FAQ

I have prepared this small FAQ in order to address some of the questions I have received in the past concerning my site and downloads. I will answer them to the best of my knowledge, and add more questions/answers as I go. :) Excuse me if I don't make sense at times...I'm not known for clarity. :b

Q: How do I put your downloads into my game?

A: The files on Sims Express are all in zip files. In order to open a zip file, a zipping program is a must. You can download a terrific evaluation version at Winzip.com. :) Once you open the file with Winzip or other, you will need to extract them in the proper folders. There isn't much I can tell you about how you will extract the files, as different zipping programs vary. Still, they have the same concept: you open, and extract. Below I will explain what types of files need to be extracted where.

Let's start with skins and heads, since this site is mainly focused on them. ;) In each skin file will come three different files with the following extensions: .bmp, .cmx, and .skn. All three files MUST be extracted into this directory:

MAXIS/THE SIMS/GAMEDATA/Skins

And that's it! This includes the Hot Date ready files, though THOSE files may also be extracted into here:

MAXIS/THE SIMS/ExpansionPack3/SkinsBuy

Let's move on to Objects! Object files end in .iff. These files may go in ANY of these directories:

MAXIS/THE SIMS/GAMEDATA/Objects
MAXIS/THE SIMS/GAMEDATA/UserObjects
MAXIS/THE SIMS/Downloads

Walls go here:

MAXIS/THE SIMS/GAMEDATA/Walls

Floors:

MAXIS/THE SIMS/GAMEDATA/Floors

And finally, houses! This is a bit complicated. :) All of the houses on this site require at least one of the expansion packs. Houses belong in the UserData folders. There will be at least 5 "UserData#"folders in your The Sims directory. Each holds files for the respective neighborhood numbers. Let's say that you wish to install Gin's Up On The Hill house. Once you open the zip file, you will see a file that also has an .iff extension. The name will be House01.iff for this house. Extract the file into whichever neighborhood you choose, meaning you will have to put the file into the right UserData folder. Find them here:

MAXIS/THE SIMS/UserData#

It will ask you if you would like to replace the already existing file. Click YES.
And that should be it!!! :)

And if you are still confused (I would be too :p) I highly recommend this site for their awesome tutorials on everything Sims and zipping: The Rooke's Nest.

Q: I've done as you've explained, and they still don't seem to show up in my game. Ack!

A: As far as skins and heads go, what could have happened is that as you extracted your files into the directory, it created itself a subfolder in your Skins file. There can be no subfolders for the Skins directory. If you find that they did indeed create its own folder, simply cut the files out, and paste them onto your main Skins directory.
To prevent this in Winzip, simply uncheck "Open in a New Folder" (I think that's correct...!) when the extract window comes up, and proceed.

If you're having problems with any objects not showing up, it could be an Object ID conflict. I'm afraid of giving any advice on how to check or solve this problem, so once I find where I stored the info, I will post it up here.

Q: May I put your downloads on my own site?? May I recolor your skins/objects/etc?

A: If you ask nicely, I don't mind at all. :) Email me first PLEASE, and we'll talk.

Q: May I add your link to my site?? Will you add my link??

A: I'd love it if you would add my link to your site. And I'd love it if you'd let me know so I can add your link to my links page. :) Email me at patgirl81@yahoo.com.

Here's a button: Banner coming soon! ;)

BTW, I've received a few link exchange emails a while back, and I'm afraid I can't find them at all. :( If you've emailed me in the past concerning exchanging links, and your link is still not on my page, please email me again!! So sorry for the inconvenience. :(

And while you're at it, how about joining the Neighborhood 99 Webring? You can find that at the bottom of this page. :)