The Maxis Installer that comes with AL will let you install lots for which you don't have all the required EPs. This has worked for me; I've been able to install lots requiring Uni, NL and OFB on a PC running only NL, OFB and AL.

I recently had a PM from a TSR member who has been able to install the Pirate Cove hotel, in spite of only having some of the required EPs (including Bon Voyage - the last EP required for that lot). In the hope that it might help others who don't have all the EPs, I thought I'd bump this section of my blog again.

I wrote the information here just after Pets was released. Clean Installer is still an option for those on a PC (Method 2) but I don't know if Method 1 works with Seasons or Bon Voyage in the same way that it did with Pets. Please let me know if it does.

Installing Lots for which you do not have all the EPs:

There are two possible ways to install lots for which you don't have all the EPs. Please back up your data if you're trying either of these methods for the first time (although I haven't heard of any problems so far). But I don't want to be held responsible for any problems with your game, ok?!

METHOD 1: If you have Pets installed, you should be able to use the Maxis Installer to install ANY lot, whether or not you have the correct EPs. This works for both Macs and PCs. Of course, items from the EPs you DON'T have will be missing. So, if you don't have the correct windows, the building won't have windows. Same goes for furniture. With doors, it seems that the game will replace them with a door from the base game.

METHOD 2: If you don't have Pets but are using a PC, you can use Clean Installer to install lots for which you have the last EP. That is, if a lot requires Uni, NL and OFB, as long as you have OFB, the lot should install for you. Once again, items from the EPs you DON'T have will be missing.

I hope that helps some of you who've contacted me wishing you could install a certain lot for which you don't have the EPs. My thanks to Cyclonesue and Moonlit Maiden for their major contributions to this info!

~ Tiger :-)