How to Download Content for The Sims 2

There are tons of free content out there for The Sims 2: clothing, body meshes, faces, hair styles, houses, items...just about anything you can think of! However, installing lots of these items can be tricky and frustrating if you don't know where to put them.

Instructions

Goodies and Unpacking

1. Decide what kind of item you'd like to download for your Sims. What do they need? What do they want? New drapes, a houseplant, a new refrigerator?

2. Use a search engine to find a list of sites that host Sims 2 items. Try searches like "sims 2 content," "sims 2 downloads" or "sims 2 skins."

3. Find a site that has a utility feature that once installed, puts your downloaded files into the correct folder for you. These make downloading and using content much easier!

4. Be sure that "Enable Custom Content" is checked in the options box once you've installed all your goodies. Otherwise, your new items will not be available.

5. Enjoy your new looks!

If You Can't Find an Unpacking Utility...

1. Unzip the packages (most downloadable files for The Sims 2 come in .rar, .zip or packages such as .Sims2Pack, .Sims2Skin and .package) into the correct place in order for it to work.

2. Make sure The Sims 2 and Bodyshop are not running.

3. Double-click your new files, and if they don't install themselves, put them in the "Downloads" folder in your "Sims 2" folder.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the site you are downloading from is reputable. Check it out on your search engine. Have there been any complaints about it? Though rare, some sites do not filter their uploaded content. Make sure you have a virus scanner enabled when downloading ANY content from the Internet.

• Be aware that while fun and exciting, lots of custom content can slow your game down to a crawl. It has to load all your goodies every time you move to a new screen. Download in moderation.

• Make sure the content is compatible with your game! A lot of content is designed only for the latest of several expansions for The Sims 2. Make sure either you have the necessary expansion, or the content will work with what you have.