Sistergirl's Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about The Sims

                                                                                            
Does this site use zip or exe for it's downloads?

Many web servers do not allow for EXE files to be uploaded to their web sites.  

I use zip files that hold all of the needed files for The Sim related skins and objects, and a text file.  If you have any
 problems downloading or extracting files from my sites, please contact me using a Problems Contact Form.

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Do you know where I can find some sites that don't use WinZip?

There are many, many Sim fan sites that don't use WinZip. You can check my Links  page for the sites that I like, or 
you can check any of the many fan site lists on other sites. May I suggest the one at Sim Chaotics, Sim Investigators, 
Sim Finder, The Ultimate Sim List, The "B" List,  and The Sims Resource.  

However, I do not have WinZip and I can download from The Sim fan sites that use it.  WinZip is simply a tool to help 
you condense files and extract files that have been condensed in a zip format.  (see the Downloading tutorial for 
more information on downloading from Sim fan sites)

All new computers come with a zip utility that will extract and/or condense zip files. However, if you need a zip utility, I suggest Just Zip It. It's simle, easy to understand and FREE.

In addition, you can find other file extractors that you can download for free at: http://www.free-software-freeware-downloads.com/directory.html

Or become a member at The Sims Workshop and look under "Programs"  for the zip utilities that were made 
especially for The Sims. I prefer not to use one, but many players do.

If you want to purchase WinZip or get a free version, go to: http://www.microsoft.com.

If you need any further help on this topic, contact me using a Problems Contact Form.

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How do you use WinZip?

Sorry, there was a great step-by-step tutorial at Sims Plus, but that site no longer exist. I suggest checking at the 
source with  Microsoft..

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How can I know if I have to download a wall, floor or object for a house? 

This will be explained in full in the  "How-to-Download" tutorial.  In addition, look for the webmaster's instructions 
on the site or in a text file that will come with the house.  Most webmasters will tell you.  However, some newer 
web site designers are not aware that the game will switch any walls, floors and objects if these files are not 
already in The Sims Game Data folders. 

If you need further help with this, complete a Problems Contact Form.  Please let me know which version of the 
game you are playing.
                                                                        
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Which Folders Do The Regular Skin Files Go Versus The "Buyable" Skin Files?

All regular skins at The FantaSim Tales, Other Sim Skins and The FantaSim Yahoo group must be extracted to the
Skins folder inside of the Game Data folder. However, ALL custom skin tone character Sims come with special swim
suit and pajamas for the original The Sims game INSIDE the zip with the regular skins. These skins ALSO go into the
regular Skins folder.

If you play HOT DATE, SIM VACATION or SUPERSTAR, you will also need to download and extract the separate zip
file that contains the special named swimsuit, pajamas, Vacation winter wear and/or the special Studio Town outfit.
These "buyable" skins must be extracted to a different folder then the regular skins.

In addition, there are various extra "buyable" skins on Other Sim Skins that have been properly named to go into
the buy racks so that ANY Sim can buy and where the new swimsuit or pajamas.

For complete instructions on how to get the skins to show in your game, including any troubleshooting strategies,
see "How Do I Download...".

"Buyable" skins for HOT DATE, SIM VACATION or SUPERSTAR MUST be EXTRACTED to the correct folder. DO NOT
extract these files to the SKINS folder. Follow one of the paths below to extract these special named files:

For HOT DATE:
C:/ProgramFiles/Maxis/TheSims/Expansion3/SkinsBuy

For SIM VACATION and SUPERSTAR:
C:/ProgramFiles/Maxis/TheSims/ExpansionShared/SkinsBuy

In game play, send your special character Sim downtown, on vacation or to Studio Town to BUY their special
swimsuit, pajamas, winter wear and studio skin. There after, the Sim will switch to his special skin automatically.

If you have any questions or problems with downloading, please complete a Problems Contact Form. Be sure to give
me information of what is happening when you try to download or extract files.

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Do I need any expansion packs to download from this site?

Usually not, but in a few instances, yes.    The skin, object or house will be plainly marked IF you need a particular 
expansion pack to play that skin, object or house. 

Please do not download a skin or object if you do not own the appropriate object or Expansion Pack.


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Your skin or object crashed my game! What should I do?

First, we have to be sure it was one of my skins or objects. Ask yourself, "where else have I downloaded
from lately?" You may have to contact other webmasters besides myself. My files are easily identifiable: look for either
Sistergirl, sis, tfst (for The FantaSim Tales), smdcr (for Sim Decor) or sl (for Sim Lots). Lphntschld files will have her
full user name or lphnt or lph. Files that I make for The FantaSim group will be marked tfs or fantasim.

Then, run The Sims File Cop which can be found at The Sims Workshop at The Sims Resource. The File
Cop will pull bad textures (bitmaps for skins) and place them into the Bad Texture folder, and bad mesh files
(the .cmx and xskin files) and put it into the Bad Other Files folder. If it is a bad bitmap, you can fix that
yourself using any Paint program. Simply open the texture into you paint, then "SAVE AS" a 256 bitmap color.
Put the file back into your The Sims/GameData/Skins folder.

If it's a bad mesh file, identify the file. Is it mine (it will be identified by "sis")? Contact me using a
Problems Contact Form so that I can look into the matter. If it isn't one of my files, you need to contact the
webmaster where you downloaded the skin. If you want to try to fix the mesh file yourself, use my mesh editing
tutorial.

The File Cop will not find bad objects. Try using the Sims ID to find any duplicate object IDs. This is one reason
a game may crash when you attempt to enter a house on a lot. When you find the duplicate, delete it and contact
the webmaster at the site where you downloaded the object to inform them that you found an object with a duplicate
ID as another.

The other thing you can do is to remember the new objects you have downloaded and remove them from
your Downloads folder or Objects folder (this can be simply done by selecting "View" and "Arrange Icons" and "By
Date"; all of the recent downloads will be listed first). Then, add the files back one at a time and run the game to
find out which one is causing the problems. I know that this is tedious, but I don't know of any other way that you
can find out for sure which object is creating the problem.

However, if you KNOW you haven't downloaded anything new recently, or after using The File Cop and removing
new downloads and you game STILL crashes, try this:
1. Restart your computer.

2. When you come to your desk top, close all auto run programs by clicking ALT, TAB, DELETE to get to the CLOSE
PROGRAMS window. Select END TASK for every program EXCEPT Explorer and Systray.

3.You're going to run a SCAN DISK. If you don't know how to find that program, go to START/PROGRAMS/
ACCESSORIES/SYSTEM TOOLS, then SCAN DISC

For WindowsXP, double click on "My Computer", right click on your C:/ drive, select PROPERTIES/TOOLS. Under "Error
Checking" select "check now", then restart your computer and it will perform the task before it completes loading
Windows..

4. Run a Standard scan. It will take a few minutes. Do NOT do ANYTHING ELSE while it's scanning. For every
error it finds, select to "fix".

No need to restart your computer after the scan. Now load your game and see what happens.

I now run a Standard Scan Disc every time there is a problem with my game and I have all the expansion packs. This
has ALWAYS worked except in the case of a bad "character", a pet dog I tried to edit with Sim Wardrobe. However,
Sim Enhancer allowed me to delete the dog and that fixed the crashing problem. So I've learned since originally
writing this FAQ that checking characters with Sim Enhancer can also find hidden problems.

Please contact me by completing a Problems Contact Form if you do believe it is one of the objects from my site
that has caused the crashing. All of the objects have been tested and played by both myself and Lphntschld
prior to placing them on my site for download, but you never know. An object can become corrupted in
downloading.

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Could you make more clothes for younger Sims, like baggies?

Well, there are already many sites that have skins for younger Sims, that's why I don't make too many. 

In addition, The Sims Resource is a great location where you can find page, after page of younger styled clothes 
for your Sims in their freebie section.

I am no longer updating Other Sim Skins and I am not creating for Sims2. If you have a simple requests, like changing
the skin tone color for a fashion or making something from fit to thin, or simply adding a hat to a suit, then I don't mind 
taking the time to do so. And I like ideas, and you never know, I might like it enough to stop and create it.

If you have an idea for a skin you would like to share, please use a  Requests Contact Form.

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Would it be possible to do a (celebrity) skin?  I just love her and want her in my game.

I don't do celebrity skins.  However, there are sites that specialize in this.  Try Celebrity Sims, Sim Skins by Daboo, 
and, of course, The Sims Resource.  However, if you're looking for a celebrity skin, send me a Requests 
Contact Form just the same. I may know where it can be found.

FYI: when you post at forums requesting where to find a celebrity skin or for one to be made for you, do not be 
surprised if you do not get a response.  Usually:

1)The skin, more than likely, does not exist anywhere unless you know you have seen it in a story or on a website 
already;

2)Not many skinners are willing to create a celebrity skin unless it's someone very popular.

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Could you please send me the (name of skin, object, house, wall or floor)or give me an address
 where I can download it?

I will give credit and the URL address on the site or in a story for just about all of the skins and objects that you 
see in a screen shot.  If you see a skin or object, etc., and I  DID NOT give the URL, you may make a request as 
follows: 
1) If I own it, I will send  you a zip file by email;

2)  If I don't, I will give you the URL address where you can find it; 

3) If the original web site is no longer on the web, I may or may not be able to share the file with you.  This will 
depend on the original creator/owner.  If they have directly stated that the files are not to be shared or 
redistributed, I will honor that.

For this type of request or if you need help finding anything, please complete a Requests Contact Form.

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Can you make me a anime or super hero skin?

I don't make anime or super hero skins.  However, there are sites that specialize in this.   Try Simtucky Fried Sims, 
Skindex, Anime and Cartoon Sim Skins, Corry's Factory, and, of course, The Sims Resource.  

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Can you make some purple fairies? Could you make an Elijah Wood Hobbit?

Now this is what I do, fairies, elves, hobbits and anything that's fantasy or science fiction. I'm currently not taking any 
request, but I love getting ideas!  

If you know of a fantasy movie character you would like for me to consider creating, go ahead and send in a 
request.  If it interesting to me and I am able to create it, I will do so, but maybe not right away. Also, keep in mind 
that I don't create "life like" Sims.  I create a Sim character version of  the actor or actress.

Also, please remember, before requesting a fantasy skin, there must already be a mesh available that I can use or
easily edit.  Meshes are the 3-D form that creates the shape of the Sim.  I can edit existing meshes, but not create from
scratch.  So, if a mesh can not be found for me to use, I may not be able to fulfill your request.

Please complete a Requests Contact Form if you would like to share your fantasy Sim ideas.

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Can you make a female trench coat skin?  Can you make me a dragon?

These type of skins require a special mesh. Meshes are the 3-D form that creates the shape of the Sim.  Currently,
I can only edit existing meshes, not create from scratch, so, please keep that in mind before requesting any type of 
special skin. 

I am not taking any requests right now, but I love getting ideas so don't hesitate if you have something interesting
to share. 

If you would like for me to consider any special mesh skin request, please complete a Requests Contact Form.

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Will you send me some great cheats?

I have the Prima's Official Strategy Guide that was published when House Party was released, and truthfully, there
are not too many GREAT cheats for The Sims. If you want a list of cheats for the game, visit Sim Witch

I will send you playing strategies, such as how to put your Sims into a new house without spending any of their
simoleons---great strategy when you want to change the house of an existing family or for a new family just getting
started. Or, how to raise a baby to a child. Or, how to get the next promotion. Or, how to change a Sims bio.
Stuff like that.

For any game playing help, please complete a Requests Contact Form

FYI: The only cheats I use on a regular basis is the "move_objects" cheat, and the "rosebud" money cheat. I have
all the expansion packs: the "rosebud" cheat does not work with the original game, and Superstar did something
to the "move_object" cheat (I write about how to by pass the "move_object" error in my story writing tutorial),
otherwise, these cheats work on all of the expansion packs. To find the original money cheat for The Sims, check
at Sim Witch and The Sims Workshop.

I WILL tell you the money cheat below.

The "Rosebud" Money Cheat:

In game play, hit "shift", "ctrl" and "C" on your keyboard all at once. You will see a text bar appear in the upper
left hand corner.

Inside the text bar, enter "rosebud" (without the quotes) and a series of exclamation points and semicolons, like
this "!;!;!;!;!;!;...", without the quotes, all the way across the text bar. Don't worry if you make one or two mistakes,
however, the more of the pair you put into the text bar, the more money you will get.

At end of the text bar, after the series of "!;", enter in a letter. Any letter, it doesn't matter.

Click "Enter" on your keyboard.

A popup window will appear with the message "no such cheat", ignore it and press enter.

Look at your family's household funds. Did it go up? Well, keep hitting "Enter" until you have the amount of money
that you so desire.

Caution: unless you're playing a game on a forum, or writing a Sim story, over using the money trick really takes
away from part of the enjoyment of the game. :-)

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Could you send me a serial number?  I lost my jewel case and I want to play the game again.

This is illegal, and I will not do it, so please don't ask.  If you've lost your serial number, you are suppose to contact 
Tech Support at Maxis.  

However, there are sites that claim they can help you with this.  Go to The Sims Workshop and look under "patches". 

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Can you make an (object)?

I'm not taking request right now, but I love ideas, so yes, if it's something I can create.  I'm really an intermediat object 
maker and have no interest in learning how to greatl alter an objects behaviors or create more complicated objects or 
advance techniques (like completely new objects with original new actions).

If you have any ideas to share for simple, please use a Requests Contact Form to ask.
  
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Will you link to my site?

I only link to sites that have objects, skins, lots and other downloads  that I think visitors to my site will like. Please do
 not ask me to link to your site if your site is fairly new and  you are still in the process of building up your content.  
There are many "The Sims fan site list" sites that will be happy to include you on their listing.  May I suggest you 
contact the  webmaster at Sim Chaotics, Sim Investigator, Sim Finder, Sim Surfer, Sandshifter,  The "B" List,
Sim Freaks (forum) , The Sim Showcase (forum), and The Sims Resource.

In addition, by joining the The FantaSim Yahoo e-group, you can add a link to your Sim or non-Sim site on the 
Links' page.  

However, If you have any Lord of the Rings, Victorian, Medieval or other historical content on your site, I would 
love to feature it on and link from All Victorian Sim.  Amount of content does not matter for this preview site.

If you have an established theme site, or a growing site with substantial content, or a site that features "mature" and
sophisticated skins and/or objects, and would like for me to link to  your site, please contact me by completing a
Personal Contact Form.  Please include a banner or a button. 

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Can I link to your site?

Of course you can!  I don't have any bandwidth problems, so I can take as much traffic as can be generated.  Please 
use  a banner or button found either on The FantaSim Tales Links page, Other Sim Skins Links  page,  and Sim Lots 
links page.  

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Can you help me with web design problems? How do I make a download from my site?

Feel free to ask me any web site design questions or other "how do I..." type of questions.  I am happy to help.
Please complete a Personal Contact Form with any of your web site related questions.

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Can I have your ( skin, object, house,wall, floor or wall painting) to download from my site?

Huh...it depends.  Some of the items found on my sites are not mine.  I just host them.  Contact me using a Personal 
Contact Form, and I will consider  your request.  Please give me enough information to help me with my decision. 
I'm really a very generous person with my own stuff, but I don't want anything from my site ending up in a place 
that isn't right for me or any of my friends that I collaborate with.

Please keep in mind that everything on my site, including banners, buttons, backgrounds and all images, are my own 
or the creation of someone else, and they are ALL copy written images and files.  Any and all character Sims that
I create must stay intact the way they were intended (with correct head to body). My files are NOT in the public 
domain, and you DO NOT have permission to do with them as you please WITHOUT MY PERMISSION!

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Do you accept quest Sim artist and crafters?

Yes, I do.  I'm still looking for a regular skinner to be featured at Other Sim Skins especially someone who is creating
for Sims2.  I am more than willing to feature any  fantasy or theme skin or objects at The FantaSim Tales for download.  
Also, if you don't want to have a site of your own, but want to share your skins with others, my e-group, The FantaSim 
may be just the place you're looking for.  

Please contact me using  a Personal Contact Form.  Please read the following before completing the form:

You will not be able to send me any files from the Contact Form.  Therefore, please do one of the following (be sure
to let me know where I can view your files in the Contact Form):

1)Include a link to where I can view your work on a web site;
2)Include a link to a group that you belong to if this group allows for uploading of share files and give me a direct
link to the image(s);
3) If you do not belong to a group, you can join The FantaSim Yahoo e-group .  Then upload your images to the
Photos section at the groups site.

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Can I use your (skin, object, wall, floor, house or painting) in a screen shot?

Of course!  Please do, that's why I create and have a web site.  You do not have to make a direct link to The Fanta
Sim Tales or any of my other sites.   I just ask that you give credit to, Lphntschld, Georgiegirl, Aladrin Kelahn, Jerome, 
Fionn, Crash, Ramses, Jan, Ra or anyone else who's original creation you are using, somewhere near or with the 
image.  Give me credit for what is mine and list the site's url. Please do not neglect to do so, or you will make me 
very angry. And I am serious about this.  

I give credit in my text files, on my site, and at the end of my stories so that you should be able to find that
information easily.  If in doubt, contact me using a Personal Contact Form.

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Can you help me with hints and strategies to story writing?  How can I get my story on a site?

I now have a tutorial on how I write my Sim stories including links to handy tools, strategies, teleporting to 
The Sims Exchange and using a website.  Click HERE to go there.

If you want to direct a question to me at my Yahoo group, go right ahead.  If you rather your question wasn't 
posted publicly, go ahead and complete a Personal Comment Form.

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I would like for you to read my story.  Will you feature it on your site?

Yes, I would be happy to read your story.  If you would like for me to  make comments or suggestions, please let me 
know.  

I can not guarantee that I will feature a story on either The FantaSim Tales, or on my personal home site where
I have links to some of my favorite stories that I have found on The Sims Exchange or on a web site. If you are
really interested in having me feature your story, please complete a Personal Contact Form.

If you are interested in an alternative to the Exchange to post and have your story read, consider joining us at Sim
Albums and it's group.

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How can I get a house into a game and/or move a Sim family into a house that I downloaded
without spending any Simoleons?

This is really simple. You can use the same instructions to 1) move a newly created Sim family to the
neighborhood giving them a free fully furnished home, 2) move a family from one lot to another in the same
neighborhood, 3) change the house for a family on the same lot, and 4) move a family from one neighborhood to
another.

The instructions vary just a little and I will explain each below.

1. To move a newly created Sim family into the neighborhood, giving them a free fully furnished home:

a. Download the house of your choice from a fan site. Be sure to note which lot the house was built on. The house
will extract to that lot and there's nothing you can do to change that. DO NOT EXTRACT IT YET!

b. Load the game and create your family in the game's "Create-A-Family" feature.

c. Drop your family into the specified lot. Be sure this lot is the same lot as the house that you downloaded. SAVE.

d. Leave the game running and "switch out" of the game to your desk top by holding down the Alt key and selecting
the Tab key on your keyboard.

e. Find the zip file that contains the house. Open the zip file, select to Extract, and use the Browse feature to find
the neighborhood and House Folder by following one of the paths below:

FOR SINGLE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYERS:
C:/ProgramFiles/Maxis/TheSims/UserData/Houses

FOR MULTIPLE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYERS:
C:/ProgramFiles/Maxis/TheSims/UserData#ofNeighborhood/Houses (i.e., each UserData folder has a number that
corresponds with a neighborhood. Therefore, UserData is Neighborhood 1, UserData2 is Neighborhood 2, etc.)

f. Switch back to the game using the Alt/Tab keys. The house should now be on the lot. (IF YOU DO NOT SEE THE
HOUSE, TRY THE ALTERNATE METHOD BELOW)

But, where are your Sims? Well, they're there, just hidden.

g. Go into "Live" mode. You'll see your Sims avatar (heads) with a little red x in the corner of the box. Double click
their heads, and the Sim will appear in or around the house.

ALTERNATE METHOD AND TROUBLESHOOTING!

If when you reach step F and you do not see the house on the lot try one of these:

For Single Neighborhood Players:

Enter a house, any house, on the lot. Do not play or save that family, but "switch out" to your desktop. RE-extract the
house. Switch back to the game and leave that family to return to the neighborhood. The house should now be
there.

For Multiple Neighborhood Players:

Using the navigation arrow, leave that neighborhood and go to the next neighborhood. "Switch out" to your desktop.
RE-extract the house to the RIGHT neighborhood where you left the family. Switch back to the game and return to
the correct neighborhood. The house should now be there.

For Unleashed Players or ANY version of The Sims:

Recently, when I was attempting BOTH alternate methods above to extract one of my old lots that I had in a zip to
the game, neither method worked! I figure it has something to do with the expansion pack Unleashed. So, I had
to extract the lot to any folder (in this case, I chose the Maxis folder). Then I selected the file, chose CUT and
moved it to the correct House folder in the correct UserData folder and PASTED it into that folder. Of course, this
method will work for any version of The Sims, it just adds two more steps to the extracting process.

2. Move a family from one lot to another in the same neighborhood. Remember,you're only moving the family, not
the lot itself.
a. Download the house from a fan site. DO NOT EXTRACT YET!

b. Load the game and go to the neighborhood where the family lives (if you have only one
neighborhood, you're already there. :-))

c. Evict the family. Then find them in the "Create-A-Family" waiting window, and drop them on the lot where you
want them to live. SAVE.

d. Follow steps D-F above, using the Alternate Method or Troubleshooting, if necessary.

3) Change the house for a family on the same lot:

b. Load the game and go to the neighborhood where the family lives (if you have only one
neighborhood, you're already there. :-))

c. Follow the instructions under Alternative Method for Single Family Neighborhoods above. Follow one or both of
the other methods if the first does not work.

d. Followstep G under number 1 above.

4. Move a family from one lot in a neighborhood to lot in a DEFERENT neighborhood.

In order to do this, you have to move the ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD! So, this will only be workable (and wise) if you
have a new neighborhood, a neighborhood you were not playing, or a neighborhood you no longer want to
play.

If you want to know how to add more neighborhoods to your game, even if you play only the original The Sims
email me and let me know and I'll be glad to send you the instructions. This will be added to the FAQs as soon as
I can get to it.

Keep in mind that in a multiple neighborhood games, the neighborhood folder matches the number
of the neighborhood; i.e., UserData is neighborhood 1, UserData2 is neighborhood 2, UserData3 is
neighborhood 3, etc.

a. Download the new house from a Fan site. DO NOT EXTRACT THE LOT YET!

b. Find the neighborhood folder of the neighborhood you want to move by following the path below:
C:/ProgramFiles/Maxis/TheSims/UserData#ofNeighborhood

c. Open the folder, select and COPY the HOUSE folder.

d. Open the UserData folder where you are going to move the House folder.

c. PASTE the House folder. When you are asked to overwrite the old House folder, select "yes".

d. Load the game and go to the neighborhood that was just moved. Evict any families and bulldoze their houses
and any other house that you do not of the want in this new neighborhood. DO NOT delete the family who you
want to stay in this new neighborhood!!!!!!

e. Follow the steps under Alternative Method for Multiple Family Neighborhood or the last method, if this one does
not work.

g. Follow step G under number 1 above.

If you have any questions or have problems downloading or extracting files from my sites, please contact me
using a Problems Contact Form.

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I want to make my own skins or objects? What programs do I need?

Welcome to the world of Sim crafting!

First, let me warn you, there are very few programs where you can make a few selections, push a button, and,
Voila!, you have your Sim skin or object. However, Maxis and other programers have made tools to make some
Sim creating simpler than when I originally wrote this FAQ. I will mention them in each category below.

It's also simpler for me to list links where you can get some good tutorials on crafting for the Sims, then you can
make up your own mind if you really want to join us in our little special Sim world! :-)

Skin Tutorial:
Maxis created a simple tool for creating Sim skins called Sim Creator that comes with any Deluxe version of the
game, but this program works on a template and is NOT really skinning, not the way we hard core skinners create.
But it's there to use, especially if you are not well familiar with your Paint program.

My skinning tutorial for beginning and interemediate skinners can be found HERE. In addition, my mesh editing
tutorial can be found HERE. For the best comprehensive tutorial is Crash's at Nighttime Sims,
http://www.nighttimesims.no/tuts/.

Also check Sims Programs and SimWitch for other skinning tutorials, and you can join The FantaSim Tutorials
group for one-on-one help and more links to useful tutorials including on how to make a mesh.

Object Tutorial:
Well, I've been told that the one at 7 Deadly Sims is very popular, but it's for PhotoShop. Pandora's Ultimate Object
Tutorial covers more than the original one at 7DS and is for Paint Shop Pro. Check for other tutorials at
Sims Programs and The FantaSim Tutorials group.

Do be careful when using images found on the web, or scanning from another source for your objects. The images
may be copy written and can not be used in this manner. Many webmasters have gotten into big trouble over this,
including losing their website.

You can make small wall paintings with Maxis The Sims Art Studio, and now there is a program that works along
with the Transmogrifier to easily create larger wall paintings call The Art Studio by SimPrograms and you can find
it also at Sims Programs. For larger and odd shape wall decor and paintings, you're into object making, and
will need the Transmogrifier and your Paint program.

LushCrations has a Rug-O-Matic which makes rug creation so easy, it's almost illegal! The Free version will make
one-tile rugs and you can purchase the program to make larger ones. For an easy-to-understand tutorial for making
rugs, visit SimWitch.

Since I now create objects and have a pretty good understanding about the Transmogrifier by Lush Creations go
ahead and contact me AFTER you've tried creating objects telling me what problems you are having (not just "it
doesn't work"!) and I'll try to help you troubleshoot. However, the best resource for you to get the help you need is
to join The FantaSim Tutorials group.

Walls and Floors:
Are VERY simple to make, but they are tricky. I make all of my walls and floors from "scratch", meaning
I don't just go and grab some tiles, carpets and wall samples off of the web or scan from real swatches. I make
them using Paint Shop Pro, and it can take from a few minutes to almost half hour to get a wall and floor set to
look good and work in the game (realistic molding are not that easy to create). After you create your wall or floor,
you use The Sims Homecrafter to create the file and export it into into the proper game folders. There are some
important "what is" and "what to do" that comes with the Homecrafter, so be sure to read the text.

Do be careful when using images found on the web, or scanning from another source for your walls and floors.
The images may be copy written and can not be used in this manner. Many webmasters have gotten into big trouble
over this, including losing their website.

If you are having problems with walls and floors, I do now have a tutorial, or use a Personal Contact Form
and I'll try to help.

Wall Paintings:
There's the easy way and the hard way to make wall paintings for your Sims. The simplest way is using The Sims
Art Studio or The Art Studio. But, remember, for both programs YOU have an image first. Most players simply
use artwork by someone else instead of creating their own original image. Sure, you can do that, but you shouldn't
run around saying someone stole your object or make a big deal that the object is yours when all you did was put
a image in a frame.

Do be careful using other images found on the web, or scanning from another source for this. The images may
be copy written and can not be used in this manner. Many webmasters have gotten into big trouble over this,
including losing their website.

Contact me using a at The FantaSim Tutorials group if you need some hints in this area, or if you want to know how
to add more texture for the frames.

The hard way is creating a painting using the method an object is created. Use the tutorial at Pandora's for this,
if you really want to go through all of that trouble. It is VERY worth the effort it if you want paintings and wall decor
of different sizes and shapes. :-)

Location of Programs and Tutorials:
A great one stop place to find all the Maxis and non-Maxis programs related to The Sims is Sim Programs.
The webmaster does a great job of keeping up with the latest developments, describing what the tool does, and
giving you the links to where you can download the program. He also has a list of many different tutorials.

Back To FAQs Main Page


How do I add a neighborhood to my game?

Even if you only have the original The Sims game with no expansion packs, you can still add additional 
neighborhoods to your game. 

FYI: Livin' Large adds 4 neighborhoods, House Party adds 2, and Hot Date adds 1. If you do not have Livin' Large, 
House Party or Hot Date, Vacation and Superstar will add the additional neighborhoods to  your game for a total
of eight from an expansion pack.

You are actually copying an existing neighborhood's folder, renaming it, then pasting it back into the game.  This
can be done manually or with Elisims or with Sim UNZip.   Below are the instructions for manual duplication.

1. First you will need to find the User Data folder that contains all of the neighborhood files that you are going to
duplicate.  If you are a single neighborhood player, that folder is the UserData folder which is inside of the The 
Sims folder.

If you are a multiple neighborhood player, you are looking for the User Data folder for the neighborhood that you
want to copy.  UserData is neighborhood one, UserData2 is neighborhood two, and so on.
To find the UserData folder(s) in the hard drive of your PC, follow the path below:

C:/ProgramFiles/Maxis/TheSims

2. Select the folder to highlight it, the select "Edit" and "Copy". Leave The Sims folder, and "Paste" the UserData 
folder into your Maxis folder.

3. To rename the folder, place your pointer on the folder name and click once to highlight, then click again at 
the end of the name field. Add a number to the end for the number of the new neighborhood.  For example, if
this is your second neighborhood, enter 2 for UserData2, if it is your ninth, enter 9 for UserData9, etc.

4. Now select the renamed folder to "Cut"  and "Paste" it back into The Sims  folder.

5. When you load the game, there will be an arrow at the top left of your neighborhood screen (for those of you
that already have multiple neighborhoods, you are familiar with this arrow). Click it arrow and will take you
to your new neighborhood.  It will look EXACTLY like  the original  neighborhood  until you make the necessary 
changes.

You can add as many neighborhoods as you like by repeating the process above.  How many neighborhoods? 
Well, right now I have twelve, but a Sim Master told me that once you have Livin' Large (and I'm assuming 
Sim Deluxe since it is an upgraded version of Livin' Large), you can have ninety-nine neighborhoods (hence
the name of the popular Sim e-group, :-))



If you have any  questions or have problems, please contact me using a Problems Contact Form.


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What's the proper way to uninstall/reinstall my game without loosing any of my families or downloads?

I only suggest unintalling your game and reinstalling it ONLY as a last and drastic measure.

Uninstalling and reinstalling can cause even more problems, which is why I have tried all sorts of other ways to fix problems in the past instead of starting all over with the game. I have only needed to uninstall my game ONCE, and that's when I accidently saved over my Far file for Hot Date, and the only way to get it back was to reinstall that expansion pack.

See other solutions to game problems here on the FAQs or search the message board and ask for help at The FantaSim FIRST BEFORE uninstalling your game! Especially if you have Windows XP as your operation system.

If you find that you simply must uninstall and reinstall your game, then follow the instructions below to be sure that everything will be okay and you do not loose your neighborhood and downloaded objects/skins/walls/floors/roofs.

1. The UserData folders are the ones that contain your neighborhoods, families, houses, downtown lots, Vacation lots and Studio Town lots. In order to keep everything the same when you're reformatting your PC or uninstalling/ reinstalling the game and expansion packs, you have to remove these folders FIRST.

a. The UserData folders can be found following this path: C:/ProgramFiles/Maxis/TheSims

b. "CUT" or "COPY" the folder(s) and "PASTE" them in a folder OUTSIDE of the Maxis folder so that when you are reinstalling, the game will not locate those folders.

2. Your downloads will be in the following folders: Downloads, UserObjects, Objects, Wall, Floors, Skins and Roofs.

a. Follow this path to find the Downloads folder : C:/ProgramFiles/Maxis/TheSims

b. All other folders can be found: C:/ProgramFiles/Maxis/TheSims/GameData

Remove these folders FIRST as you did the UserData folder(s).

3. Be sure that you use the uninstall function of your PC under Start/Settings/ControlPanel/Add-RemovePrograms to do a clean and complete uninstall. Delete the The Sims folder if it is still there.

4. It is a VERY good idea to reset your PC, run a scan disc, defrag, close all running programs and do nothing else when you're installing the game. You can close running programs by selecting Ctrl/Alt/Delete for the "CLOSE PROGRAMS" window, highlighting the program and selecting "END TASK". Close all programss EXCEPT SysTray and Explorer.

5. The order to reinstall is: The Sims, Livin' Large (or the Sim Deluxe which is BOTH The Sims AND Livin' Large), House Party, Hot Date, Vacation, Unleashed, and Sim Superstar.

HOWEVER, place all of the folders that you removed before BACK in the correct folder AFTER you install Vacation and BEFORE you install Unleased. Unleashed does change the original neighborhoods, so it's important to add the lots back before the installation. Otherwise, you can replace the folders after you completely reinstalled the game and any expansion packs.

TROUBLESHOOTING:

If, during the intallation, you get a message saying something strange (like it cannot find a program or a file), cancel the installation and cllean your CD then start over. Or, simply ignore the message.

Usually these messages are false alarms. For example, I just installed/uninstalled/installed the game and each
of the expansion pack on another PC so that I could get some screen shots. With each installation of a different expansion pack, there was a message stating that something could not be found; I just clicked "okay", and it continued to install the expansion pack. I even received a "this seems to be the wrong CD" when I was installing Unleashed which was completely misleading.

You may get a strange message when you attempt to reinstall House Party. If you have Hot Date, just skip House Party. All of the new objects, etc., in House Party are in Hot Date. If you do not have Hot Date, there is a patch at the official Maxis The Sims site that should take care of the problem (look under HELP).

In addition, if there was a patch for the original game CD or expansion pack, you may or may not need to include them in the reinstallation. All expansion packs automaticaly corrected any errors (or at least should have corrected) from the previous expansion pack and game. Of course, if you don't have the expansion pack that fixed the error, you will need to install the appropriate patch. All patches can be found at the official site or at The Sims Workshop.

If you are having problems with installing or uninstalling your game or any expansion pack,  contact me using a 
 Problems Contact Form or get help at  The FantaSim message board.
     
     
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What objects come with each expansion pack? Which objects are from the original game?

I have a visual listing of all of the original Maxis The Sims objects, including all of the expansion packs.  You can view 
it at http://other.thefantasimtales.us (I do need to update this for the Sims Deluxe versions)

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