Game Help:Making your Objects.package file Read-Only

Introduction

The Sims 2 uses several important files when executing the game for it's users. One of such files is called the objects.package. This file contains many items used by the game to create your Sim's world. Such items include:

• Buy Mode (Catalog) objects
• Build Mode (Construction) objects
• NPC Sims & Templates
• Genetics (Hairs, Eyes, Skin Tone, etc.)
• Career files
• Clothing & Accessories
• Tokens
• Social Interactions
• User Interface Designs

AND more.

These items are accessed by the game when needed, whether it would be for placing objects on your lot, creating new Sims, etc. Sometimes the game calls upon certain special objects (namely NPCs) in the file to play in your Sim's world temporarily, such as the Grim Reaper coming to take away a deceased Sim. The file also contains some incomplete objects that the game doesn't use nor access. This article will briefly explain the importance of protecting your objects.package file, & how to do so in the various operating systems that can play The Sims 2.

Importance of the objects.package files

The Sims 2 is a game that contains numerous bugs & glitches, with many actions that can corrupt your game. EA/Maxis has not fixed the actions described in the following article on how to Avoid Neighborhood Corruption.

The objects.package file is accessed by the game & shared by all neighborhoods. One issue from game corruption stems from any modification made to this file while playing your game or doing any saved changes to it via SimPE. Whereas many actions can cause corruption to your current neighborhood's associated folder, some specific actions can cause corruption to your entire game's installation files. Changes made to the objects.package can be irreversible & will effect current and future neighborhoods being played or created.

Solutions to avoid changes to the objects.package file include:

• Setting each of your game's installations folder's objects.package files to Read-Only (Unmodifiable) status.
• By retaining backup copies of each folder's objects.package file.

By setting each of the objects.package files to read-only, you ensure that all neighborhoods that share this file will be treated with the same information, without anything modified to change future playings. Specifically, you will ensure that no custom data created for one neighborhood will effect data in your other neighborhoods due to any sharing done via the objects.package file. Protecting the file is not the only thing needed to prevent corruption of your neighborhood or game installations. Other preventative actions should be taken, as described in the article about Avoid Neighborhood Corruption.

Note that using modifications or hacks by skilled programmers, after setting your objects.package file to read-only, are not meant to change the game's installation files. Rather, those modifications are meant to temporarily override (or temporarily compliment) the commands given by the game during playings. Such hacks can benefit players & some are highly recommended to prevent neighborhood corruption.

Backing up your game's objects.package file

These files are located, most typically, in the directories of the following operating systems as found on a US English game setup. You may wish to make a backup of each folder for future reference, in case any of these files do get corrupt.

• Windows (32-bit operating systems)

The Sims 2 (Base Game)

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 University

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 University\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 Nightlife

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Nightlife\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 Open For Business

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Open For Business\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 Family Fun Stuff

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Family Fun Stuff\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 Glamour Life Stuff

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Glamour Life Stuff\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 Pets

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Pets\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 Seasons

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Seasons\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 Celebration! Stuff

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Celebration! Stuff\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 H&M® Fashion Stuff

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 H&M® Fashion Stuff\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 Bon Voyage

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Bon Voyage\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 FreeTime

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 FreeTime\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 The Sims 2 IKEA® Home Stuff

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 IKEA® Home Stuff\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 Apartment Life

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Apartment Life\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

The Sims 2 Mansion and Garden Stuff

C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Mansion and Garden Stuff\TSData\Res\Objects\objects.package

• Windows (64-bit operating systems)

All C:\Program Files\... directories above are to be renamed C:\Program Files (x86)\...

Setting the objects.package file to Read-only status

The following are steps to set your files to Read-Only status. It is recommended to log in as an Administrator (or a User with high-level authorities) to make sure you can modify the status of the files.

• Windows XP

Step 1: Find the objects.package file in the chosen directory.

Step 2: Right-click the file, and choose Properties.

Step 3: Choose the General tab in the window (if not already chosen).

Step 4: Find the section on Attributes on the bottom of the window.

Step 5: Click the white box to select the Read-only option.

Step 6: Verify that the Read-only option is selected with a solid black check-mark.

Step 7: Click OK.

The window will close and the objects.package file will be safe from modification. It is recommended to review the file again by choosing Properties & verifying that the Read-only status remains check-marked in the box.

Disclaimer

This article is a work-in-progress. Basic information has been written here. More information is requested to be added in the future.