There is nothing more frustrating than having bad luck with a newly installed program, then...having to completely reinstall the game & THEN...realizing that all your houses & d/l stuff are corrupted now too! Just back up your Sims folder ahead of time & then if u need to reinstall, u can always put your goodies back where they belong.

-: After completeing a d/l spree (d/l-ing massive quantities at one time), NEVER add all of your finds to your game at once.

Add only a a few at a time & then test them in your game. That way, if the game crashes, it is easier to determine the bad file/files.

-: Download EVERYTHING! Just in case.

An unfortunate fact of Simming is that great sites come & go. It is very dissapointing when u finally find that perfect Sim item u have been looking for on a site, tell yourself, "Oh..I'll get it later," only to return & find the site no longer available. If u see things u like, d/l them. It goes without saying, that d/l-ing every single thing a site has to offer, whether u want it or not, is neither practical nor wise. If u want to see your favorite Sim sites stay up & running, exercise discretion when u d/l.

-: If your first install does not succeed...try, try again!

A lot of people seem to have trouble while installing Hot Date & have even had to attempt installation, 3 or more times. If u are installing the game, remember to install The Sims & the EPs in order & if the installation doesn't work the first time, start again.

-: Never be afraid to ask for help.

I have found The Sims community to be one of the nicest, most considerate & helpful groups around. Many sites have great FAQs, forums where questions can be addressed or contact addys if u need further assistance. Or u can always check out the SWARM! Forum where this "B" hangs out.