Sims2 PC Problem please read
 

Ok, my computer is messing up, and I want to reformat my hard drive. But how do I save my sims2 game. I can't find anyway into doing it. I have tried to copy all the sims files once before into an DVD-r and copy them back and it did not work. So does anyone know of a way to save all my sims2 progress.

Any help would be great
Thanks.

Someone might have a better way which allows you to install the game as your backup, but here's how I always did Sims1 and it's the way I plan on doing Sims 2 Backups.

Essentually you can just backup/copy only certain directories where changes and add-ons occur but I'm more paranoid so I just copy the entire directory just in case.

Then after I reformat, I reinstall the Sims. And all the folders where the objects, towns, ect. were, I would copy off my backup disk and paste over the ones in my newly installed Sims directory. I haven't played the Sims in a while and I just started playing Sims2 because I was playing other games. So I'm not sure yet what else you need to backup besides the TSbin & Sims folders under your documents. Aswell as music & vid if you customised any. Someone should most likely reply telling you what you have to backup specifically and what to overwrite after a fresh install. But anyway, if I were you I would copy the entire Sims2 directory, and also the Sims directory under your documents. This way you have everything just in case.

It might be possible to use the thread that explains how to turn your CDs into a DVD, as a guide on how to do it too install the sims2 with your backup stuff but it will take you some time to figure out.

well see I have done that before, I have backup my entire sim2 dir. and pasted it over once I reinstalled sims2 and it did not show up at all. Which I did not understand why it happened. But I guess I am going have to try it again, I have no other choice. Thanks for the reply.

You will find them in a sub folder in your Documents and Settings folder.

Many new games are putting their setting and savegames instead of in the gamedir, in a subfolder of your own files (documents and setting\...)

Okay, to help you, here is...

To back up your Sims 2 progress, you have to go to Documents And Settings\YourUserName\EA Games\Sims 2 and copy everything inside to a folder and then back after you re-format.

Ok thanks for the sub folders tip I found some other ones to save. :) Ok I am going to format my laptop now and I will post an reply if it worked.

Thanks for all your help