New hard drive & EPs/SPs

[mystic_one]

Ok, my computer was having problems not related to TS2. I had played TS2 for a few years with only a few EPs/SPs, then took a long break.
My computer has been fixed/upgraded, but in the process I had to back up and uninstall TS2 and EPs/SPs. Since then I have gotten a larger hard drive and several more EPs/SPs.
I want to reinstall all the new stuff and play, but I'm unsure about a few things. :help:
My backed up files were from before I got many of these new EPs/SPs. At what point should I replace my back up files?
If I replace the back ups after I've installed everything, is it going to mess with any of the new content from the new EPs?
I've searched all over this site and the net and most everyone says to just copy and paste the whole TS2 folder back in to where it had been (My Doc/EAGame/TS2... you get the point) Does that still apply in this situation? How will that affect any new content that had not been there before the new EPs?
Of course, my biggest concern is getting my neighborhoods/houses, and custom content back in the game again. I'd like to be sure I do it right so I can avoid a big hassle.
Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. :)

[simsample]

Make sure all of your games are installed and patched, and then copy over your Sims 2 folder.

Savegames are forward compatible, so they will still work with any new EPs you have.

One thing you should do though is to remove any CC/hacks that are not compatible with the new EPs, and update them. Hacks and some CC need updating with each patch/EP/Sp, so you need to remove any outdated files.

Houses and neighbourhoods should be okay, but bear in mind that any outdated CC you remove will be missing from those if you remove it.

[Peni Griffin]

Having just done all this, I strongly recommend that you install each EP and SP, patch, and test it before adding the next; that way, if a problem occurs, you'll know right away and it won't be such a huge pain to troubleshoot. Then copy your downloads and saved games, along with any necessary upgrades, and test them, making sure you retain an untouched copy in a safe location in case anything does blow up.

The testing period should also allow you to playtest any EPs you haven't played before, and find out if you like them. If you really, really hate Pets or something, uninstalling it would still leave Cyd Roseland, Porthose, and the Critturs in your family bin, and you couldn't delete them without borking your hood.