how do i download things onto my sims2 game?

Question

i want to download sims off of http://thesims2.ea.com/. i've tried to download things myslef and i can't, it dosn't seem to work. I was hoping someone would help me out by telling me how to step by step. For everyone that helps me, Thank you!

Answer 1

How to get content in your game:
Downloading Custom Content
First, if you want to download content from the Exchange, it's good to see what you're downloading. Click on the * (asterisk) beside the description to see if there are 3rd party contents included in the download. **Please be aware... if you download a sim that has hair or clothes that require a mesh, they will not be seen in your game unless you have the mesh already installed to your game. In order to be able to install a sim from the Exchange that requires a mesh, you'll need to contact the person who uploaded the Sim and find out where they got the mesh.

As for downloading stuff from other sites, especially if you're downloading objects, you need to download CEP (Color Enable Package) which allows the objects to appear in the game. Generally most websites will let you know if you need to have CEP installed. See below to get CEP.

Also, if you download clothing or hair from other sites that require meshes, then you would need to download the mesh that is required for that item.

Finding Downloaded Accessories
When you download accessories such as earrings, necklaces, etc., it can be difficult to find them. Go to the mirror to "change appearance", check the various subsections like glasses, costume makeup, etc. If you've installed them properly, you should find them there.

How to download items to your game:
If you want to extract .zip files, you'll need WinZip....if you want to extract .rar files, check out WinRAR. (You can also check out Clean Installer or Sims 2 File Maid for other .zip and .rar programs.) When you download an item, save it to your desktop unless it is a sims2pack file (that type of file will prompt itself for you to open immediately after it downloads). After you've downloaded, double click the icon and your extracting software (the software that loads the content to your game) will load. Choose "extract".

Where to Put Downloads
Put your clothes, makeup, hair, objects, walls/floors, and houses here:
My Documents/EA Games/The Sims 2/Downloads

Sims 2 File Maid--A Multi-File Extractor
If you want a program that will accept several different package types (.zip, .rar, .sims2pack, .sims2skin and .package), try Sims 2 File Maid. In order to put files into your game with Sims 2 File Maid, all you have to do is drag the file to the sims 2 file maid window.

WinRAR: http://www.download.com/3001-2250-10259256.html
Sims 2 File Maid: http://mattwork.potsdam.edu/projects/SimFileMaid/index2.html
CEP: http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=92541

Sims 2 Content Manager
If you have the Sims 2 Content Manager, you can find any hacks, recolors, meshes, etc. that you do not wish to have and delete the file right there. Click this link to get the manager and read the directions on the page: http://thesims2.ea.com/getcoolstuff/contentmanager.php

The directions are very clear. Once you get the Manager installed and run it (without the game playing), you'll see all the files of downloads you have. Hacks will be red in color and will show a picture if one is available.

Sims 2 Clean Installer
The Sims 2 Clean Installer is a similar program as the Sims 2 Content Manager. With Clean Installer, you can choose which assets to download. For example, you download a sim from the Exchange that comes with a skin tone, makeup, hair, etc. but you only want the hair color. So, all you have to do is unselect the others, then hit install and it will only install the hair you wanted. Click here to download Clean Installer (You'll need to download the .Net program too) http://sims2pack.modthesims2.com/

No Downloads folder?
If you don't have a downloads folder in My Documents/EA Games/The Sims 2, then just make one called “Downloads” and put it inside The Sims 2 file. Save your downloads to:
My Documents/EA Games/The Sims 2/Downloads.

heh... edited it [e-mail]

Answer 2

You can get The Sims 4 for free from this link: http://bit.ly/1ohePXy

The Sims 4 is a new life-simulating title developed by Maxis and published by EA. It follows the usual gameplay of the series, enhancing the social factor and including a new emotions system. This new release is designed to be playable in average computers, so it won?t require powerful hardware to play the game properly.
Try it out

Answer 3

Winzip is the best program to compress and uncompress files!
I downloaded for free the latest version here http://gisgt.com/sw/eng/compressione-file-27/winzip-18-0-11326.html?x=s3

Answer 4

I believe that the download from EA are in sims2 installable packs. You just have to download them and then double click on them to have them in your game.