When I have reinstalled, there are a few "extras" to add in with my downloads to get the play quality I prefer.
I think it's a good idea to list these, so that I will easily be able to find them again; if you reinstall regularly you may like to do the same.
"C:\Program Files (x86)\EA GAMES\The Sims 2\TSBin\Sims2.exe" -w
substitute whatever path your game uses for the main exe. The important part here is the -w.
Find the file:
C:/Program Files/EA GAMES/The Sims 2/TSData/Res/Config/Graphics Rules.sgr
… and make a copy of it under a different name as a backup (I called it Graphics Rulesold.sgr)
Now edit the original file and use Edit/Find to locate the section which begins:
“option ScreenModeResolution”
You will see settings for Low, Medium, and High. Copy the medium settings and paste them over the low settings to allow the game to start at 1024×768 resolution or better.
Save and exit and then start the game to check it works.
You will need to do this for EACH EP you have installed.
| Sims Compressorizer - get it here | This program shrinks downloads. DO NOT use with Delphy's Download Organiser or SimWardrobe's Sim Categorizer! |
| Sims2Pack Clean Installer - get it here | Essential checker for Sims 2 downloads. |
| http://www.simwardrobe.com/ | Sims 2 Hack Conflict Detection Utility |
| Snappledude's Camera Mod | Camera mod so I can see the whole Neighbourhood. |
| http://sims2pack.modthesims2.com/ | Sims 2 Clean Installer is for checking your downloads don't conflict and has to be reinstalled after you have reinstalled all your EPs. |
| http://sims.ambertation.de/en/download/ | Latest version of SimPE - necessary if you want to MAKE recolours or do fancy editing of Sims etc. |
| http://sims.ambertation.de/en/cep/ | Colour Enhancer Program - vital if you want to use recolours |
| Delphy's Downloads Organiser | |
| http://www.sims2programs.com/ | Sims 2 Enhancer (pay but worth the money) Simple, user-friendly editing of Sims. |
| http://thesims2.ea.com/getcoolstuff/homecrafter.php | Sims 2 Homecrafter Plus |
| No-CD patch | If the link doesn't work, Google for it - but use a trusted site. |
- and I make a folder in my startup group with all my Sims 2 utilities shortcuts together so they are easy to find. (Windows)
My Essential Hacks for Sims 2 (ALL EPs)
| SimSky's See Them | Removes blur, enables 45degree placement | http://simsky.parsimonious.org/ |
| many of Pescado's hacks for Sims 2 | More Awesome Than You | |
| CEP | Allows recolouring of base game objects (and allows you to see them if you don't recolour yourself!) | |