleashed before Hot Date or Vacation, the new lots they produce will automatically be set up with things for pets that way. However, Makin' Magic should be last as it contains the patches for all previous EPs.