Install Sims 3 ~ via Disc

[MrsFlynn]

Installing Sims 3 via original discs still works and runs fine.  You do need an external dvd drive to install.

If you have Origin installed, login to turn off Game Updates for Sims 3. Or Origin will try to take over your disc installation.

Turn off game updates for Sims 3 in Origin -
Login to Origin > Application Settings > Automatic Game Updates (Under Client Update section) and switch off automatic game updates.


   ~ If Uninstall/Reinstall:

Uninstall the game, run Ccleaner or similar registry cleaner. This cleans the game out of the registry and gets rid of temp files that get left by uninstalling the program.


   ~ Installing Game:

Start with installing base game. Then install the Sims 3 Patch Downloader from MTS.

Install the rest of the expansions in order of release.  Check this article from EA Help that lists packs in order of release or see spoiler below. - If installing from disc, It's recommended installing expansions and stuff packs in the order they were released.

Spoiler: Install_Order (click to show/hide)

From oldest to newest:

    The Sims 3
    The Sims 3: World Adventures
    The Sims 3: High-End Loft Stuff
    The Sims 3: Ambitions
    The Sims 3: Fast Lane Stuff
    The Sims 3: Late Night
    The Sims 3: Outdoor Living Stuff
    The Sims 3: Generations (May 31, 2011)
    The Sims 3: Town Life Stuff
     The Sims 3: Pets
     The Sims 3: Master Suite
     The Sims 3: Showtime
     The Sims 3: Katy Perry's Sweet Treats Stuff
     The Sims 3: Diesel Stuff
     The Sims 3: Supernatural
     The Sims 3: Seasons
     The Sims 3: 70's, 80's & 90's Stuff
     The Sims 3: University Life
     The Sims 3: Island Paradise
     The Sims 3: Movie Stuff
     The Sims 3: Into the Future

   ~ Playing the Game:

Use Nraas NoCD to play without the dvd in the drive.

It's a mod that allows you to run the game on your computer without having the disc. It's disables the disc authorization.

   ~ White List the Game in Antivirus Program:

There have been reports of problems with programs getting messed with by antivirus programs. To help prevent that from happening. You may want to white list Sims 3. With there being several different antivirus programs you may need to search on how to white list Sims 3 in your specific antivirus program.