How to Transfer Your Sims 3 Game to a New Computer: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’ve got a new computer and you’re itching to get back to managing your Sims’ lives. Transferring The Sims 3, along with all your carefully curated custom content (CC), saves, and expansion packs, can seem daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process. Here’s the definitive guide to ensure a smooth transition.
The core of transferring your Sims 3 game involves two key steps: backing up your game data from your old computer and then restoring it on your new computer. This includes your base game files, expansion packs, saved games, and any custom content or mods you’ve installed. You’ll also need to ensure that your game is properly registered on either Origin or Steam, depending on where you originally purchased it. Finally, you’ll need to move your Sims 3 files manually via external hard drive or USB drive.
Step-by-Step Transfer Guide
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
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Backup Your Sims 3 Folder:
- On your old computer, locate your Sims 3 folder. By default, this is found in DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 3.
- This folder contains everything that makes your game your game: your saved games, installed custom content, your Sims3Packs in the Downloads folder, and your options.ini (graphic settings).
- Copy the entire “The Sims 3” folder to an external hard drive or a USB flash drive. Make sure your drive has enough space! This folder can be quite large, especially if you have a lot of CC.
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Install Sims 3 on Your New Computer:
- Install the base game on your new computer. If you purchased Sims 3 through Origin, log into your Origin account and download the game from your game library. If you purchased through Steam, install it through Steam. If you have the original discs, use those.
- Install your Expansion Packs and Stuff Packs. Be sure to install using the same platform as the base game (Origin, Steam, or discs).
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Transfer Your Saved Games and Custom Content:
- Once the game is installed (but before you launch it for the first time), locate the newly created “The Sims 3” folder in DocumentsElectronic Arts on your new computer.
- Delete the newly created, empty folder.
- Copy the “The Sims 3” folder from your external hard drive/USB drive into DocumentsElectronic Arts on your new computer. This will replace the empty folder with your backed-up game data.
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Launch the Game:
- Launch The Sims 3 on your new computer. The game should recognize your saved games, custom content, and settings. If you encounter any issues, double-check that you’ve copied all the files correctly and that the game is properly registered with Origin or Steam.
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(Optional) Register Your Game (If Needed):
- If you haven’t already, you may need to register your game on Origin. If you bought the game on disc, you can redeem your product key in the Origin client. This will associate the game with your Origin account, allowing you to download and install it.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Transfer
- Back Up Regularly: Consider making regular backups of your “The Sims 3” folder to avoid data loss.
- Disable Cloud Saves (Optional): While cloud saves can be useful, they can sometimes cause conflicts. Consider disabling cloud saves in Origin or Steam during the transfer process.
- Test Your Game: After transferring, spend some time playing the game to ensure everything is working correctly. Check for any missing content or errors.
- Be Patient: The initial loading time after transferring your game may be longer than usual, as the game needs to process all your custom content.
- Keep Your Drivers Updated: Make sure your graphics card drivers are up to date for optimal performance on your new computer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play The Sims 3 on two computers simultaneously?
No, you cannot play The Sims 3 on two computers at the same time using the same Origin or Steam account. Each account is licensed for single-user access at any given time.
2. How do I find my Sims 3 product code?
In Origin, right-click on The Sims 3 in your Game Library and select “Game Properties”. Your product code will be displayed there. On Steam, right-click on the game in your Library, select “Manage”, and then “CD keys”.
3. Can I transfer Sims 3 from Steam to Origin?
Yes, if you have the product key from your Steam purchase. Log into your account on thesims3.com, go to My Page –> My Account –> Register a Game, and enter the CD Key. Note that copy/paste doesn’t work, remove the hyphens first. This allows you to download it from Origin.
4. Where are Sims 3 saves stored?
Save files are located by default in DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 3Saves.
5. Can I move my Sims 3 game to an external hard drive?
Yes, you can. Copy the entire “The Sims 3” folder to your external hard drive. To play, either copy it back to the default location on your computer or, though not officially supported, you can try to create a symbolic link from the default location to the folder on the external drive.
6. Will I lose my Sims 3 progress if I uninstall and reinstall the game?
Not if you back up your “The Sims 3” folder first. As long as you restore that folder to the correct location after reinstalling, your saves, CC, and settings will be preserved.
7. How do I transfer Sims 3 expansion packs to another computer?
The process is the same as transferring the base game. Make sure you install the expansion packs on the new computer using the same platform (Origin, Steam, or disc) and restore your backed-up “The Sims 3” folder.
8. Can I use the same Origin account on two computers?
Yes, you can install Origin and The Sims 3 on multiple computers, but you can only be logged into one computer at a time. Attempting to log in on a second computer will disconnect the first.
9. What happens if I uninstall and reinstall Sims 3?
Uninstalling The Sims 3 will remove the game files, but it will not delete your saved games, custom content, or other data within the “The Sims 3” folder in your Documents directory. This data remains intact unless you manually delete the folder. Reinstalling the game will require you to download and install all the game files again.
10. How do I reinstall Sims 3 expansion packs on Origin?
If you need to reinstall an expansion pack, find it in your Origin Game Library and click “Download”.
11. Can I transfer Sims expansion packs from one account to another?
No, you cannot transfer expansion packs from one Origin account to another. Licenses are tied to the specific account they were purchased with.
12. Does Sims 3 on Steam require Origin?
Yes, you need to register your Sims 3 on Steam through Origin for it to work.
13. How do I export Sims 3 Sims to a new computer?
In CAS (Create-A-Sim), find the options dots and select “Save to Sim Bin”. This will save the Sim. Go to My DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 3Saved Sims folder, and copy the .sim file to the same folder on your new computer.
14. How do I move my Sims 3 document folder to a different drive?
While not officially supported, you can try using symbolic links. Copy the “The Sims 3” folder to the new drive. Then, delete the original folder in DocumentsElectronic Arts and create a symbolic link pointing from the old location to the new location on the other drive.
15. Where do I get more information on how to have fun while learning when playing games?
You can get more information on how to have fun while learning when playing games from the Games Learning Society, which is a great resource for educators and game enthusiasts alike. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for access to a wealth of information, research, and community discussions about the intersection of games and learning.
By following these steps and addressing these FAQs, you can successfully transfer your beloved Sims 3 game to your new computer and continue enjoying countless hours of Simlish adventures. Happy Simming!