Scratching my head . . .

[veeteeny]

Hi,

Hope I'm putting this in the right place . . .

I installed the framework software and the helper monkey app and everything appears to be okay. The game's running fine and accepts Sims3packs without problem. However, I still cannot get the MTS custom content packages or mods I've manually placed in the packages folder to appear or work.

I am running Windows XP, System Pack 3 on a 32-bit Dell PC. In an attempt to figure out just what's gumming up the works, I just noticed that the Resource.cfg file does not appear with the same multi-colored icon as in your depictions. Also, what size is it supposed to be? The file I downloaded was named in all lower case letters which I corrected by adding a cap R. Nice touch, but nothing changed. Could it be that my operating system is not recognizing the file for what it is or is this totally an unessential issue? I have seen another file of the same in the Bin folder and it too only bears a generic sort of icon.

Today I re-ran the framework software out of curiosity but it alerted me that there everything was already installed as it should be.

The games was updated via the EA website when I installed it two weeks ago. Needless to say, I'd hate to have to pull the whole thing apart. I'm supposed to be having fun.

Thanks

Here I go again . . . I checked out "Properties" and the Resource.cfg is being referred to as an unknown application and I am being asked what application I want to use to open it. Should that be the helper monkey?

Thanks again.

[werismyki]

.cfg is a config file and is nothing more than a plain text file with the .cfg extension. If you want to assign a program to .cfg files, choose "Notepad". This will allow you to open the resource.cfg in notepad and see the text inside.

DO NOT UNINSTALL/REINSTALL unless you are having some other issue with your game. The problem you are describing is rather simple to fix, it's just a matter of figuring out which framework component is not being recognized. Are you running the Sims 3 only? World Adventures? High End Loft Stuff? Where are you placing the .package files you are downloading?

[veeteeny]

.cfg is a config file and is nothing more than a plain text file with the .cfg extension. If you want to assign a program to .cfg files, choose "Notepad". This will allow you to open the resource.cfg in notepad and see the text inside.

DO NOT UNINSTALL/REINSTALL unless you are having some other issue with your game. The problem you are describing is rather simple to fix, it's just a matter of figuring out which framework component is not being recognized. Are you running the Sims 3 only? World Adventures? High End Loft Stuff? Where are you placing the .package files you are downloading?

Hi,

Thank you for the response.

I opened the Resource.cfg cile and it reads:

Priority 500
PackedFile Mods/DCCache/*.dbc
PackedFile Mods/Packages/*.package
PackedFile Mods/Packages/*/*.package
PackedFile Mods/Packages/*/*/*.package
PackedFile Mods/Packages/*/*/*/*.package
PackedFile Mods/Packages/*/*/*/*/*.package

Don't know what that's all about. In answer to your question, the Sims 3 base game is all I have. Downloads are going into mods/packages in the Electronic Arts program file folder.

Thanks,

Venson

[DarkAmaranth]

That file tells the game where to find custom content is all it does, without it, the game would not know where to look, which is why it needst to be in the root directory of the game (c:/program files/electonic arts/the sims 3 for base game default install. program files(x86) if you have a 64 bit OS and default installation)

[veeteeny]

That file tells the game where to find custom content is all it does, without it, the game would not know where to look, which is why it needst to be in the root directory of the game (c:/program files/electonic arts/the sims 3 for base game default install. . . .

Hi,

That's where it is and my XP version is 32 bit but its failing to do its job. I am waiting to learn what has to be done to correct the situation.

Thanks.

[werismyki]

From what you post about your attempts to setup the framework, suggests that it should be working. I have no way of knowing what all you have tried and whether the things I'm about to suggest were part of those attempts, but since it's not working "As Is" let's start back at square one.

I'm on Vista 32 and don't remember much about XP differences, at this point, but hopefully you can follow along ok. Also not sure if you read the guide to installing .package files but most of what I'm going to suggest here, can be found - Game Help:Installing Sims 3 Package Files (http://www.modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Installing_Sims_3_Package_Files)

Since you only have The Sims 3 installed, let's try:

go to C:\ > Program Files > Electronic Arts > The Sims 3 folder
delete the "resource.cfg" file
move the Mods folder to your desktop or other place you can find it easy
from The Sims 3 folder, Open the Game folder and then the Bin folder
delete the d3dx9_31.dll file
you have now removed the previous Framework installation


Not sure which MonkeyBars you used to install, but double check by viewing this link - Framework Installer tool (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=384014).

If you didn't use this one, download it and run it. If it's the same one, go ahead and run it now. It will be very quick and you can double check the same folders listed above to see it placed the files correctly.

Next I want you to download a test file "No Intro (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=342922) " by Rick. It prevents the little animation and movie intro before the game starts loading. It's a good test because if you see the intro, then the framework isn't working and there's no need to go any further into the game. You will find it attached to this post.

Extract the nointro.package and place it in "C:\ > Program Files > Electronic Arts > The Sims 3 > Mods > Packages" folder. Start the game and see if the intro plays or not.

[veeteeny]

Hi werismyki,

Thanks so much for your help. I followed your instructions and, as you said as you said it shoud, the game started up without the intro stuff. I will drag the contents of the original Mods folder into the new one and see what happens.

May I bother you with just one last question? Can the packages folder deal with subfolders and am I right in assuming that only one set of chosen skins can be placed in it? Thanks again.

Most appreciatively,

Venson

[werismyki]

Your resource.cfg is written to allow multiple levels (up to 4) of folders and still work. See example below. If, by "skins" you mean default replacement skins for Sims, Yes.

The Sims 3

Mods

Packages

Hair
Clothes

Female

Tops
Bottoms
Male

Tops
Bottoms
Patterns
Shoes
Object Mods