How to download and install The Sims 2 All in One (also known as The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection), even if you lost the sale on Origin!
The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection, also known as The Sims 2 All in One or as The Sims 2 Complete Collection is a version of the game that people still want, but which isn't available on Origin anymore for you to download and install. Thankfully, if you are a Premium Subscriber, you will see the instructions below on how to Download and Install it right now! If you aren't a Premium Subscriber yet, subscribe HERE to have access to it right now! 🥰
Troubleshooting
"This app has been blocked for your protection" Error When Trying to Install
![The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection [The Sims 2 All in One] - The Sim Architect](https://thesimarchitect.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screenshot_325.jpg "The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection [The Sims 2 All in One] - The Sim Architect")
If you get the dreadful error above, which means Windows User Account Control blocked your from running/installing the program even if you're running as administrator (in my case, on Windows 10 Enterprise), you should run secpol.msc (Windows Key + R to open the dialog box below). If you don't have secpool.msc because you're running Windows Home and not Enterprise or Professional Editions, you may be able to install it by following THIS TUTORIAL [External Link]
![The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection [The Sims 2 All in One] - The Sim Architect](https://thesimarchitect.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screenshot_326.jpg "The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection [The Sims 2 All in One] - The Sim Architect")
Then, you will open the "Security Options" portrayed below and change "User Account: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode" to Disabled:
![The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection [The Sims 2 All in One] - The Sim Architect](https://thesimarchitect.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screenshot_402-1.jpg "The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection [The Sims 2 All in One] - The Sim Architect")
Next, you'll change "Accounts: Administrator account status" to Enabled (optional, I think the step above is enough, try it first and try the one below only if necessary):
![The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection [The Sims 2 All in One] - The Sim Architect](https://thesimarchitect.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screenshot_327-1.jpg "The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection [The Sims 2 All in One] - The Sim Architect")
⚠ Restart your computer (even if you didn't enable the administrator account in the image above, because the secpol.msc policies won't be applied before you restart). Then try to install the game again. 😇
DirectX 9.0
If you need Direct X 9 you can download it HERE
Hi! It’s my first time coming back to Sims 2 for a while, and I’ve run into an issue. I installed everything correctly and launched the game using the Sims 2 Mansion and Garden Stuff icon on my Desktop and through the Sims2EP9 application in the correct folder, but when I try launching, my screen just goes black for a couple seconds then widens, almost like the application is running but there is no visual? I can hear the music and my mouse even changes to the Sims 2 mouse, but I just can’t see the game. Has anyone else run into this issue?
Hi! Try running it windowed.
You might like this quick tutorial I just put together with information I found around (I didn’t test it yet sorry):
https://thesimarchitect.com/how-to-run-the-sims-2-in-windowed-mode/
This might sound weird, but I checked the Graphics Rules srg file in the Config folder like it said to, and there isn’t even a Windowed Mode section that I can find? I even used Ctrl+F to search for it in case I was missing it, but it’s not there.
I couldn’t find either, really funny!
It seems we can change the shortcut to do what we need, please try, since I don’t have the game installed properly and working here, as I am working on a new release for the future that will have a different installer etc.
https://thesimarchitect.com/how-to-run-the-sims-2-in-windowed-mode/
I was able to make the game windowed using this method. When I start the game now, I can see the window where the game should be, but the window is entirely white. The bar is at the top where it shows Sims 2 Mansion and Garden Stuff, so it seems like it’s loading, there’s just still no visual. This is so odd to me because the last time I downloaded the Sims 2 using your Ultimate Collection (onto a different computer), I didn’t have this problem at all.
Thanks! I assume there’s some sort of incompatibility between your graphics card and the game. Please check the configuration file I mentioned in that tutorial for places you might need to modify to make the game compatible.
What should I be looking for? I don’t really understand the Config file or what would need changed.
It seems you need graphics rules that are compatible with your video card: http://www.leefish.nl/mybb/showthread.php?tid=8156
I tried this method but it did not work.
You need to find a specific method for your video card, I guess. Something is incompatible. Probably V-Sync etc.
What’s your video card model? Are you selecting the discrete or the on board when playing?
How’s it it going? Did you figure it out? Otherwise please let me know the video card(s) you have so I can try to research further. 😇
Hi again, I just had a quick question about The Sims 2. After everything has been downloaded and the game launched, are we able to go in and remove expansions we may not want? For example, I have issues with freezing/lagging when the game is running so I wanted to try uninstalling the Seasons and possibly Pets expansions as I know those in particular can cause lag issues.
I know we can do it with The Sims 3, but just wanted to check if it was also acceptable with The Sims 2 or if it would mean the game no longer works. If we can remove expansions (Minus the Mansion & Garden Stuff which is necessary to run, obviously), do we do it the same way as we would The Sims 3 and follow the instructions listed in The Sims 3 section about uninstalling expansions?
If we can’t remove expansions- Do you have any suggestions for things that may help lag/freezing issues? Thank you!
I think you can do it as long as you keep the newest expansion installed (last one in the list). Same with Sims 3, you have to keep at least Into the Future. To uninstall you use the Control Panel.
Hi! I’ve been trying to install the sims 2 using your directions but for some reason it won’t let me install some of the packs, it will say, unable to update. If I try to just use the base game and the mansion pack, it tells me I have the incorrect disc inserted and if I try to run from the application in the crack folder, it says i need directx 9 which I have tried installing multiple times. Not sure what I’m doing wrong, any input would help! Thanks
Trying installing one of the packs from the bottom of the list, then try the pack that’s causing you problems again. I think that might do the trick.
On the DirectX issue, maybe this helps:
So I am was able to install all of the packs but when I open the icon for mansion and garden, I get an error that says wrong disc inserted. Please insert the original “The Sims 3 Mansion and Garden Stuff” CD/DVD. I also cannot open through the patch application because it is still asking me for direct x 9 even though I’ve updated all my drivers, tried installing it, everything.
Hi! Are you mounting the iso or are you opening it with WinRAR or something similar? You need to mount it to use it.
About DirectX 9: https://thesimarchitect.com/the-sims-2-ultimate-collection-the-sims-2-all-in-one/#:~:text=the%20game%20again.%20%F0%9F%98%87-,DirectX%209.0,-If%20you%20need
So I right click the folder and the first option on top that says mount is what I click and then it is like a CD in my disc drive. Is there a different way to do that? It’s like on Drive E: or something like that. And I have tried installing direct x 9 through that link but I am still getting the error. I also have tried updating drivers and everything in between and nothing seems to make the error go away. I’m so at a loss I have no idea why my computer hates me lol
No, this is correct.
It’s tricky, that is all.
You can ignore DirectX errors when installing if you used the one from Microsoft (I assume you are using Windows 11 or 10).
I’ll continue talking to you via email, easier and faster. 😇
hi why its so difficult to download the installer
Hi! What do you mean? I just woke up and invitations are sent manually (I just invited you, by the way).
The Sims 2 is quite difficult to install, if you meant that. I have a new installer for it on my “to do” list but since there’s low demand it’s not a priority, sorry.
Hi! sorry for that’s question, but I don’t really know how to copy this file to the folder where I installed the game
Hi! I don’t know what you mean. You’re supposed to follow the instructions above to install the game.