Sims 3 and the Windows Registry
What is the registry ?
The Registry is a database which is needed by Windows to manage your configuration of your operating system and the installed programs. When you install a program, the installation routine will write all necessary entries to the registry.
If you uninstall a program, the reference should be deleted but that’s most often not the case. Because of this, you will find various programs around the net – like CCleaner or RevoUninstaller that help you clean out your registry.
What to consider
Incorrect changes in the registry can lead to programs or even windows not working properly anymore. Because of this always back it up before making any changes. This goes for manual clean-ups as well as when you use a program. If you don’t feel computer savy enough, do not change anything in the registry manually.
Sims is notorious for leaving entries behind. Because of this, it’s vital that you clean out those keys. You can do this manually or with the above mentioned programs.
How do I start the Registry editor.
The registry editor is an application that comes with windows and is called regedit.exe.
Follow these instructions to start it:
- Click on Start
- Choose RUN from the start menu
- Type regedit in the box
- Click on OK.
- Click on Start
- Type regedit where it says Search Program and Files
- Click on the programm regedit.exe in the list
- Change to the tiled user interface (not the desktop)
- Start typing regedit and choose the program from the list to start.
How do I backup the Registry ?
You backup the registry by exporting the content to a file.
Choose File – Export from the menu and save it to a safe place.
To recover a backup, choose Import.
How to navigate Windows Registry
The registry window is divided into two parts. On the left hand side, you’ll see a tree structure and you’ll see the keys and their values of the chosen key on the right hand side.
To navigate the tree, click on the white (expand) or the black (reduce) triangles.
Where can I find the Sims 3 registry keys ?
The Sims 3 are scattered around the registry and depending on what you want to do, you need to use one or the other.
A complete list can be found in the MTS Wiki: Game Help:TS3 Uninstall.
If you have the download or the newer base game version you’ll find them in Origin_Games instead of ElectronicArts.
