I've read through tons of guides, and I have the general idea, but I'm just not understanding some parts. I'm really new to all of this, so please be patient.

I'm trying to instal a custom hairstyle. (From peggyzone if it makes a difference) I've got the Mods file and the Packages file, and I've separated the .packages files from the Resource.cfg file. I deleted the the extra cache files too.

Now, this is what I don't understand, and I've been getting mixed answers. Is the CC supposed to show up by just playing the game now, or do I need to tell the game to install the package files. Some things I've read said to double click the package files and install them in the game launcher, but other things just say to start the game and enjoy.

One other thing that I'm getting mixed information about is the Resource.cfg file. One place said to put in the Packages folder, another place said to put it in the Mods folder, and still another said to put it in the Sims 3 folder.

Regardless, just starting the game has not worked for me, because the CC didn't show up. Also, if this makes a difference, I have a lot of CC in my game that I've gotten from Sims in the exchange, so I know that CC does show up in my game.

Anyway, anything would be helpful. I'll try to give you some information, but last time I tried to do this I got the wrong stuff, so if you need something like a screenshot just ask.

Game version: 1.33.2.015001
Generations version: 8.0.152.011001
Pets version: 10.0.96.013001

Sims 3 File
Packages File
The Mods file only has the Packages file in it.
And... I have no idea how to view the contents of the Resource.cfg file...

Remove your current Mods folder and the Resource.cfg. Then download the FrameworkSetup.zip file found here: Game Help:Installing Sims 3 Package Files^wiki. Run the game after to test as it will say in that guide there. Then you can put your other .package files alongside the ones supplied with the zip file. Easy-peasy and should work just fine. You don't have to tell the game to install anything for .package files - just put them in the right place with the right setup, and as long as the files work okay with your game version (hair should be fine), it'll just work.

Once you've done as HP suggests, try it with just the two files that come with the FrameworkSetup.zip - the nointro.package and nobuildsparkles.package files. Lots of Peggy's toddler and child hairs don't work any more; but we know those two test files work, so it's better to try them first. If it still doesn't work, it's a problem with your framework. If it does work, those hairs are just duds.

I must be blind because I can't find the FrameworkSetup.zip file to download...

Wait, never mind, I found it.
Trying it right now.
thanks

Thanks, it's working now.
Only... my white dog is solid black...
Oh well, I'll figure that out later.

Completely, totally, solid black (perhaps slightly shiny)? Try just waiting a minute or so with the camera pointed at the dog - black textures can sometimes be resolved by just waiting.. It can be a "oops this texture hasn't loaded yet" thing, like how sometimes various objects will be solid white when you jump around the neighborhood, and then they pop in once the game catches up.