There are three ways to put custom content into the game:

1) The Custom Content Browser

The Custom Content Browser is found in the Neighborhood view and has a button with an asterisk (*) on it. This feature can be used to import custom files from TheSims2.com:

-- Maxis-made objects

-- User-made and Maxis Sims

-- User-made and Maxis lots

When you use the Custom Content Browser, it puts items where they belong automatically. You will not need to restart the game. The items will be available immediately.

2) The Package Installer -- for Sims2pack files only

This utility will install Sims2pack files that have been e-mailed or downloaded from places other than TheSims2.com. The PackageInstaller.exe is located in your Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2\CSBin folder.

To install a Sims2pack file, either double-click it or drag and drop it onto the packageinstaller icon. The content will automatically be put where it belongs.

Package Installer will not work while either TS2 or BodyShop is running.

The Package Installer installs only Sims2pack files -- NOT package files Double-clicking a Package file does nothing.

If your files come zipped, you must first unzip them, then double click the Sims2pack files and the package Installer will install them.

3) Manual Install -- Package files

Package files can be dragged directly into the MyDocuments\EA Games\The Sims2\Collections folder or the My Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\Downloads folder.

Body parts created in BodyShop can be placed in the My Documents\EA Games\The Sims2\TheSims2Bodyshop\Downloads folder. (I've also heard that you can create a Downloads folder in My Documents\EA Games\The Sims2\ folder and the parts will show up in the game). I don't know yet if a Downloads folder in The Sims2 would work for any other types of files.

Neighborhoods can be plopped directly into the My Documents\EA Games\The Sims2\Neighborhoods folder. Each neighborhood has its own folder named with an N followed by the 3-digit neighborhood number.

Individual lots go in MyDocuments\EA Games\The Sims2\Lot Catalog

New terrains created in SimCity4 can be placed in the My Documents\EA Games\The Sims2\ SC4Terrains folder.

Music: You can put any .mp3 or .wav file into the game by dragging it into the My Documents\EA Games\The Sims2\Music folder. Place the file in the subfolder for the area in which you want to hear the music:

• Build
• Buy
• Create-a-Sim (CAS)
• Neighborhood (NHOOD)
• Stereo channels: hiphop, metal, pop, rnb, salsa and techno

(Tip: The game allows you to selectively turn off songs in each stereo station category. So, if you wish, you can put your own mp3s in and turn off the ones supplied by the game.)

To find the items in the game:

Object items will appear Buy or Build mode -- click the Collections icon.

Clothing items can be found in the Create-a-Sim area, on the Clothing panel (#5). They are also available on clothes racks in shops.

Heads will be in the Create-a-Sim area, panel 2. Hair, makeup, facial hair, and glasses also show up when you change appearance in the game using a mirror.

Lots will be in the Lots and Houses Bin

Sims will be in Create-a-Sim (newer ones will appear first in the list, marked with an asterisk.

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Notes:

If you put files in the Collections or Documents folder while the game is running, you must exit and restart the game in order to see them.

Placing a Sims2pack file into the Collections or Documents folder does nothing. Sims2pack files must be installed using the Package Installer.

When you install TS2, it does not automatically create a Downloads folder in My Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\ . The first time your download a custom file from the TS2.com site, the Downloads folder will be created. If you want to create it yourself, feel free.

Information provided by kgalgano of Neighborhoood 99