University objects disappearing

[Spetnaz]

I've removed all of my downloads, reinstalled the game, updated with the latest patch, and even replaced the objects.dbpf file, but my problem persists. All of the objects that come in University show up in Buy Mode, but when they are placed in the lot they are invisible and Sims cannot interact with them. (it still charges me for the object) I searched a while on here for the solution to this, but I couldn't find anything that specifically fixes my problem. I know that it isn't a video card problem because my card is a common PCI card and is completely updated. Help would be highly appreciated.

[julianarosalia]

Start by backing up your game somewhere safe then go through all the steps in this faq: http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?t=139718 Please let us know how it goes.

[Spetnaz]

Thanks, but that's the first thing I tried. I ended up reinstalling the entire three games and the problem just re-emerged.

[julianarosalia]

Have you tried different drivers for your graphics card? http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?t=146389

[Spetnaz]

Well, I have a ATI Radeon 9250, and I updated the ATI driver today. But if it were the video card, wouldn't you think the Sims would be able to operate the objects, just not see them? My problem is that they are invisible and don't even take up space on the floor when I place them. It's as if they don't exist. And this only happens to objects from University, like the Guitar and Knee Fridge and stuff.

[raynedanser]

Spetnaz, did yu figure out anything yet? Following htat link didn't do anything for me. I've reinstalled (previously) as well and it still recurs. And my graphics card (Nvidia) is also up to date.

[Spetnaz]

Not yet. And I reinstalled the Sims 2 and when I tried to reinstall University, it said files were corrupted and that I needed to reinstall the Sims 2, even though I just did that! Agh!

[Spetnaz]

Oh, also, I'm installing my games on an external hard drive, so that may have something to do with it. But it hasn't failed before...

[simsample]

Do you have USB2?

[raynedanser]

Oh, also, I'm installing my games on an external hard drive, so that may have something to do with it. But it hasn't failed before...

Mine is also installed on an external drive (USB2), BUT it was doing this before the last reinstall - which was on an internal with PLENTY of storage space. Actually, my internal and external have more than enough room.

[Spetnaz]

Yeah, it's USB2. I think I may have fixed the corrupted files problem. It seems that the Sims didn't remove a few folders from my external drive and the University CD couldn't reinstall with them already there.

But there still lies the mystery of the disappearing objects...

[simsample]

This definitely sounds like install/ file copying problems- I'd suggest reinstalling the affected EPs again (don't forget to delete the reg keys).
Spetnaz, are you running from an original disc or a copy?

[Spetnaz]

Im running from the original CDs, and thanks for the suggestion, reinstalling the EPs a second time one after the other fixed it. My guess is that the object packages for the University furniture got corrupted by the Nightlife install. I wish Maxis (or EA) would make these new EPs more compatible with each other. But anyways, thanks everyone for the help, I really appreciate it.

[simsample]

Glad you got it working, Spetnaz. Well done! raynedanser, have you had any luck yet?

[raynedanser]

I have had no luck. And now? I even have NL objects that have disappeared - driveways (no, they arent just invisible - Maxis ones are gone), garage doors, the photobooth and a set of counters. I'm trying to avoid reloading the game (which only has worked temporarily in the past anyway). I think it's an object conflict, if I can just figure out how to tell which. (pulling out my whole downloads folder and slowly readding things is an option, I guess)

Any other suggestions?

[julianarosalia]

If you use Simsamples 50% method of sorting through files, then you should be able to find the conflicting file: http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?t=139702

[Spetnaz]

For me it was that the expansion packs didn't agree with each other. Do you have any of the newer EPs? Because that might be what is conflicting with the Nightlife objects. Even though its a huge pain, you might have to end up biting the bullet and reinstalling, and then checking all of your downloads; or at least that's my suggestion. Sure hope you get it working, though.

[raynedanser]

For me it was that the expansion packs didn't agree with each other. Do you have any of the newer EPs? Because that might be what is conflicting with the Nightlife objects. Even though its a huge pain, you might have to end up biting the bullet and reinstalling, and then checking all of your downloads; or at least that's my suggestion. Sure hope you get it working, though.

The only EP's I have are Uni, NL and Pets. Most of the "missing" objects aren't that big a deal, but it owuld be nice to have garages and driveways again (I discovered that if I place a car on an "invisible" driveway, the car disappears too).

I'm off to look through the files, dig around some more. *sigh*

Also, if it's because of the newer EP's conflicting, shouldn't Maxi eventually end up with a patch for this?

[simsample]

The expansion packs don't conflict with each other- the problem here either has to be with custom content, user configuration or faulty install. I have all of the EPs and they work just fine on my computer! raynedanser, have you performed a complete clean install:
http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?t=139059
Also, have you fully patched the game? You should install the patch for the base game and each EP/ SP you have:
http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?p=1110067

[raynedanser]

The expansion packs don't conflict with each other- the problem here either has to be with custom content, user configuration or faulty install. I have all of the EPs and they work just fine on my computer! raynedanser, have you performed a complete clean install:
http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?t=139059
Also, have you fully patched the game? You should install the patch for the base game and each EP/ SP you have:
http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?p=1110067

I've eliminated the fact that it's a downloaded object. My download folder is empty and it's still doing it. Or not, as the case may be. I thought I'd patched everything, but now I'm not so sure, so I'm going to check those next. ;-)

(and yes, I'd done a clean install before this latest installation)

ETA:
It won't let me install the patch (I'm going to try again) for NL because I have Pets installed. I think what I am going to do, since I know it isn't a download, is clean up and organize that folder and wait and see what happens when Maxi releases the patch. If THAT doesn't work, then I'll reinstall.

BUT. Is there any chance it's the object.package file that's gotten corrupted?