Reinstall after OS was reset

[Vermilion]

My computer's OS was reset after I had it sent for repairs, but before that, I backed up the C drive on an external HDD.  My question is, can I simply transfer the Sims 3 files that were in Program Files and My Docs to my computer?  I'm expecting a flat out NO on this, but then again, I don't want to have to reinstall.

[Aimlak]

Did you even bother *trying* before asking? Cause that would answer you pretty easily.

[Skadi]

You can copy them back, after you reinstall everything.

[Vermilion]

You mean reinstall the game?

[Georgette]

You mean reinstall the game?

No, your pillow.

[Skadi]

You mean reinstall the game?

No, your brain. This should fix all of your problems.

[Vermilion]

Oh heck, I still have a Windoze Vista brain.  I need to upgrade it to 7.
 *installs Windoze 7 on brain*
All right, I need to reinstall it, update it to the latest patch, then I can safely replace the Docs folder with the one I backed up?  The last patch I was running when the game was on my OS was 1.14.

[Skadi]

Make sure you get ALL the patches, and a new AM.

[Vermilion]

So I install every single patch manually, correct?  I'm going to download them from third-party sources; no need to bother with the Launcher!

ETA: Nevermind, stupid question.

[Skadi]

Or you can use the 3rd party patcher. Either way, have fun.

[Vermilion]

Or you can use the 3rd party patcher. Either way, have fun.

I get the feeling I'm going to have TS2 and all its EPs torrented before I install the Horror on my computer using the discs.  I think they call TS3 that for a reason  .

[tryclyn]

   Re-installation and patching of all Sims3 EPs and SP (no Fast Lane,yet) takes about an hour.  Less if you're not doing laundry at the same time.

[Vermilion]

Yeah, but as it happens, I DID have TS2 downloaded (and ready to install) before I reinstalled TS3, as I don't want to take the time to get my discs out, find the serial codes, install, and install every patch.  I'm not even sure the discs will work- I take VERY bad care of my discs.  With my torrented TS2, though, you just download and install.  The serial codes are right there, and patching is much easier with TS2.  It really is rather ridiculous how easy it is to pirate nowadays.  Goes to show how hard it is to formulate effective anti-piracy laws.

[Skadi]

Just fucking reinstall already and STFU. If you want to make a drama out of it, get a damn blog.

[MegAnne]

Yeah, but as it happens, I DID have TS2 downloaded (and ready to install) before I reinstalled TS3, as I don't want to take the time to get my discs out, find the serial codes, install, and install every patch.  I'm not even sure the discs will work- I take VERY bad care of my discs.  With my torrented TS2, though, you just download and install.  The serial codes are right there, and patching is much easier with TS2.  It really is rather ridiculous how easy it is to pirate nowadays.  Goes to show how hard it is to formulate effective anti-piracy laws.

Programs like patch downloader in MTS show you the registration keys. Torrents with cleans ISOs are available. Basically you don't need your discs. What's the problem?