How to Back Up Saved Games for The Sims 2

You can use a blank or rewritable CD as a storage device.

If you play "The Sims 2," then you've likely created numerous game files. You've raised Sim families with long histories, built elaborate houses on lots, and perhaps downloaded much custom content, all of which you would hate to lose. Protect the items with a regular backup, from which you can restore them should you ever need to reinstall the game software.

Things You'll Need

• External file-storage device (CD-ROM, jump drive or external hard drive)

Instructions

1. Locate your Sims 2 folder by clicking on the Windows "Start" button, double-clicking "My Documents" (or "Documents") and double-clicking the "EA Games" folder.

2. Locate "The Sims 2" folder inside the EA Games folder. Right-click it, and select "Copy." This command copies the folder and its contents to your computer's clipboard.

3. Click the Windows "Start" button and then click "My Computer." Locate your external storage device (it will have a letter name, such as "D," and you should see the name of the storage device). If you are storing your files on a disk, insert a blank or rewritable disk into the CD-ROM or DVD drive.

4. Move your cursor over the name of the storage device to which you want to copy your files. Right-click and select "Paste." This signals the computer to write the files to the storage device. The process may take a few minutes, depending on the number of files you're copying.

5. Double-click on the storage device name or icon to verify that your Sims 2 folder appears there.

Tips & Warnings

• Back up your files regularly. A two-month-old backup, for example, means that you'll lose two months of game progress in the event something goes wrong.

References

• EA Games: The Sims Customer Support