How to Install Official Downloads
By official downloads we mean those you download from official Sims 2 websites such as here,
TheSims2.com - Home - Register Your Game To Join The Community and from the
Exchange.
Step One - Check your expansion pack!
Make sure you check which expansion packs you need for the object to work. If it's for The Sims 2: University and you don't have the expansion the item will not work. This is the same for all expansions.
Step Two - Downloading the content
Once you've found what you want to download from the exchange select 'Download this object'. Choose to save the download to a location you'll remember on your PC. It's a good idea to set up a Sims 2 Downloads folder or similar in your Documents or a remembered location so you have a back-up of your downloads and a reference for filenames etc. I'll describe this more in the Suggestions For Safe Downloading section.
Step Three - How to install the downloads
If you have a
.Sims2Pack file you need to double-click the icon and the installation process will then start. Follow the on-screen instructions. This file is usually found on items downloaded from the exchange or official websites.
.Sims2Pack icon
If you have a
.Sims2Skin then again you need to double-click the icon and the installation process will start, follow the on-screen instructions. This icon looks the same as the .Sims2Pack icon. The installation is detailed more below;