How To Recover Saves - PC Only Guide

Yay i got it working

thank you, Nichaedemus

Hi Shadow,

I have followed your instructions and it still hasnt worked I have deleted all my copies of the Sims 3 Folder. And it still isn't working. Im so annoyed as i have never had any trouble with the game before. Can you help me please Shadow. Thank you.

Can you tell us what files are contained in your Saves folder? To clarify, this folder is located in MyDocuments/Electronic Arts/The Sims 3.

Nichaedemus wrote:Can you tell us what files are contained in your Saves folder? To clarify, this folder is located in MyDocuments/Electronic Arts/The Sims 3.

Just a list of saved games all with back up files apart from the one i deleted and renamed SunsetValley.sims3 which hasnt got a backup even though i went back on sims 3 and it didnt work The game didnt create a back up file.

So just a list of saved games all with back up files apart from the one i deleted and renamed like the instructions said.

I have no .bad files.

If the file "SunsetValley.sims3" was renamed from "SunsetValley.bad" that save game will never work again. And since there was no actual backup created for that specific save file, you will have to start all over I am sorry to say.

Any save file that ends with a .bad extension is considered irrevocably damaged and should be deleted at once. This policy also applies to save files ending in .sims3 and fail to load up in the game. For save games that end with .backup, rename those file extensions back to .sim3 and they should work with the game once more.

It is important to note that save files created in the latest version of the game will not work with previous game versions (1.0, 1.2, 1.3 etc.). You will either have to update your game back to the correct version or start a brand new game.

A good practice to get into is to make regular manual backups of your save files because, apparently, the game does not always create automatic recovery files as it should. It is highly recommended that you use descriptive names to tell your save files apart. Finally, do avoid using spaces or odd characters when naming your save games.

Nichaedemus wrote:If the file "SunsetValley.sims3" was renamed from "SunsetValley.bad" that save game will never work again. And since there was no actual backup created for that specific save file, you will have to start all over I am sorry to say.

Any save file that ends with a .bad extension is considered irrevocably damaged and should be deleted at once. This policy also applies to save files ending in .sims3 and fail to load up in the game. For save games that end with .backup, rename those file extensions back to .sim3 and they should work with the game once more.

It is important to note that save files created in the latest version of the game will not work with previous game versions (1.0, 1.2, 1.3 etc.). You will either have to update your game back to the correct version or start a brand new game.

A good practice to get into is to make regular manual backups of your save files because, apparently, the game does not always create automatic recovery files as it should. It is highly recommended that you use descriptive names to tell your save files apart. Finally, do avoid using spaces or odd characters when naming your save games.

No I did have a back up for sunset valley but i renamed it to SunsetValley.sims3 like the instructions said and then deleted the oringal SunsetValley.sims3. I never renamed a .bad file as i never had one. So what do i do?

For furture note how do i manally back up files.

P.S My game is updated to the lastest verison.

Pp.s If i have to start over how do i get my installed content back?

Thankyou for you help.

If the restored backup still does not work, it means it too is corrupted and should be deleted. To create manual backups of your save games, please refer to the following EA Support article:

How do I back up my saved games?
http://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_a
dp.php?p_faqid=22753

Content that has been obtained from the EA Store or the Exchange are stored in a folder called Downloads which you will also want to keep a backup of.

I am confused....

I thought Shad was banned, so why is his HELPFUL thread still up? He told me what happend and I am still wondering why you banned one of the most helpful simmers in this community for referring someone to GOGLE!

Thats just rude! Kind of reminds me of the rest of the good simmers banned for no reason! Ugh!

Bring em' back!

Moments ago I was facing the same issue as forummers below:-

theworldamishap4 wrote:okay, so i deleted the actual file now i ONLY have the backup file, but no matter wat i dooo it remains the BACKUP File.
it does not say Riverview.sims3.backup it says Riverview.sims3 type: BACKUP File
i cannpt change the word backup i tried changing the name to Riverview.sims3.backup and then deleting .backup but it did not work it is still the BACKUP not the actual file
i no i mustt sound verry annoying but i REALLY want this family back i am sooooooo srryyy it just wont change from the backup to the actual file if there is nooo hope just tell me nd ill givee up kay?? i am veryyyyyyyyyy veryyyyy veryyyyy srrry nd thnx again

cbgluvmcr wrote:Please help if u can. I understand how to change the file name on my backup file that's not the problem.
My problem is that even if i change the name on the file the file TYPE still says BACKUP.
Is there any ways to change the file TYPE?

I browsed through the entire thread & there wasn't a solution for this type, so I extended my searches & found an answer.
Perhaps the next neurotic simmer could seek "solace" with the following:-

> Open the Windows Start Menu, select "Run"
> Type in the word: 'explorer' (without the quotes)
> Hit "Enter" then a new MyDocuments would appear
> Under that page, click on "Tools" & select the "Folder Options"
> Now, select the "View" tab
> Deselect the option box that says: "Hide File Extensions for Known File Types"

Tadah!
You should now be able to see the file as xxx.sims3.backup instead of previous (Name of File: xxx.sims3 & File Type: Backup).

Continue by renaming the file, following Shawdow's steps:

Shadow wrote:

Finding Your Saves Folder
1. Go to My Documents.
2. Electronic Arts
3. The Sims 3
4. Saves

After that, find your saved game's name. If you named your game Sunset Valley, you should see:
Sunset Valley.sims3
Sunset Valley.sims3.backup

Instructions
Rename Sunset Valley.sims3.backup to Sunset Valley.sims3
Delete Sunset Valley.sims3

If you have a file that ends with .bad, delete that. Anything that ends with .bad, delete.

Start up your game, and your town will be back. The game will auto generate another backup file. If you don't have a backup file, all you need to do is just delete SunsetValley.bad, and your saved game should return.

It's just a simple tweak to our PC configurations which I reckon it's not really related to the game itself & so it might have been overlooked.
Hope this would work for troubled games & happy SIMMING!

I have a MAJOR problem. In my Sims 3 folder there is no save folder. The folders I have are: Catches, Game, GameData, Support, and Thumbnails. These get me no where I've looked through them all. I have Vista so is there a possabilty that I can't view certain folders or files or are they named something totally different?

The Saves folder is located in MyDocuments/Electronic Arts/The Sims 3, and not where the actual game is installed.

Ok I got it now its hidden in my Document folder I can't see it unless I drop down the other folders. I guess I never noticed I only viewed files and not folders

Yeah..um..
This didn't work for me....

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 30/09/09 23:52

I figured it out.....finally. I had to use Wrath_Dee and Shadows instructions. Thanks alot.

Did you set Windows to display file extensions? Please see Wrath_dee's detailed post further up this page for instructions.