Difference between revisions of "Game Help:TS3 User Folders Explained"

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{{Sims3GameHelpHeader}}
 
{{Sims3GameHelpHeader}}
 +
 +
= Purpose of the files and folders in the User folder =
 +
This guide will explain what folders in the user folder do what. Most of these folders are not there by default. They will be created when needed.
 +
 +
== Single files ==
 +
 +
=== Cache Files ===
 +
Delete those when you add new CC. They will be recreated.
 +
 +
* '''CasPartCache.package''': CAS parts that appear in Create-A-Sim
 +
* '''compositorCache.package''': New objects that would appear in Buy/Build mode
 +
* '''scriptCache.package''': Mods or Hacks
 +
* '''simCompositorCache.package''': New Sims, default skins
 +
 +
=== Options.ini ===
 +
Contains your game and graphic options as set in the game. Save this file if you upgrade your
 +
drivers and put it back after the upgrade for all your settings will be lost.
 +
 +
=== Log Files ===
 +
* '''DeviceConfig.log'''
 +
* '''Sims3Logs.xml'''
 +
* '''Sims3LauncherLogFile.log'''
 +
 +
=== ScriptErrors ===
 +
Error produced by the game that were caught by one of Twallans Mods. They are not needed in the
 +
game. Delete or post at Twallan's place if they contain any info that they were caused by one of his
 +
mods.
 +
 +
=== tslus.bin ===
 +
 +
=== UserPresets.package ===
 +
Saved color and patterns that you saved in CAS or Build/ Buy Mode.
 +
 +
=== xcpt*.mdmp & xpct*.txt ===
 +
Crash logs that where written when your games crashes. You can have them analyzed with the
 +
[http://nene.modthesims.info/download.php?t=416883 Crash Log Analyzer] or just delete.
 +
 +
=== Version.tag ===
 +
Info about your the version of your game. Delete if you have troubles while patching. Should be
 +
recreated on game / launcher start.
 +
 +
== CurrentGame.sims3 ==
 +
Uncertain, what this folder is for but it only seems to have something in it if you're playing. So this
 +
might just be data used for the game you are currently playing.
 +
 +
== Custom Music ==
 +
Contains your custom music that is played on the custom music channel. Don't delete the files that
 +
are already in there for it can lead to problems with patching. If you don't want them in there, move
 +
them to some temp folder and put it back before patching.
 +
 +
== DCBackup ==
 +
Contains all package files that get unpacked when you install a sims3pack. This folder is bound to
 +
have many files if you install and try out a lot for the files in here will not get deleted when you
 +
uninstall or delete something in your launcher. The names in here are just numbers so you won't
 +
know which is which. To find out, you can open them in [http://dino.drealm.info/den/denforum/index.php?topic=189.0 s3pe] and find the picture (Type: THUM or ICON).
 +
 +
If you export a Sim/ Household / House from your game, the game only packs the stuff used that is
 +
actually in this folder. Meaning if you used a window in your house but deleted the corresponding
 +
Package file in this folder, the window will not get packed with the house. Some Downloads don't
 +
need to be used to get packed. They just do, but only if you have them in this folder.
 +
 +
Files in this folder have the extension ''.package''.
 +
 +
== DCCache ==
 +
 +
Contains all installed CC/Store that you installed through the Launcher. It may contain more then
 +
you know for there are many Sims3Packs that have lots of files getting packed with it.
 +
There are 3 different file types in this folder:
 +
* '''*.dbc''': All third party content
 +
* '''*.ebc''': Store content
 +
* '''missingdeps.idx''': Probably some kind of Cache file for it gets recreated when deleted.
 +
 +
The files are getting compressed together and unfortunately one does not know what file is in which
 +
file.
 +
 +
A first file is created the first time you installed ANY sims3pack. If it's a
 +
houses/household/Sims/Worlds the file will only be 1 kb big. No actual info is stored there.
 +
If you uninstall something, the file size does not seem to be reduced at all although the content is
 +
gone from your game.
 +
 +
The size of the files can be changed in the Default.ini in your game/bin folder. If a file reaches this
 +
value, a new one is created.
 +
 +
The content of these files is what you see in the tab ''Installed content'' in your launcher. If you
 +
delete them, ALL of your CC/Store item will be gone from your game (this does not include the
 +
houses/household/Sims/Worlds itself). Sometimes it's the best thing to do, if you have lots of
 +
corrupt stuff.
 +
 +
You can use [http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=387006 Delphy's Dashboard] to scan those files but it will only tell you, IF something faulty is installed. It can't be repaired. If there is, you will need to delete the file and reinstall all your downloads.
 +
 +
Houses/Households/Worlds and Sims are installed in different folders.
 +
 +
== Downloads ==
 +
If you install a sims3pack via the launcher, the original file will be copied into this folder.
 +
 +
If you copy them here without installing, they will
 +
not show in your game and if you delete it from here but not uninstall, they will still show in your
 +
game. This is basically just a backup and can be used for easily installing many sims3packs in one
 +
go. To do so, copy your downloaded sims3Packs in this folder, open your launcher and just check
 +
them all to install.
 +
 +
Files in this folder have the extension ''.sims3pack'' and will show in the tab ''Downloads'' in the Launcher.
 +
 +
== Exports ==
 +
 +
Everything you export from the Game (CAS or Edit Town).
 +
 +
The files in this folder shows have the extension ''.sims3pack'' and show in ''Uploads'' in the Launcher.
 +
 +
== IGACache ==
 +
 +
== InstalledWorlds ==
 +
Custom Worlds you installed like Riverview. The Town that came with the Base Game or an Add-
 +
Ons can't be found in here.
 +
 +
Files in this folder have the extension ''.world'' and show in ''Installed Content'' in the Launcher.
 +
 +
== Library ==
 +
Houses and households that you installed through your Launcher. Every house and household has
 +
it's own file. Unfortunately the names are cryptic, If additional content came with the Sims3Pack
 +
that will be installed in your DCCache files.
 +
 +
The files in this folder have the extension ''.package'' and will show in your library in game and also in ''Installed content'' in the launcher. They can be either deleted ingame or uninstalled through the launcher.
 +
 +
If you use a house or household in your game and delete the file in this folder, the house will still be
 +
in your game for it's saved with your savegame. Deleting the file will only result in the house/
 +
household not showing in the Library/Bin anymore.
 +
 +
== Mods ==
 +
Your package files. User created.
 +
 +
See [http://www.simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Installing_Sims_3_Package_Files/Setup_and_Files|Game Help:Installing Sims 3 Package Files/Setup and Files] for instructions on how to set up this folder.
 +
 +
== Recorded Videos ==
 +
Videos you recorded in your game.
 +
The Content of this folder shows in ''Uploads (Tab: Video)'' in the Launcher
 +
 +
== SavedSims ==
 +
Sims that you installed through the launcher or saved in CAS. Every Sim has it's own file.
 +
Unfortunately the names are cryptic, If additional content came with the Sims3Pack that will be
 +
installed in your DCCache files.
 +
 +
If you use a Sim in your game and delete the file in this folder, the Sims will still be in your game
 +
for it's saved with your savegame. Deleting the file will only result in the Sim not showing in CAS
 +
anymore.
 +
 +
The files in this folder have the extension ''.Sim'' and will show in CAS (premade Sims) ingame and also in ''Installed Content'' in the launcher. They can be either deleted ingame or uninstalled through the launcher.
 +
 +
Some Sims you download from other sites are NOT Sims but households (see above). If the
 +
launcher pic only shows a head, it's a Sim, if it shows the whole Sim, it's a household.
 +
 +
== Saves ==
 +
Your savegames. Back those up regularly. For every game you start there will be a separate
 +
folder. They have the name you gave the save. For every game there is also a folder called
 +
<yoursavegame>.backup. That is your second last savegame.
 +
 +
Sometimes you will also find folders
 +
called <yoursavegame>.bad. Those are usually created when you have an Error 12, 13 or 16 and
 +
should be deleted right away. You don't need to keep those.
 +
 +
== Screenshots ==
 +
Pictures taken ingame.
 +
The Content of this folder shows in ''Uploads (Tab: Screenshots)'' in the launcher.
 +
 +
== SigsCache ==
 +
Information about activities in EADM and the Store. Files will be created again, if deleted.
 +
* '''platform.bin''': Probably some info about your Computer/OS
 +
* '''igs.bin''': Login-Data for the store.
 +
 +
== Thumbnails ==
 +
Cached thumbnail pics. Saved here for faster loading the next time you start your game. If you have
 +
any trouble with strange thumbnails ingame, delete these. They will be recreated next time you start
 +
the game.
 +
 +
== WorldCaches (not Mac) ==
 +
Cache files for your installed worlds. There are no WorldCache files for worlds that came with the
 +
game and were not installed through the Launcher like Sunset Valley, Twinbrooks or Bridgeport.

Revision as of 23:46, 26 November 2010

Sims 3 Game Help Categories:

Custom Content  | Installation  | Gameplay Guides  | Technical & Graphics Issues  | Miscellaneous Issues

MTS Help Q&A Forums

Contents

Purpose of the files and folders in the User folder

This guide will explain what folders in the user folder do what. Most of these folders are not there by default. They will be created when needed.

Single files

Cache Files

Delete those when you add new CC. They will be recreated.

  • CasPartCache.package: CAS parts that appear in Create-A-Sim
  • compositorCache.package: New objects that would appear in Buy/Build mode
  • scriptCache.package: Mods or Hacks
  • simCompositorCache.package: New Sims, default skins

Options.ini

Contains your game and graphic options as set in the game. Save this file if you upgrade your drivers and put it back after the upgrade for all your settings will be lost.

Log Files

  • DeviceConfig.log
  • Sims3Logs.xml
  • Sims3LauncherLogFile.log

ScriptErrors

Error produced by the game that were caught by one of Twallans Mods. They are not needed in the game. Delete or post at Twallan's place if they contain any info that they were caused by one of his mods.

tslus.bin

UserPresets.package

Saved color and patterns that you saved in CAS or Build/ Buy Mode.

xcpt*.mdmp & xpct*.txt

Crash logs that where written when your games crashes. You can have them analyzed with the Crash Log Analyzer or just delete.

Version.tag

Info about your the version of your game. Delete if you have troubles while patching. Should be recreated on game / launcher start.

CurrentGame.sims3

Uncertain, what this folder is for but it only seems to have something in it if you're playing. So this might just be data used for the game you are currently playing.

Custom Music

Contains your custom music that is played on the custom music channel. Don't delete the files that are already in there for it can lead to problems with patching. If you don't want them in there, move them to some temp folder and put it back before patching.

DCBackup

Contains all package files that get unpacked when you install a sims3pack. This folder is bound to have many files if you install and try out a lot for the files in here will not get deleted when you uninstall or delete something in your launcher. The names in here are just numbers so you won't know which is which. To find out, you can open them in s3pe and find the picture (Type: THUM or ICON).

If you export a Sim/ Household / House from your game, the game only packs the stuff used that is actually in this folder. Meaning if you used a window in your house but deleted the corresponding Package file in this folder, the window will not get packed with the house. Some Downloads don't need to be used to get packed. They just do, but only if you have them in this folder.

Files in this folder have the extension .package.

DCCache

Contains all installed CC/Store that you installed through the Launcher. It may contain more then you know for there are many Sims3Packs that have lots of files getting packed with it. There are 3 different file types in this folder:

  • *.dbc: All third party content
  • *.ebc: Store content
  • missingdeps.idx: Probably some kind of Cache file for it gets recreated when deleted.

The files are getting compressed together and unfortunately one does not know what file is in which file.

A first file is created the first time you installed ANY sims3pack. If it's a houses/household/Sims/Worlds the file will only be 1 kb big. No actual info is stored there. If you uninstall something, the file size does not seem to be reduced at all although the content is gone from your game.

The size of the files can be changed in the Default.ini in your game/bin folder. If a file reaches this value, a new one is created.

The content of these files is what you see in the tab Installed content in your launcher. If you delete them, ALL of your CC/Store item will be gone from your game (this does not include the houses/household/Sims/Worlds itself). Sometimes it's the best thing to do, if you have lots of corrupt stuff.

You can use Delphy's Dashboard to scan those files but it will only tell you, IF something faulty is installed. It can't be repaired. If there is, you will need to delete the file and reinstall all your downloads.

Houses/Households/Worlds and Sims are installed in different folders.

Downloads

If you install a sims3pack via the launcher, the original file will be copied into this folder.

If you copy them here without installing, they will not show in your game and if you delete it from here but not uninstall, they will still show in your game. This is basically just a backup and can be used for easily installing many sims3packs in one go. To do so, copy your downloaded sims3Packs in this folder, open your launcher and just check them all to install.

Files in this folder have the extension .sims3pack and will show in the tab Downloads in the Launcher.

Exports

Everything you export from the Game (CAS or Edit Town).

The files in this folder shows have the extension .sims3pack and show in Uploads in the Launcher.

IGACache

InstalledWorlds

Custom Worlds you installed like Riverview. The Town that came with the Base Game or an Add- Ons can't be found in here.

Files in this folder have the extension .world and show in Installed Content in the Launcher.

Library

Houses and households that you installed through your Launcher. Every house and household has it's own file. Unfortunately the names are cryptic, If additional content came with the Sims3Pack that will be installed in your DCCache files.

The files in this folder have the extension .package and will show in your library in game and also in Installed content in the launcher. They can be either deleted ingame or uninstalled through the launcher.

If you use a house or household in your game and delete the file in this folder, the house will still be in your game for it's saved with your savegame. Deleting the file will only result in the house/ household not showing in the Library/Bin anymore.

Mods

Your package files. User created.

See Help:Installing Sims 3 Package Files/Setup and Files for instructions on how to set up this folder.

Recorded Videos

Videos you recorded in your game. The Content of this folder shows in Uploads (Tab: Video) in the Launcher

SavedSims

Sims that you installed through the launcher or saved in CAS. Every Sim has it's own file. Unfortunately the names are cryptic, If additional content came with the Sims3Pack that will be installed in your DCCache files.

If you use a Sim in your game and delete the file in this folder, the Sims will still be in your game for it's saved with your savegame. Deleting the file will only result in the Sim not showing in CAS anymore.

The files in this folder have the extension .Sim and will show in CAS (premade Sims) ingame and also in Installed Content in the launcher. They can be either deleted ingame or uninstalled through the launcher.

Some Sims you download from other sites are NOT Sims but households (see above). If the launcher pic only shows a head, it's a Sim, if it shows the whole Sim, it's a household.

Saves

Your savegames. Back those up regularly. For every game you start there will be a separate folder. They have the name you gave the save. For every game there is also a folder called <yoursavegame>.backup. That is your second last savegame.

Sometimes you will also find folders called <yoursavegame>.bad. Those are usually created when you have an Error 12, 13 or 16 and should be deleted right away. You don't need to keep those.

Screenshots

Pictures taken ingame. The Content of this folder shows in Uploads (Tab: Screenshots) in the launcher.

SigsCache

Information about activities in EADM and the Store. Files will be created again, if deleted.

  • platform.bin: Probably some info about your Computer/OS
  • igs.bin: Login-Data for the store.

Thumbnails

Cached thumbnail pics. Saved here for faster loading the next time you start your game. If you have any trouble with strange thumbnails ingame, delete these. They will be recreated next time you start the game.

WorldCaches (not Mac)

Cache files for your installed worlds. There are no WorldCache files for worlds that came with the game and were not installed through the Launcher like Sunset Valley, Twinbrooks or Bridgeport.

Retrieved from "http://simswiki.info/index.php?title=Game_Help:TS3_User_Folders_Explained&oldid=48543"
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