reinstalling the sims 3? -_-

[HerNameWasHannah]

Okay, so I uninstalled the Sims 2 from my laptop since I realized that I didn't want to play the Sims 2. I wanted to play the Sims 3 which my heart belonged to. So, I uninstalled the Sims 2 and all the custom content I had gathered during that short period of time. I deleted them, too. However, I then went to play the Sims 3 since I was finished combining new custom content I had found into their packages. I got a box come up and it said that the Sims 3 was not completely installed - please reinstall it. I'm a little confused as to how this would happen. Has this ever happened to you guys? Maybe not from what I did but still?

Also, I was wondering if I could just reinstall the base game without reinstalling all the other expansions or if I would have to reinstall all of them?

Thanks in advance.

[ellacharmed]

Sims 3 - Installing / Patching / Uninstalling
Whether you are Installing for the first time or Reinstalling, be sure to read the Game Help:Install FAQ.
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This Game_Help:TS3_Uninstall link has the step-by-step instructions to guide you through uninstalling The Sims 3,
and its (EP/SP) packs. As well as removing any leftovers after uninstalling.
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The Game_Help:TS3_Patching Guide provides information on:
Tips Before You Begin
Patching Common Errors
Manual Patch Downloads
Invalid File Errors and more



Uninstalling applications means the Program Files are changed and "touched" in some manner, same with Registry. If the process is not completed cleanly or was interrupted due to some other process hanging or crashing, then these 2 locations are in an unfinished state which affects other programs. When that happens the only recourse is a Full uninstall and reinstall.
Not to mention the mistakes we humans make when following Uninstall FAQs; did you follow the Sims 2 Manual Uninstall FAQ we have on the wiki and did you use a tool to clear up Registry entries or do it manually? You're sure you only touched on Sims 2 stuff (in both Windows folders and Registry portions)?

You could try with just The Sims 3 base game, first.
If that does not clear up the issue, you need to do a Full uninstall of all EPs + SPs, too.

Due to the 1.31 and 1.32 mess, patching to 1.33 is a bit convulated. Make sure to read these, when you're ready to patch:
Game Help:Issues with 1.3x Superpatcher
Q&A for "Issues with 1.3x Superpatcher" wiki FAQ