June 3, 2014

[esmeiolanthe]

So I ordered a new (to me, anyway) MacPro. It's a shiny new machine, and the only Mac left with a real graphics card instead of a chip. It's from 2012 instead of 2006, like my current machine, and I thought it would be a great idea to replace the old computer while it was still functional. I spent quite a bit of money on the computer and monitor, I special ordered stuff, I waited, and when I went to install the game last night, my new machine said "Hahahahaha... Nope."

This despite following instructions that were supposed to work for installation on Mountain Lion.

So okay, no problem, I'll just make a partition and put the old OS (Snow Leopard) on the new half, and install the game on that. I know it runs on Snow Leopard, coz that's what the current computer has. No biggie, right? And I can take a shortcut and just transfer the install and everything from my other computer using my Time Machine backup. I know I can do that, coz the computer itself says you can and everything, right? So I did that. And the computer said "Hahahahaha... Nope."

So okay, I shouldn't have taken that shortcut. I'll just wipe the partition, reinstall Snow Leopard, and reinstall the game the right way. Then it'll all be cool, right? And the computer said "Hahahahahaha... Nope. But keep trying -- I'm having fun watching you get frustrated."

Here's where I am right now: with an expensive machine that won't do what I want and that I can't return. It can run Boot Camp, and I am actually seriously considering buying Windows 7 plus as many combo packs as I can get my hands on, filling in with single packs, and running Boot Camp. This would undoubtedly require another complete rebuild of my 'hood, since I'm pretty sure my magic system (by Dumbledore's Army) is not compatible with AL. I also have no idea if Windows 7 will really run on my new machine (current experience suggests that the answer will be "Hahahahaha... nope") and even if it does, if the game will run in Boot Camp. It would cost several hundred dollars to replace all my games and expand my collection, not counting the $200 for Windows 7, and then there's the cost of Office and antivirus and dealing with the crap that comes with having Windows.

Maybe I should give up on the game. It's in large part a ticket into a community I love, although I do like playing and writing too. But is it worth throwing good money after bad, especially when I'm not happy at work and would like a cushion for if I have to quit for my own mental health? I've just gone from happy and excited to really bummed out.

And I've spent two whole evenings working on this, missing out on both sleep and a chance to play. *sigh*

Advice, sympathy, corny jokes, and internet hugs would be appreciated if you've got any to spare.

Comments

[lorinsv60.livejournal.com]

Bummer :(

I don't know what I would do if I couldn't play my Sims.

If you ever go the Boot Camp route, I have a spare University, Nightlife and H&M Fashion Stuff I could give to you. They used to be my son's, but they haven't been installed on his computer for years.

Hope you are able to find a way to make it work, I would miss your fun little stories. *hug*

[esmeiolanthe.livejournal.com]

After sleeping on it, I've decided that if I have to go to Boot Camp, then that's what I have to do, that's all. I'm talking with shastakiss over at Leefish about going to the "Dark Side," since they also do the Boot Camp thing, and with Kiri at the same place in case there's a way to make the Mac work.

If I do decide to go to Boot Camp and I need those discs, I will let you know -- and pay you for them too.

I want to make it work, because I would miss writing and participating. Thanks for the encouragement! *hugs back*

[katrisims.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear that, Esme, that must seriously suck. :( *hugs*

I wish I had advice, but unfortunately my experience of Macs is limited to browsing the web on my sister's machine... Hopefully someone here does. Or maybe someone around the general community would, or perhaps someone tech-savvy IRL if you happen to know a suitable person? It's weird that instructions that should work only result in "hahahaha nope". Maybe something is off with the machine, something that could be fixed...

I'm sorry I can't really be of help. I hope you find a solution that allows you to play, preferably without having to spend huge amounts of money. I do have plenty of internet hugs to spare, though, so *more hugs*.

[esmeiolanthe.livejournal.com]

It's not so bad in the light of day, but still disappointing. *hugs back*

I'm talking with folks on Leefish about options, and I think there are some viable ones. I got the computer for about $300 less than I had originally budgeted, so there's wiggle room there... and there will still be money in the bank if I need to go over that.

You can never have too many internet hugs -- thanks! *hugs back*

[joandsarah.livejournal.com]

So sorry Esme, do you know anyone techy in rl who can take a look at it? {hit it with a large stick} *hugs* I saw your post on Mac support on MTS, maybe someone else there will know what to do.

I really hope you don't give up on the game Esme, I'd really miss you around the community.

[esmeiolanthe.livejournal.com]

I'm friendly with the IT guys at work. They don't know Macs, but maybe they could advise on Windows 7. The thing is, the computer is doing exactly what it's supposed to do, quite well. I'm just asking it to do something it's not designed for.

After sleeping on it, I don't want to give up on the game yet either, not while there's still things I can try. I'd miss the community for sure.

Thanks, Jo! *hug*

[superfr0g.livejournal.com]

I don't know anything about Mac, so I'm no use, but have a hug *HUG*

I hope you don't have to give up the game :/

[esmeiolanthe.livejournal.com]

You're not of no use -- hugs help me feel better. Thank you! *HUG*

Me too! I don't have to give up right away, for sure, since my old computer still works just fine.

Thanks, Sam! *hug*

[animeangel1983.livejournal.com]

It's irritating for sure, trying to run Sims 2 on modern machines Mac or PC is a gambling game, sometimes it works, sometimes it gives you the virtual finger. My Mac knowledge is extremely outdated, the last OS I used was OS 9 and that was 11 years ago. :{ I suppose Sims 2 is too "antiquated" to even warrant a programming consideration in new machines. It's sad but true.

Someone out there HAS to know how to get Sims 2 to work on a new Mac, that's a given. MTS2 is probably the best site for that. All I can offer is virtual hugs, a kick of your Mac in the ass, and cookies.

[esmeiolanthe.livejournal.com]

Alas, yes, it's too old to bother with. I don't even have a lemon -- it's doing exactly what it's supposed to do, and very well too. I'm just asking for something it was never meant to do.

The folks at Leefish are being very helpful and encouraging, so I am optimistic that I will be able to get it to run somehow, and of course my old machine still works. Cookies and hugs are always appreciated -- thank you! :) *hugs back* *noms cookies*