Okay.
Something is amiss...
I reinstalled TS2, all EPs and patched them all. Now I cannot see any custom content in my build mode catalog. I've tried the following...
- reinstalled CEP - the BodyShop trick - cut out the Downloads folder, launch BS and move all custom content to the new Downloads folder
- deleted groups.cache
- custom content is enabled
- Nvidia drivers updated as of tonight
- defragged my hard drive
- PLUS many other remedies suggested on the site

All of my custom content on the lots is showing up blue and sometimes flashing.
What gives?

Does it matter that I reinstalled TS2 to my D drive rather than my C drive? It is the same hard drive, it is just partitioned.

Where the game is installed shouldn't be a problem but where your My Docs folder is located can cause issues if it's either not on the c:drive or you haven't gone through this FAQ.

I've got My Documents installed on the C drive.

Is it better to have the TS2 and My Documents on the same drive?
Does it work better?

I've been able to force TS2 to recreate the EA Games folder several times on the C drive.
Does CEP have to be installed on the same drive as the game or the EA Games folder?
Could it be that I need to reinstall the game yet again?

PS - TS2 seems to be able to find the my clothes folder within my Downloads folder on the C drive. It seems to be limited to objects from the Buy mode catalog.

Oh these foul little gremlins that keep causing TS2 to work as good as the proverbial lead balloon! I keep having issues and I am not really doing anything that should cause a program to flip out as much as TS2 does.

Last edited by tarquin74 : 27th Sep 2006 at 04:03 AM.

You can have your documents on a seperate drive to your game files with no problem- and the fact that your clothes are showing up tells us that this is not the issue here.
Could you please try every step in this article- it is similar to the one you have already tried, but new and improved. Try all suggestions, as this will pinpoint why your objects are not working.
http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?t=192907

There is definitely something fishy in my downloads folder.
I reinstalled to the C drive and TS2 still finds everything except custom items in the Buy Mode catalog.
I removed every hack prior to testing. So I ruled out a hack issue.
I checked the updated suggestions at...
http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?t=192907
(Bang up job, by the way.)
It did help me determine that it is my Downloads folder causing the issue. The details are still a mystery. I have not added anything since I last got TS2 working right. SO... I will now troubleshoot the Downloads folder as you all suggested.

Any ideas as to what am should be looking for? (Yes, I realize it is a long shot to ask.)

PS- I appreciate all the help.

Alrighty then.
I ran through moving bit by bit all the files in my Downloads folder and...
Everything works fine. hunh!?
I removed Flyby's Anti-Jealousy Keumungo. But, I installed Roachandlazygirl's soundless version of it. Works fine.
However, it should be noted that I suspect that my hacks caused my TS2 games to get corrupted. The hack conflict detection utility points to Inteenimater and my anti-jealousy hack conflicting with each other.
It seems that a fresh install has fixed things for now. A corrupted install could explain why TS2 gets all "buggy" from time to time on me.

As always, I thank you fine people for answering my calls for help. You all rock!

Last edited by tarquin74 : 28th Sep 2006 at 02:53 AM.

Glad we could help, happy simming