After I uninstalled EP4, Some of EP3 is missing in my registry....

[xjessxjessx]

Hey & thanks in advance for even reading & trying to help. I have a MAJOR issue (as I'm sure everyone does, rofl) with EP4. I've recently uninstalled EP4 due to...*ahem* bugs only to notice that it wiped out some of EP3 with it (or so I assume that's the culprit).

At first, my game wouldn't load, so I (backed everything up first, then) un/reinstalled the stuff packs, as they were the last games loaded on my machine.

Since that didn't work, I decided to un/reinstall everything, including the base game. Well, it turns out I don't have the key anymore for my EP3 (in fact I have everything BUT that, the CD, Case, etc...grr!) so I went to retreive it from my registry (don't worry, I kinda sorta know what I'm doing) and I found this :blink: :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v42/xjessxjessx/NOOFBreg.jpg

The keys are there for every EP/SP except OFB!!!! Double yew tee eff?! Obviously, the game is/has been installed because it's under EA GAMES in the registry and I have the folder in program files. So...why is my serial missing? WHY?!?!?!?!?! :cry: (lol sorry for the dramatic 'why' - I just had to)

The only cause for this that I can think of is the uninstallation of EP4. I am NOT asking for a key (that is illegal) but I'm just asking if anyone has seen this or if anyone knows what I can do *besides* contact EA & send them a letter and whatnot.

:faceslap: Why did I even bother with EP4 yet? :(

edit::
Oh I forgot to mention, I didn't register w/ EA either!!! That's one of the first places I went after I couldn't find it in my registry.... :faceslap:

[julianarosalia]

Did you register the EP with EA? If so, you can get your registry key from them. http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?t=176239

[xjessxjessx]

Did you register the EP with EA? If so, you can get your registry key from them. http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?t=176239


Oh I forgot to mention, I didn't register w/ EA either!!! That's one of the first places I went after I couldn't find it in my registry.... :faceslap:

I always preach to have backups, register, keep keys in a txt file... and what do I do?! Not do any for myself.... :/

Thanks though! :(


-- I'll edit my topic to include that fact, thanks!

[simsample]

On your picture it seems as though you are looking in the wrong place:
Click the little + sign next to where it says HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
Click the little + sign next to where it says SOFTWARE
Click the little + sign next to where it says ELECTRONIC ARTS
Click the little + sign next to where it says EA GAMES
Click the little + sign next to where it says THE SIMS 2
Click the little + sign next to where it says ERGC
You need to look in Software>Electronic arts> EA Games, not Software> EAGames> The Sims xxx.

[xjessxjessx]

On your picture it seems as though you are looking in the wrong place:

You need to look in Software>Electronic arts> EA Games, not Software> EAGames> The Sims xxx.

Well, that's the funny thing... OFB IS under Software> EAGames> , but not under Software>Electronic arts> EA Games (see red arrow in picture with label "NO OFB?!" - the red circle is there to show you that EP3 is under EA GAMES, but not Electronic Arts). I was able to retreive every CD-Key EXCEPT EP3. :( It's like a whole registry folder got deleted or something... :blink:

[simsample]

Yup, definitely sounds like the game messed up- the installer seems to have removed two sets of reg keys. Your only option would be to repurchase the EP, as if you didn't register the game and have no record of the key, there is nothing else you can really do.

[xjessxjessx]

Yup, definitely sounds like the game messed up- the installer seems to have removed two sets of reg keys. Your only option would be to repurchase the EP, as if you didn't register the game and have no record of the key, there is nothing else you can really do.

That's what I was afraid of. :(

Thanks for your time, though! :D

I've said it before & I'll say it again... EP4 is dead to me! (until further notice...) *shakes fist*

[xjessxjessx]

I found this on EA, which... if I can just play on EP2 for a while and wait, might possibly be worth while:

Lost or Missing Serial Replacement:
If you meet one of the following criteria, you can send a request along with a nominal fee to Electronic Arts for a replacement serial number.

* The product is 90 days past the purchase date
* The original serial number has been discarded or lost

When sending a request for a replacement serial number, please include the following:

* A money order for $10.00 USD (per serial number requested) made payable to Electronic Arts.
* The proof of purchase page from your manual (If you no longer have the manual, include one of the game disks as verification of ownership.
o Note: If sending a disk as verification, please send it using a traceable method as Electronic Arts is not responsible for products not in its possession.
Explanation of the situation
* First and Last Name
* Return Address
* E-mail Address
* Phone Number

Mailing Address:
Electronic Arts Customer Warranty
209 Redwood Shores Pkwy
Redwood City, CA 94065

Although... by the time it's all said & done... maybe my sanity is worth the extra 10 bucks. After shipping & all that it will easily be $20 because you bet your butt I'd be sending it via a traceable method. :lol:

[simsample]

Wow, I forgot all about that part of the warranty xjessxjessx- it is only available to North America though, in case anyone else is reading this. In fact I link to it on my FAQ:
http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?p=1322645
The 'contact EA' bit at the bottom. Please let us know how you get on! Good luck.

[xjessxjessx]

Well, I was able to get my game to load without having to reinstall OFB. So for now, the issue is resolved... theoretically. Since the installation registry directory for OFB was fine (only the cd-key part is missing), I figured there technically shouldn't be anythnig wrong with the game itself running. So I uninstalled both stuff packs, then went in and manually replaced data files from the OFB CD-ROM to my OFB Program Files directory (just in case some them were damaged from when EP4 ravaged my machine). That way, I didn't *technically* un/reinstall OFB, I just sort of "refreshed" it. Then I ran OFB, it went smoothly. I then installed both stuff packs again and they work fine too.

I do however plan on buying a new laptop soon, so I will need the OFB CD-Key sometime. That's why I even bothered re-installing the stuff packs. That way, I need a GL CD to run my game, while I send my OFB cd off to EA so they can give me a code. I know they're going to take their time with it ( :wtf: ), but it's okay now. :D

[xjessxjessx]

OH MY GOSH I'M A RETARD.... BUT IN A GOOD WAY.

I just found this little chicken-scratch note in my laptop bag that has my OFB CD-Key on it! Mwuahaha.

:D :D :D :D

*registers @ EA*

I'm about to fall out of my chair I'm smiling and giggling uncontrollably.

Man, after all that trouble I the CD-Key all along. :faceslap:

P.S. Thank you so much everyone for your time. :lovestruc

[simsample]

Get yourself some indelible ink fibre tip pens and write the codes on the discs too! Glad you got it sorted.