FAQ: Where are my files installed ?

Question
Where are all my files installed ?

Answer
There are to different kinds of files: The Installation files and the user files.

User file directory
This is the folder where the games save your individual game data.
You should backup these folders (and all subfolders) regularly.

All important stuff is in a folder called TheSims3 (can be slightly different)

Ever OS places this folder in a different place. If you see more then one possibility per OS, they all lead to the same place, it's just different ways to get there:

Windows 7

• C:\Users\your username\Documents\Electronic Arts\
• Documents\Electronic Arts\
• Libraries\Documents\Electronic Arts\

Windows Vista

• C:\Users\your username\Documents\Electronic Arts\
• Documents\Electronic Arts\ 

Windows XP

• my documents\Electronic Arts\

Installation Directory

This is you folder where your actual game is installed. This is the path you were asked about while installing the game. If you did not change the one the installation procedure suggested, this is where the folder is located:

Windows 7  & Windows Vista 64 Bit

• C:\Programs(x86)\Electronic Arts for the DVD Version
• C:\Programs(x86)\Origin Games for the Download Version through Origin

Windows 7 & Windows Vista 32 Bit & Windows XP

• C:\Programs\Electronic Arts
• C:\Programs\Origin Games for the Download Version through Origin  

Every expansion/ stuff pack has it's own folder withing this installation folder.

Base Game: [installation folder]\Sims\

World Adventure: [installation folder\WorldAdventures\
High End Loft Stuff: [installation folder\HEL\
Ambitions: [installation folder]\Ambitions\
Fast Lane: [installation folder]\FastLane\
Late Night: [installation folder]\LateNight\
Outdoor Living Stuff: [installation folder]\OutdoorLivingStuff\
etc.

I don't know about Mac