The Sims 3 Code is Not Working

[miinuet]

I just got the Sims 3 for Christmas along with an expansion pack. Everything is in order, except when I try to download the game on Origin, it says "this code has already been redeemed". I have never played the Sims in my life, so obviously I've never used a code in my life. Another problem is that because it's the holidays there is no one I can contact to help me. I need some advice!!!! 

[puzzlezaddict]

@miinuet  What form did the games come in?  If you were gifted TS3 within Origin, it will already be in your library; the emailed code is just for your records.  If you received something else, you might have a bad code, or one that was already used.  What to do next will depend on what exactly you were given.

[miinuet]

I was given a box with a disc inside and the code on the back of the manual.

[puzzlezaddict]

@miinuet  If this was a new, sealed copy of the game, then the code should have worked.  It's possible that it did work initially, but threw an error message for some strange reason.  If you tried to register the code in Origin, clear its cache and then sign in again and check your game library.  If that doesn't change anything, uninstall Origin ("the hard way") and reinstall, and check again.

https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/faq/clear-cache-to-fix-problems-with-your-games/

https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/origin/origin/manually-uninstalling-origin/

Occasionally, a sealed disc copy of the game comes with a bad code, for no apparent reason.  There are theories as to why, but whatever the cause, the only way to fix the issue is to contact EA customer support and ask for a new code.  It would be helpful if you could provide photos of the disc, case, and insert, as well as the receipt from the store where the game was purchased.  I'm not sure whether support is open today, but it should be available tomorrow.

https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/

[miinuet]

I've cleared the cache, but it's still not working, and on top of that, now the 'unknown error' that I got earlier is back. I'm also not confident enough to delete Origin the hard way. :P

[puzzlezaddict]

@miinuet  Wait, you're on a mac?  That changes a couple of things.  First of all, for clarity, can you clarify which packs you own, which ones you've installed so far, and whether you've ever been able to play on this computer?  Also, which code(s) aren't working?  And please list the specs of your mac, as described in this post:

https://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-Mac/READ-FIRST-Sims-3-Mac-Help-Guides-and-Troubleshooting/m-p/475...

I know this is a lot of information, but there are so many issues with TS3 in mac OS that it's necessary to narrow down the source of this problem, unless you want me to write a whole book on every possible problem and its fix.  On the other hand, resetting Origin is much easier on a mac—just run the Origin reset tool, and all your caches files and preferences will be cleared automatically.

https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/origin/origin/how-to-reset-origin-on-mac/

Edit:  Since you're in mac OS, I've moved your thread to the dedicated Sims/mac section.  If you need any more help, please let us know.

[openhinatagal673]

I recommend contacting an EA advisor to help resolve this issue if none of the above is helping. To do this:

if in the event you need to contact CS

1.https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/
2.Click on the orange NEXT button
3.Select a platform
4.Click on the orange NEXT button
5.Select a topic and describe your problem in a few words
6.Click on the orange NEXT button
7.Click Chat Now to chat with a Game Advisor


guide on how to contact CS

http://answers.ea.com/t5/Beta-Archive/How-to-contact-a-Game-Advisor-using-the-new-EA-Help-page/td-p/...