Master Class Workshop: The Sims-related Files And Folders!

In the last Master Class Workshop of Sims Art Article we looked at some simple things everybody should know about a Windows PC. I really hope you could find some time to check your screen resolution in the meantime and also tried to use the other tips of the workshop.

This time we will look at files and folders again, but more referring to the sims game. It’s a trip into the main Sims-Directories; another important topic for bloody beginners.

Where you can find the Sims-Files on your Hard Disk

When you install The Sims 2(tm) it requires 2 different directories where it puts the files.

So we always decide between the “Installation Directory” and the “My Documents Directory”.

Remind these two and never confuse them!

Where is the “Installation Directory” and what can i do there?

Normally you will find the Sims Installation Directory just where Windows usually puts all executable programs by default: “C:\Programs\”

Inside the Programs-Folder usually will be another folder “EA Games”, named after the company that creates the game. So the default installation path should be “C:\Programs\EA Games\”

You will find single folders for every expansion pack in there. But only advanced modders have to look inside those folders sometimes. For now, just leave the Installation Directory alone.

Where is the “My Documents Directory” and what can i do there?

While you can choose another Installation Directory during the Installation Process, which is a good idea on systems that only have little space on Drive C, the My Documents Directory will always be the same:

“C:\My Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2″

In this case it doesn’t matter how many expansion packs you use, all expansions will share this single directory.

Open “C:\My Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2″ and have a look at the folders inside. Their names will tell you exactly what they’re all about. It’s easy. What would you think about a folder “PackagedLots”?

Right, it contains all the lots you built in-game and saved as a package. So when you want to mail your latest mansion to your friends, look into “PackagedLots” and you will find the required file.

Another one: What is inside “Projects”? All your Body Shop Projects go here. Extracted textures can be found here.

The “Downloads” Folder

This is the most fantastic one! Even if you’re not going to modify and create own Stuff with the Sims, you can use it. This folder contains all – like the name says – Downloads!

You found some nice outfits on the internet? Great, put them into the “Downloads” Folder.

2 important things to know about the “Downloads” Folder:

1. If there is no “Downloads” Folder in the “My Documents” Directory, just create one! It must be named exactly Downloads and can be done with a Right Mouse Click and “New/Folder“.
2. You can create Folders inside the “Downloads” thing. Folders that are created inside other Folders are called “Subfolders”. You can easily sort all your files by using such Subfolders. I name them after the websites i’ve got the downloads from. But it’s up to you, you can name the Subfolders however you like.

Now go and find those two main sims directories. Have a look inside the Downloads folder as well. And make yourself ready for the next part of the MXM Master Class Workshop of Sims Art!

I will tell you more about the sims-related files and some very helpful tools everybody should use to manage all those countless downloads and files.