Section D. Game Corruption Prevention
Sep. 3rd, 2018 04:57 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ladysilverwolf| D1. Required Programs D2. Bodyshop - the Hidden File D3. Organize your downloads D4. Modding Against Corruption |
A vanilla game isn't a safe game! Get required programs to install Custom Content. Organize-as-you-download. Keep your downloads separate from your gaming files. Get your critical-essential mods in the game before you create your first hood. Once your corruption preventing mods are in place, you can start a Hood and you are FREE to do your flavor of game customization and create your first playable hood.
It is with the understanding that YOU are reading the material as we go along. This is a GUIDE to point you in the direction where the information has been detailed extensively, and not just by simmers before me, but by individuals who have installed the various older programs that are available to get your older games running smoothly on Windows 10. I created this page to compile that information into one place, and I hope that this page will grow as people provide information, or as I discover new ways to improve my own gaming environment. Finally I can not stress enough how important it is to read and follow the directions as you go along and even take the time to read comments. This is why every link I provide here, will open a new browser page to make it easier to come back to this page, after you have read the material and/or downloaded the necessary file.
Before we begin to play and before we begin to download mods (and the ever coveted custom content), you NEED to download 3 programs, 1 utility, and 3 additional programs I personally "Recommend". These downloads will assist you in adding and removing content from your game, determine if there are any conflicts between the mods you install, and also ensure your game functions in the desired manner.
Necessary/Required Programs:
- Sims2Pack Clean Installer V1.6.22 - used to categorize, catalog or remove custom content.
http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=409950 [actual link] - Hack Conflict Detection Utility [Sims2HCDU-02.00.03.zip] - Paladin's utility to find conflicts between mods - shared by Bulbasaur001 @ SFS
(Repeat from previous page in this guide, so if you have it already, skip to the next one)
http://simfileshare.net/download/257956/ [actual link]
--> at this time, go ahead and create the following directory in your documents folder:
--> C:\Users\YOURuserNAME\Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2
- HoodChecker 1.0.3 - Neighborhood Corruption Detector
http://modthesims.info/download.php?t=456523 [actual link]
Necessary/Required Utilities
CEP - Color Enable Package v. 9.2.0 - http://www.modthesims.info/d/92541 [actual link]
This is a manual installation utility that NEEDS to be installed in order for recoloring options to work for various objects in your game (because EAMaxis broke things!) When you get to the page, click on the blue box that says "Show instructions for UC". Follow those instructions, and the press on!
Highly Recommended Downloads:
- Auto Save Game - Creates a dialog that pops up asking if you wish to save your game.
http://simmanipulator.forumotion.com/t25-auto-save-game [actual link] - Delphy's Download Organizer - Scanner program that helps control and manage your custom content, such as package filtering, duplicate file identification, broken package detection, and file relocation functionality, and incremental scanning.
http://modthesims.info/d/227925 [actual link] - Bulk Rename Utility - Need for renaming files. What is it for? All the special characters in files names like [ ] ( ) { } ' @ & # and blank spaces, will actually increase your game loading time! This utility is how you solve that problem. Remember! Filenames must only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens.
https://www.bulkrenameutility.co.uk/Main_Intro.php [actual link]
Before we go any further, I need to mention that in order for Delphy's Download Organizer to work properly, we will need to ensure to have Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 installed. Yes we could put this off til later, so that you can get that game up and running. but this tool is too useful to pass up, and you could potentially forget about it. Therefore the next step is provided to help you install Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 on your system.
WARNING: The next two links will have a lot of ads, and I recommend having an adblocker enabled, to avoid accidental clicking on the ads.
It can be somewhat confusing to install Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1, so I decided to elaborate just a little for Windows 10 users. Keep in mind you MUST have Administrative authority on your PC to do these guides. If you do not, have someone who does have the Administrative privileges do this for you.
- Read the guide first, before starting it. It may make it easier to follow when you actually start doing it.
- Follow the guide precisely, including creating the folder name, and renaming the files as it recommends.
- I promise the 1st guide works. Just be sure to use administrative privileges on step 5.
(It is easy to miss because the entire line is a link, and that is why I included it as a second link below)- Take a moment to READ all the extra comments at the end of the first guide. There is good information there.
- The links below will open in a new tabs. Feel free to come back to this page once you have finished.
The required downloads for Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 will also be found on the first link below.https://techjourney.net/install-microsoft-net-framework-1-1-on-windows-10-8-7-vista-fix-regsvcs-exe-error/ [actual link]
https://techjourney.net/how-to-open-elevated-command-prompt-as-administrator-with-admin-privileges-in-windows/ [actual link]
Many people do not realize how useful Delphy's Download Organizer can be because of the necessary external files that are required to run the program. I use it all the time on my system when I go through a download spree of new custom content. It helps eliminate duplicates, allows you to find orphan files, and also helps you to locate packages quickly based on the parameters you select. This program is especially useful for locating the CC you may have just installed that might be crashing your game.
There are also two more files we need to fix, but that be detailed down below in section D4.
Section D2. Bodyshop, the Hidden File:
Ultimate Collection comes packaged with Bodyshop, the tool used to create and dress your sims outside of the game.
Simply navigate to the following directory:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection\Fun with Pets\SP9\CSBin
Right mouse click on TS2BodyShop.exe and create a shortcut. Pin it to your Start Menu. Now you can find it whenever you need it to create sims.
Section D3. Organize your Downloads
If you start organizing at the beginning, you will find it is so much easier to troubleshoot things when they don't seem to work, or when they are not working properly. So all those hood templates you just downloaded (and installed) should be backed-up somewhere on your drive, or better yet, get a cloud drive to save it on (or save it to the cloud).
Why save it? -- A lot of custom content has disappeared over the years, either due to disinterest, or loss of websites, or by malicious intent. So yes, I recommend keeping backups of whatever it is you download. Besides, its more time consuming trying to find those favorited custom content items/mods anytime you have to re-install the game! So save yourself the headache later by setting up that structure (and backup) NOW.
There are many ways to go about creating your backup system as well as your installation folder structure in your C:\...\The Sims™ 2 Ultimate Collection\Downloads folder. It really is up to you HOW you want those structures to be established and saved. These links simply describe in different ways, the various methods to organizing your content.
- Pre-made folders with sub-folders : http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=546373 [actual link]
- Multiple ideas on Organization : http://modthesims.info/t/475390 [actual link]
- Organizing Custom Content : http://simswiki.info/wiki.php%3Ftitle%3DGame_Help:Organizing_Custom_Content [actual link]
- YouTube Video by SheGamerxo : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab4uqWDQTC0 [actual link]
- TS3 Content, but the idea is the same! : https://ohmysims.tumblr.com/post/24336581511 [actual link]
- Simswiki Backup and Restore Process: http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Back_Ups [actual link]
- As a reminder there is also my Game System Backup Folder Structure for download @SFS : [actual link]
As you download, I highly recommend saving a image/picture of what you are downloading, or double check the downloaded archive to see if an image/snapshot has already been included. I also recommend saving the URL from which you downloaded things to a tiny text file with the same file name as your download. That way if you end up with a bad package, you know exactly where to go and get it again.
Example : R13_InOut.jpg / R13_InOut.rar / R13_InOut.txt |
Once you are in the game, you might be tempted to use the fancy schmancy delete buttons Maxis added to the game because you downloaded some content you realize you just don't really like. Well... DON'T! Go read topics on MTS wikia on how to safely delete what ever it is you are wanting to delete. And yes, this takes work (and time) too! If you use those tempting little delete buttons, you could potentially corrupt your hood, or even break the game entirely.
Section D4. Modding Against Corruption
| This section has been designed for you to see everything in one place. Each link will open up a new tab/page in your browser, so that you can read the mod description and comments by other players. You will find very similar list on MTS on the form post titled "Game Guides - Essential Mods" created by marka93. I have reordered and deviated slightly from that list based on my own gameplay experience. There are at least 20 files you need in order for your hoods to run without corruption (to include fixes), and 4 that will help prevent game implosion. For the UC, I also recommend 8 additional mods based on my own personal playing experience. Just because we installed clean(or empty) neighborhood templates does not ensure the game remains free of corruption, thus the need for the following mods/hacks. Feel free to research this information yourself, as everyone's gameplay differs. |
|
| Cleaner Gameplay |
BoilingOil's Mods - (found on Simbology.com &/or Leefish.nl) | ||
| E |
No Sim Loaded | Remove a lot of junk controllers, tokens, and other broken stuff, without the need for a Batbox | |
E |
No Trash Memories OR No Met Self Memories |
PREVENT gossip and silly repetitive memories from being generated. Pick only one. My personal preference is NTM since it has the ability to be configured by the end user.Stop the "Met Self" memories without the use of NoTrashMemories (aka NTM) or Pescado's Dramafix. |
|
| R |
Social - Kiss Cheek * |
A purely non-autonomous replacement for aliasthepal's Kiss... Cheek - interaction, that does NOT cause the "DEBUG - Super Duper Hug" issue, and in fact actively destroys that bug if another mod causes it in your game. | |
| *Read this forum post about why DEBUG Super Duper Hug is bad and how it can get into your game. This mod is a prevention to potential corruption. | |||
| Essential Mods | from Cyjon's Sims 2 Mods 'n' Stuff | ||
| E |
Smarter EP Check | You must have this for many of Cyjon's mods as well as some of the recent mod creators out there. | |
| E |
No Auto Urn Cleanup | Cleaning up smashed urns is like deleting tombstones -- a big no-no that can lead to neighborhood corruption. This mod prevents sims from doing so automatically, though you can still direct them to if you want to break your hood. | |
| E |
Memory Fixes | This won't fix existing memories, only new ones generated after you install the mod. Mootilda's HoodChecker may be able to fix existing errors. | |
| R |
Ghost Hack * | Contains a critical fix that prevents ghosts from haunting tombstones, potentially destroying them, shredding character data and corrupting your neighborhood. | |
| *Although this was NOT recommended on MTS as 'essential' it does contain a critical fix for ghosts. I highly recommend installing this before loading your first hood. | |||
| R |
Lot Inspector * | To use it simply click on the object in the catalog and a report will be issued. You don't even have to place it on the lot. This allows it to be used on vacant lots so you can check them out before deletion. Fixing problems usually requires a sim to be present, so it is best to use it before a family moves out. | |
| *Not essential to prevent corruption, but it is an amazing tool to use to help prevent corruption. | |||
| Bug Fixes | created by TwoJeffs Mods and Downloads | ||
| E |
Pet Pregnancy Fix | Pet pregnancies will no longer result in runaway creation of pregnancy controllers on the lot that quickly make the lot unplayable. aka Too Many Pregnancy Controllers Fix | |
| E |
Skunk Attraction Fix | Fixes errors caused by a Maxis bug that allows the game to attempt to calculate attraction between a sim and a skunk. Obviously this can't happen, and errors out every time. Conflicts with (and unnecessary with) Inteen. Not compatible with Teen/Adult Attraction Fix (it also includes this fix). |
|
| Pet Related Fixes | created by TwoJeffs Mods and Downloads | ||
| E |
Caged Pet Fixes (AL Version) |
Fixed random bird death bug and other annoyances and bugs related to the birds and womrats | |
| E |
No Pet Unlock Code Spam | Stops the annoying long delay in game when pets are promoted upon return from work as the game generates a code. Also includes a package that will unlock all the hidden crap. The Bon Voyage version also fixes a bug in the BV code that could cause problems upon sim or pet promotion. | |
| Vacation Locals Fix | created by Argon @ MATY | ||
| R |
NPC Creator - Make Vacation Sim (Local) fix [argon_make-vlocal] * | This will give vacation locals their correct tokens, making them behave normally in their respective destinations. | |
| *Recommended, not necessary, unless you plan on playing vacation hoods. The game does generate vacation locals before you even play the hood, thus why I recommend installing this fix before you start any new hood. | |||
| Broken File Fixes | |||
| E |
Cper and Csla Archetypes [argon_archfix] |
Two of the archtypes in CAS are broken and are not properly linked to the other ages. This package fixes the broken linkage. | |
| E |
Missing Happy Holiday Pack | Origin/EAMaxis failed to enable/unlock this stuff pack when they released UC. Moonkistsims offers a fix HERE. Download the file [Happy Holidays UC Possible Fix] and follow the instructions to replace the broken file. ( ivy-sims.tumblr.com fix is now missing) |
|
All but three of the files listed below can be found at this FTP link. Unfortunately there are no 'description links' for these three files, but after researching for information, one can google-fu interpretations of those files. I have provided two direct download links below to the FFS directory located at MATY and one to SFS. Otherwise, you would have to sift through an archive of 167 files in the "moreawesomethanyou-al" archive located here. I personally do not recommend installing all 167 mods as many are based on personal choice.
The Directory files @ MATY for Apartment Life (AL) are the correct files to download for Ultimate Collection whether or not you use "UC Any Game Starter" or the rest of the included packs. Of the 167 files there, only 9 are essential/needed, and 4 highly recommended files. |
|||||
| Just download the following files from this link --> |
[ Almost All Directory files @ MATY for AL ] | ||||
| E | antiredundancy | Eliminates spawning of unnecessary redundant NPCs | [DL] | I do not feel that everything listed under "FFS Director's Cut: More Awesome Than You" are necessary mods for everyone's gameplay. These mods were released 10+ years ago (apartment life pre-release was August 27, 2008), and in that time, newer and more refined mods have been released by other talented sims2 community members. I recommend reading about the files before you decide if you want them. Most of the descriptions for the other files can be found HERE [AL RATFM-DC.rar] |
|
| E |
creaturefixes | Fixes for supernaturals | [DL] | ||
| E | crumplefix | Fixes for Mrs. Crumplebottom | [DL] | ||
| E | ffsdebugger | Extensive fixes - read the full description page | [DL] | ||
| E | nocorruptdeath | The formation of the corrupted death memory is now suppressed | [DL] | ||
| N | nodormieregen * | See extended description below |
[DDL] | ||
| N | nossrespawn * | See extended description below | [DL] | ||
| N | nostrayrespawn * | See extended description below | [DL] | ||
| N | notownieregen * | See extended description below | [DDL] | ||
| E | nounlinkondelete |
Game no longer partially destroys sim file on deletion of tombstone | [DL] | ||
| E | stuckobjremover | Removes invisible stuck objects that are blocking tiles | [DL] | ||
| E | tombstonemovefix | Prevents double death penalty after you move a tombstone | [DDL] | ||
| E | woohooltwfix | Prevents the loss of woohoo LTW memory | [DL] | ||
| [DL]= Description Link & Download | [DDL]= Direct Download Link | ||||
* Having antiredundancy, nodormieregen, nossregen, nostrayrespawn, and notownieregen in your mod folder prevents the game bloat. These are not exactly Essential mods, unless you do not want Game bloat or you want a completely empty hood! Without these files, your game will continue to 'spawn' additional non-playing sims every time you play! If you don't mind the bloat, keep antiredundancy only. I highly recommend installing them either before playing the hood, or once you reach the desired population you are aiming for in your hood(s).
You could 'technically' have over 3k sims in your hood folder before it implodes!
| I do not agree that 'ALFixes' by Pescado is 'necessary'. In my humble opinion it actually takes away from gameplay.
If You want it, Slig has an updated version: HERE. I Do Not use it myself. Instead I recommend the following 4 mods to address the problems mentioned in this particular forum post. |
||
| R |
Enthusiasm Overhaul (V3.02) for FreeTime+ | 5 package files that alter how hobby enthusiasm works. File 1 contains an important fix so interests no longer screw up, a saner algorythm to control the rate your sim gains enthusiasm, and better matching interests to hobbies. For additional features, also install the optional files in addition to file 1. |
| R | ah_LovePotionRestockFix |
A fix for the love potion not being restockable, which is only an issue if you want playable witches that own a business and sell potions |
| R | GummiluttPhysiologyFix | It is a global hack that simply takes the code fixed in AL, and makes it override the broken code in M&G. Gummilutt merely extracted the fixed code so that the game will run that code. |
| R |
SW-Automatic-Bill-Payer * or other alternatives |
This object will pay a sims bills automatically if they have the money in their account. (once turned on) |
| *The rent notification comes at noon, but playable sims don't have to pay it right then. NPC vampires however, will go outside to pay bills. LycosV made a mod [Vampire Sunblock] to allow vampires to live in the light, but its not a mod for me. Adding that will help prevent the loss of NPC vampires during gameplay. Or you could put a snapdragon or a [Need Freak] by the mailbox or use the maxmotives cheat quickly if you notice the vampire is outside. | ||
If you have recommendations, or know of a better mod out there that helps PREVENT corruption, please let me know!
I will be more than happy to research it and possibly add it to this list.
Updated: 04-2019