Since EA won't help :fight: I post my question here and hope it'll catch the eye of some really clever person:

University will not install. While "updating the previous installation", as I get to the PackageInstaller.exe part I get an error message ("an error occured during the installation of the update"), and everything is automatically uninstalled. I get the same error message if I try to install the official patch (available at www.sims2.com).

I have removed all custom content, uninstalled any third-party software related to TS2, deleted all TS2 folders, removed all references to the game from the registry, emptied the C:\Program\Windows\Temp folder, renamed the InstallShield folder, rebooted the computer, closed all background applications, reinstalled TS2, rebooted again, and still I can't install neither the patch nor the expansion.

What to do now? Is the problem perhaps a faulty TS2 disc 4?

FYI I use an Athlon XP1700 running XP Home Swedish version, with 512 Mb memory, about 200 Gb or so of empty hard drive space, and a Geforce 2MX 32 Mb video card. I prefer having TS2 installed on my F: drive, but I have tried installing it to C: as well - to no avail.

I hope you'll be able to help me with this problem, as I am all out of ideas what to do.

/Inga

It sounds simple but may work, clean your cd rom. I had to reinstall recently with the same problem. It worked.

.. but billy, karlik-nos says that it was the same problem even after using just the patch, which .. doesnt come on the cd-rom.

And i'm a little lost on that one, .. you said that it could be a faulty ts2 disk 4 ? .. but .. didnt it complete installation to get to the point where it was patching?

The problem arises when the game is updating from disc 4, so billyd1000's idea isn't bad at all. Unfortunately cleaning the disc doesn't solve the problem, I tried...

I'm looking it up right now, will report back if I find similar problems

Does this sound familiar?

http://www.sims2techguide.net/article.php?p=20
http://eagames.custhelp.com/cgi-bin...li=&p_topview=1


EA suggests that you use their steps to completely uninstall the game, the truth be told is that EA had two patchs done before university was released and it is currently trying to update them but its not registering the correct info via the registry values.

Another set of people think that some of the installation files created are still left in your temporary folder during installation so it considers them at risk and stops the continuation of the update.

However, everyone agree's that if you follow the EA steps to remove the entire installation and start over, .. applying the EA downloadable patch before university fixes the situation.


Taken from the tech section of the sims 2 support website:

EA Games Manual Uninstall

To manually uninstall this game you will need to edit your system registry and remove the folders in a two part process. This will remove all traces of the game from your system.

Remember that editing your computers registry or files incorrectly can severely damage your operating system. We recommend having a computer professional perform these steps. If you are confident, however, that you can edit your registry successfully, then please follow the instructions below carefully. To remove all of the game folders:

Open your My Documents folder.
Open the EA Games folder.
Right-click on The Sims 2 folder and choose Delete.
A Confirm Folder Delete window will appear, choose Yes.
When the folder is finished deleting, close the window.
Open My Computer.
Open your harddrive (by default this is C.
Open the Program Files folder.
Open the EA Games folder.
Right-click on The Sims 2 University folder and choose Delete.
A Confirm Folder Delete window will appear, choose Yes.
When the folder is finished deleting, close the window.
Right-click on your Recycle Bin and choose Empty Recycle Bin.

Now you can remove the registry keys for the game.

Click on Start and then click on Run...
In the text line type regedit, then click OK.
Click on File and then Export...
Choose a location and name for the file (this will be your backup registry file).
Click Save.

The next steps will all be performed in the left pane of the Registry Editor window.

Click on the + next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Click on the + next to SOFTWARE
Click on the + next to EA GAMES
Right-click on The Sims 2 University folder and choose Delete.
A Confirm Key Delete window will appear, choose Yes.
Click on the + next to Electronic Arts
Click on the + next to EA GAMES
Right-click on The Sims 2 University and choose Delete.
A Confirm Key Delete window will appear, choose Yes.
Click on the + next to Microsoft.
Click on the + next to Windows.
Click on the + next to Current Version.
Click on the + next to Uninstall.
Right-click on the the Key named {8FD3F4BA-A4A6-4380-00A6-CC6853AB2DC2} and choose Delete.A Confirm Key Delete window will appear, choose Yes.
The Sims 2 University has now been completely removed from your system. You may reinstall or continue with the uninstallation of The Sims 2 base program at this time.

Thanks, ANY help is much appreciated!

Thanks for trying, Frumph! However, I've already done that. In my case the registry key was different (beginning with a 6, I think) - probably due to my running a European version (?) - but that should hardly matter.

I had the exact same problem. Are you re-installing university? If you are go to
- My Computer
- Click Local Disk (The C: drive)
- Click Program Files
- Click EA Games
- Delete the Sims 2 university file.

Try installing then. If you are installing for the first time, I can't help you sorry.

Something to keep in mind, if you're going to try installing the patches before installing University, both patches have to be installed. Installing only one will give the error you mentioned.

I am looking for help with this same issue... I have done everything that is listed below, and everything that is listed/suggested... what do you do if nothing else works?

Thanks