For me, at least, uninstalling and reinstalling are necessary if less pleasing parts of playing Sims games; both Sims 1 and 2.
This may be because I play with a LOT of downloads, maybe because I like to try new things and experiment from time to time with different hacks.
It can be made less unpleasant.
Also Graphical issues may necessitate a reinstall. For me, if I change my graphics card while Sims 2 is installed and/or update the drivers with my AntiVirus software turned on, the game simply does not recognise the new card/drivers and my game will crash or refuse to load. It seems this has been a known issue for some time for many Simmers, but it is the first time it's come to my attention.
So - get ready to reinstall! (Don't forget to backup your downloads and user files - from My Documents - first!)
As Sims 2 is technically now Abandonware (ie no longer supported by EA AT ALL - including Customer Services) it can be downloaded many places on the Net. As always, be careful.
The Ultimate Collection is available here as it was available for 4 years with Origin.
Each EP has a patch. It IS important to install these as you go through, rather than all at once after all the disks are done. Apparently some things are ONLY fixed by a patch and not subsequent EPs. These patches were originally called down from an EA server as each install was run.
Now that the game is abandonware, there is a patch. These days you have to download them/it.
I had to strip out everything inside the EA Games folder, and the My Documents folder. And then go through and individually uninstall EACH EP and Stuff pack. Windows installer simply refused to do anything.
Then it's back to the Dance of the (how many?) disks. Good job it's Easter Monday and I don't have to be anywhere else.
AND... Didn't work. I got rid of the pink flashing, but the game doesn't let me play it.
I will update this when/if I find a solution.
[ Patches ]
Sita April 22, 2025