SimPE for the Technically Challenged

[TazzMann]

"SimPE for the technically challenged" has been discontinued downloading and using the files here will not necessarly work for the newer versions of SimPE. However I am not leaving you in the dark,

I have created 3 new documents that teach you SimPE from the ground up, and because of this have given them the following names.
(You can get them by clicking on the following links)

SimPE - From The Ground Up (Installation Guide) (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=80239)

SimPE - From The Ground Up (User Manual) (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=80960)

SimPE - From The Ground Up (Tutorial) (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=80240)


I hope that you enjoy them,
TazzMann


# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

I have created a basic tutorial on SimPE designed with the technically challenged in mind, however it may be useful to all.

Also please note that it is not yet finnished. I have been working on it for about a week and have decided to share what I have with others. I will continue to update as I get more time.


TazzMann

(Edited: 12-16-04)
:yippee: The file is now a PDF and not a Word document! :yippee:

(Edited: 1-3-05)
Updates:
* Checked and updated contents to SimPE 14a
* Completed the Open Sim Modification section
* Added a Sim Surgery 101 section
* Uploaded both Doc and PDF versions (PDF version tends to loose image detail)


:howdy: Remember this tutorial is still a work in progress, so keep checking back!

[Motoki]

Well lol if it's for the technically challenged you had better post a zip because the technically challenged will not deal well with rars, much to my chagrin. :p

[Quaxi]

But since they have no need for this Tut until they managed to extract SimPe from it's rar that seems to be ok ;)

[Motoki]

LOL Oh I guess that's true. I forgot about that part. ;)

[samanthalee1983]

Hey, I'm technically challenged and can download and run rars. (Dowloaded program called UltimateZip that does Zip and Rar but looks like WinZip... super easy even for the super dumb when it comes to these things) I'm checking out the tutorial now... donno if I'll actually use SimPE though... my luck I'd mess up the game and set my computer on fire or something (don't ask how I'd manage that... but be assured that it's not much of an exageration.)

[samanthalee1983]

Mwahahaha I can now have my RugRats going to Private School without having to Impress that snooty headmaster. I backed up my files so I guess it's okay to play around a bit... I hope

[WesHowe]

Well, I never considered myself technically challenged, but this is how user manuals should be written. Good job.
<* Wes *>

[Lushious_lozza]

just because we dont understand advanced graphic tools and codes doesnt mean we are technecally challenged !
and THANKYOU this is just what i need! you are a legend :D

[snugglebunner]

OK - I'm ready for the 'to be continued' part! ;)

[TazzMann]

I am gald you lked it...

I am working on it, but need to figure out some more things to make it more robust.

TazzMann

[samanthalee1983]

Important tip (you might want to add this to the tutorial): You have to "Save" after you "Commit" to have the changes go into the game. (at least it seems what needs to be done)

[fjollpjoskan]

Thanx for tutorial.

Unfortunatly my boyfriends computer is "opening .doc's" challenged. (i.e. don't have Words)

any chance of a .pdf?
:weep:

[TazzMann]

I was thinking that I would make the next release in PDF format

TazzMAnn

[mrscoleypage]

Oh thank you so much!! This is MUCH MUCH needed!

[mrscoleypage]

OH MY GOD, I have FINALLY gotten SimPE to work!!! AAAAHHHHH!!!!! I am SO EXCITIED!!! Thank you SSOOOOO MUCH!!!

[fido]

Thanks for tutorial, but I guess I am more "Technically Challenged" then others, because upon unpacking the .rar I got the message unable to load the graphics conversion filter, any help would be appreciated. BTW text is just fine

[TazzMann]

I just updated the converted doc fle to PDF format (about 1 min ago). So try to redownlod it again.

TazzMann

[fido]

TazzMann :
Worked like a charm, Thank You so much, I will down load SimPe ASAP. I have hesitated up until now. I am (was) "Technically Challenged" when it came to SimPe

[ezwriterone]

Just read your tutorial, and I agree: all tutorials should be this easy!. Thank you for talking the time to help us SimPE challenged people.

[Slip]

Tazzman:

Thank you soooo much for the tutorial! Computerwise I'm not technically challenged but when it comes to SimPe -- I'm a washout. Thanks for your efforts and sharing!!!

[Hobbsee]

thanks for that!

I'm looking for ts2 simpe tutorials lol....looks slightly different to ts1....

[LinkinX]

thank you som much its really gonna help me i just took a peek at it and it looks good and i'm not technically challenged i just don't know how to model i can do anything else on a comp.

[Fuzzy Rainbow]

This tutorial is really excelent...thanks for making it up. :) now i can change my sims.. yay! keep up the good work

[TazzMann]

The second part of this tutorial will be released soon, I have had to go back through and verify that the old information is still valid.

TazzMann

[Lgnd178]

How did you know that I was technically challenged?? That tut really help Thanks

[j030977]

Thanks for the tutorial, now I can see the relationship options that I could not see because they overlapped.

What does Blized mean?

[TazzMann]

The "SimPE for the Technically Challenged" tutorial has just been updated. See the first post for details.

TazzMann

[deelink]

I would like to know wether you can change the appearance of just a part of a Townie sim, like the hairstyle using SimPE
is this possible?

[Slip]

What does Blized mean?
10-4 on that !!! Just what does it mean???

[ultimate_chik]

hi all,

i think you have found the most technically challenged so far and that me !!!!!
lol.....
i have downloaded the files but cannot view any of them
they all look like ... well i cant decribe it really just a great big jumble of mess ...
please can anyone tell what i need to view the file so i can start learning
any help will be much appricated....
thanks

[peppersim]

TazzMan: Thank you for the tutorial update. It's been nice to have the information all in one place vs. combing through thousands of posts.

[Konecoshushi]

Help me pleaseee! Can someone tell where to down the SimPE 12m.
Not the Techchanllenged Tut.
Do I download it to the Sims2 download folder or to a separate folder of its own?

[Xiomberg]

Help me pleaseee! Can someone tell where to down the SimPE 12m.
Not the Techchanllenged Tut.
Do I download it to the Sims2 download folder or to a separate folder of its own?

If you mean SimPE the program then you can get it here SimPE download (http://sims.ambertation.de/files/SimPE-Setup.exe)

The download needs to be installed, i.e. you doubleclick the SimPE download to start the install program then follow any on-screen instructions.

If you don't mean the SimPE program then I am at a loss to what you mean, sorry.

[Konecoshushi]

If you mean SimPE the program then you can get it here SimPE download (http://sims.ambertation.de/files/SimPE-Setup.exe)

The download needs to be installed, i.e. you doubleclick the SimPE download to start the install program then follow any on-screen instructions.

If you don't mean the SimPE program then I am at a loss to what you mean, sorry.

Your on the right track, because that's what I was so confused about. I wanted to know if you installed the program in the Sims2 download folder or a folder of its own?

tyvermch!

[Numenor]

Konecoshushi, you have to install SimPE in a folder of its own.

[Konecoshushi]

Konecoshushi, you have to install SimPE in a folder of its own.

Tyverimch! Numenor. That's exactly what I wanted to know.

[xptl297]

I've been downloading SimPe regularly. So, I have so many versions that I don't even know which is last. All of them work. One Plug-in named SimSurgery or alike doesn't but was useful to export in-game Sims to Body-Shop. I read the german tutorial sent with the last SimPe I downloaded and in a way I thought it easier to understand than the english version. Is it possible to get german tutorials besides the english always???

[thurby15]

You've got plenty of complements already, but one more doesn't hurt. I've read a bunch of tutorials but I never had the attention span to even think about trying to understand (and that's saying something). Can't wait for the next installment. Thanks.

[!!Kitty!!]

so u just download both?

[!!Kitty!!]

nvm..............

[!!Kitty!!]

I am SO confused still! how do u open it? i have Winrar but i dont know how to use it!!! HELP PLEASE PLEAS PLEASE!

[TazzMann]

Kitty:

Here is the link to my WinRAR tutorial.
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=32117

TazzMann

[plaidsquirrel]

This is great. I already know the first part but I am trying to learn about Sim Surgery. Can't wait for the "more".

[Swimtotheend9933]

i'm not all good at this and wat is technically challenged??? I have rar

[Swimtotheend9933]

SAME KITTY. i HAVE WINRAR AND NO CLUE HOW TO USE IT!

[Swimtotheend9933]

Downnloading now! hope I can understand it

[Swimtotheend9933]

GREAT! LOVED IT! Except I thought it was to make career tracks!?

[Swimtotheend9933]

just slect make a desktop link and it make SimPE accesable on ur desktop!

[Yamatetsu]

Good work. Really clear.

[swtjanel]

does this have a zip version?

[cloudscraper]

samanthalee1983 where did you get this ultimateZip i would like to know

[darter1234]

A search on google brings up this:
http://www.ultimatezip.com/

[taoyingying]

Quick question:
How to change the price of a user made (new mesh) object in SimPE?

[lilacfire]

Great job!!!

Can't wait to see the rest of it.

[onemoodybiotch]

Thanx Tazzman, for the great tutorial. It made evrything a breeze for me, but I have moved on to something more complex and need dire help :confused: ! I am trying to learn how to hack some items (BHAV)..and i followed the tutorials on the SimPE site :smash: I always messup when havin to reimport the BHAV i just exported....PLEASE anyone out there I NEED HELP!!!

[gilliansl]

Well lol if it's for the technically challenged you had better post a zip because the technically challenged will not deal well with rars, much to my chagrin. :p

Hey! Hey! I represent that! (grin)
I do .Rar's just fine, thankyousoverymuch!
I'm just completely baffled by SimPE... I can use Premiere, Photoshop, Corel Draw, and lots of othr programs... but this one just looks like greek to me

I DO appreciate the tutorial, Tazzman, and will also d/l the surgery one!
Thanks ever so much!

Gillian

[SleepycatDSL]

Thanks for the tut! I finally downloaded .net framework (took 2 hours!) and I downloaded the newest Simpe and your tut, now I have 1 question

After scanning my downloads folder, I have a number of files that say (under State) "Compressed Dir incomplete"

so my question is

What do I do with these files? can they be fixed? are they actually broken? I think some of them "sort of" work, I'm pretty sure that atleast 1 of them I can't access in bodyshop or in-game but the game itself can...

*is trying to clean up her downloads folder*

[TazzMann]

I would say that if you can't see them in bodyshop or the game to delete them, as for the others if they seem to work then, don't worry about them.

FYI to all:
I am still working on the next release of this tutorial, but with the changes constantly going on with SimPE I have to keep going back an update info and screen shots. Please continue to be patient and I will try to release the next one soon.

TazzMann

[LadyDe]

Well this is a first for me. :werd: Tazzmann, I have been trying to down either one of the links on the first thread and at the bottom of my screen it shows that my computer is doing something.....then is shows DONE!, but I can't get either file to download. This has never has happened before :confused: , I am with AOL (might be my answer) and I have Windows XP.

I have never had any problems before downloading a PDF or Doc file, got any suggestion?

[SleepycatDSL]

Thanks Tazzmann :)



Well this is a first for me. :werd: Tazzmann, I have been trying to down either one of the links on the first thread and at the bottom of my screen it shows that my computer is doing something.....then is shows DONE!, but I can't get either file to download. This has never has happened before :confused: , I am with AOL (might be my answer) and I have Windows XP.

I have never had any problems before downloading a PDF or Doc file, got any suggestion?

it might be downloading it to a specified(sp?) location on your computer, I've *also has XP* set mine to download almost everything to my desktop

[TazzMann]

Do a search (START --> Search --> Files and folders) on your PC for either:

SimPE_DOC.rar
or
SimPE_PDF.rar

A setting on you PC might have changed or you might have a downloader program installed that is automatically selecting where the download is being saved.

TazzMann

[misaki]

I did all what the guide told me but the sim only appears on the description on the lot but doesn't appear in the lot.

[LadyDe]

Tazzmann, thanks for you help.....I had to end up doing a disk cleanup and defragment and then run a virus scan last night. I tried to download other items in other threads and the same thing happened. I came back today and all is fine....it still might have been a malfuction with AOL they have been acting funny lately.

[TazzMann]

misaki: I am not sure what you are trying to say, this tutorial (at the current time) teaches you how to modify what you already have. (I.E. Premade Sims that are on the lot, this can include Sims that you have made and played at least once.)

If you give me a little more of your history of what you have done, and what you are trying to do, I might be able to assist you better.

TazzMann

[TazzMann]

My tutorial for SimPE is going to be put on hold until SimPE is University compatable.

There is potential for some major changes to need to occure before SimPE is University compatible.

However if you have Sims 2 University and want to be able to make changes using the SimPE Sim Description Editor; I have written a temporary tutorial for that.

It imvloves HEX editing so it is not for the very technically challenged.

You can find the mini-tutorial by clicking the following link.

http://forums.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=49133


TazzMann

[habibekindheart]

THANK you for making this! I hope you will/have made more tutorials for people like me who're hopelessly blonde and have too many kids and too little time to learn! This was great! :D

[Lisa626]

My tutorial for SimPE is going to be put on hold until SimPE is University compatable.

There is potential for some major changes to need to occure before SimPE is University compatible.

However if you have Sims 2 University and want to be able to make changes using the SimPE Sim Description Editor; I have written a temporary tutorial for that.

It imvloves HEX editing so it is not for the very technically challenged.

You can find the mini-tutorial by clicking the following link.

http://forums.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=49133


TazzMann


I used your SimPE for the Technically Challenged to edit Sim information and it was really really a big help because I was soooo lost. I know you are not releasing any new SimPE information but I have a question I hope you can easily answer. When using the Sim browser I saw a few of the sims I created but didn't like and was wondering since they do not have any character data is there a way to delete the extra sims from SimPE? Also, do you know of any other information out there that explains how to link families. My son created himself in the game in a seperate household and even though it's not the real world - I hate to see the wants come up to flirt with him or him flirt with me. I would like to connect us as parent and child but leave him in his own house with the family he created.

Thanks for any help you can provide

[TazzMann]

All:
SimPE is changing at such a fast rate that it has been very difficult to keep up, however I am still alive and working on a new tutorial that will be called "SimPE - From the Ground Up". It will be like a users manual for SimPE.

Lisa626:
I will exiperment and let you know.


TazzMAnn

[julieb7803]

<<--------------- Do you want my first born? :p Seriously, thank you so much, you are an angel! I wish all manuals were written so clearly!

[nidaba]

Hi,
Thanks for the tutorial! I haven't gotten very far in it because I have a question. In the tutorial part "How to configure SimPE"
You said to fill in a hex editor in the external tools section.

I'm sorry to sound so pc illiterate, but is a hex editor already on my pc or is that something I need to download?

thanks for being so nice! Your win rar tutorial made me smack my head and smile it made it so easy!!

[TazzMann]

nidaba:
On a basic windows PC there is no HEX editor installed by default. However for doing the majority of things in SimPE a HEX editor is not necessary, and most people will get along fine without it. The main reason that you would want one is to see the and modify the RAW data winthin the package. (Make changes that SimPE is not currently capable of)

If you really want a HEX editor you can follow some of the links that are on the second post of the following forum Click Here (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=49133&highlight=hex+editor)

I hope that this helped.


TazzMAnn

[Compjake]

Thank you for the tutorial i now finally know how to use SIMPE!

[123456]

im not technically challenged. im just... ok im technically challenged and i really would love a zip version because im unable to download winrar. please?

[TazzMann]

@123456

"SimPE for the Technically Challenged" has been discontinued, however it spawned into a new project / Tutorial called "SimPE - From the Ground Up".

"SimPE - From the Ground Up" is included with the latest SimPE download.

FYI: SimPE - From the Ground Up almost doubles the size of the SimPE download, so I am spliting that Project into two.

SimPE - From the Ground Up
User Manual (Included with the SimPE download)

AND

SimPE - From the Ground Up
Tutorial (Will be found at the following link)

SimPE - From the Ground Up (Tutorial) (http://ambertation.de/simpeforum/viewtopic.php?t=840)

Hope this helped,


TazzMann

[simmer21]

hey tazzman could you pm me when you finish that tutorial?

[Xxhoopgurl5xX]

Nice works. Thanks!

[Fodderstompf]

Thanks :D
I probably still won't be able to do it because Im technically retarded let alone just challenged :P

[TazzMann]

I have just added my "SimPE - Installation Guide" to the tutorial section of MTS2, you can get it HERE (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=80239).

I have also added a PLACEHOLDER for my "SimPE - From The Ground Up (Tutorial)" HERE (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=80240). The tutorial will be released with the public release of SimPE v 44 (I Hope). There are many new features that Quaxi has been working on that still need to be added.

Like the enhanced Sim Description Editor:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/CJ_Murray/sde-new.jpg


or the new Family ties editor:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/CJ_Murray/ties-new.jpg


I hope you enjoyed the SNEEK PEEK of what is to come


TazzMann

[Damiana]

I have no idea what I did, but I downloaded SimPE, I have a shortcut on my desktop, and whenever I open the program I can't do anything. Everything is white. I have no way to do anything at all, I can't even check off the hex editor thing. Help?

[Sabletongue]

ok I admit it I am severely challenged.. while I am able to download rar and zip files with no problem I cannot open either of these files and get to the SimPe help.. sigh is there hope for me ? :sadpanda:

[braindead891]

Thank you so much. The other tuts were driving me crazy!

[simfan1980]

yes thank you so much i find this one very easy to understand.and i have deslexia meaning i have a hard time learning new things.thank you so much for this. i'm looking forward to the next part of your tutuiorial. :-)

[TazzMann]

As I mentioned in an earlier post; "SimPE for the technically challenged" has been discontinued and will not necessarly work for the newer versions of SimPE. However I am not leaving you in the dark,

I have created a new tutorial that is called SimPE - From The Ground Up (Tutorial) that is continualy being updated as new versions of SimPE are released. You can get it by clicking on the following link


SimPE - From the Ground Up (Tutorial) (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=80240)


TazzMann

[lucy kemnitzer]

Thanks! -- I'll say more when I've tried it out!

[mama_sim]

i will try the new tutorial..

hopefully it will be easier than im thinking it is... LOL

[Panama]

PLease? tell me where can I download this magic tool?

[misubsim]

i must be really technically challanged cuz i cant get any of the files to open right:((

[mikagewalli]

Thanks for the tutorial, makes things easier... just one thing, the framework has been updated to 2.0 and the SimPE is also updated to that, may confuse a technically challange person :)

[nana62618]

:salute: Wanted SimPe , but know nothing about it , glad you are doing this, am sure it will help me. I am challenged!
You are a good neighbor.
nana

[eternityofsims]

Thankyou sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo MUCH!
love ya mean it!

[Townieforsims]

How long does it take to setup simpe?

[alchemist]

That was fun & helpful, thanks!

I haven't read the whole tutorial yet, because it's a lot to take in. But it's very good to read, and I love getting a whole overview and some understanding of the what's what and what _does_ what - I feel more confident dealing with a program when I know more than what I absolutely need.

One thought / possible improvement: One of my main problems are new terms. Once one understood what a panel is and what it means to dock / undock one, it's all bright and sunny. But until I figured out that "docking" / "undocking" is pretty much what minimizing (german: minimieren) of a window in Windows is, I stumbled every time the expression turned up.

I have that problem with most tutorials, and I could imagine that a lot of other users have it, too. What I'd need would be some sort of "technical terms - everyday terms" dictionary. Do you know if there is such a document?

[Lilly Rose1231]

Yay! I definatly qualify as "the technically challenged". I cannot spell.

[sesimie]

Got some time to learn......I will use this tutorial right away!! Thanks!!

[missimpatient]

oh thanks... now i might be able to give some stuff back instead of just dl dl (omg gotta have it) dl. :)

[dolleduplies]

Has this tut gone down none of the links seem to be working for me :cry:
:(

[aero87]

Why don't I have access to the new links???

[babyophelia]

aah. i need this very badly. the only thing i know how to do is recolor maxis objects using the simpe wizard. im in the middle of trying out numenor's tutorial for recoloring other things. but my goal is to make my own objects...

[Mootilda]

Try these:

http://simpeforum.ambertation.de/sims2/SimPE-Installation-Manual-SimPE-060-and-above

http://simpeforum.ambertation.de/sims2/SimPE-From-The-Ground-Up-User-Manualv-50

http://simpeforum.ambertation.de/sims2/SimPE-From-The-Ground-Up-Tutorial

If those aren't adequate, there are a number of other tutorials here:
http://sims.ambertation.de/en/kb/

[babyophelia]

wow lol. i was busy with a newly begotten sims 3 game, came back to look at sims 2... lol so many things to play with. i'm all new to this. and am constantly befuzzled. but i'm persistent and hopefully i'll get through lol.

edit: i finally got the hang of editing whole neighborhoods and the sims in it and the relationships and other related things because of one of the tutorials. i also learned how to recolor without using the wizard. i think it's about time i start on making new objects... :)