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Sims 3 Cache Files:What They Are and How/Why To Delete Them

in Sims 3 Guides

Believe it or not, cache files are around to make your game faster and your life easier.

It’s true! Really. Promise.

The two most common reasons for custom content “not showing up” are:

  1. Custom content in the wrong location–With Patch 1.12 and later, custom content should live in Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Mods\Packages
  2. Cache files haven’t been cleared so the game is showing the way stuff used to be.

First off, you’ll find all of the cache files here:\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3.

There are four cache files you, at some point, are going to assassinate:

  1. CasPartCache.package
  2. compositorCache.package
  3. scriptCache.package
  4. simCompositorCache.package

You’ll kill CasPartCache.package when you add anything that shows up in CAS.

Kill compositorCache.package when you add anything that will show up in the Buy/Build section of the game.

Delete scriptCache.package when you install mods and/or hacks like sliders.

Delete simCompositorCache.package when you add a new custom sim or default skin.

Once you delete the respective cache file–a new one will be created–and load your game, HOPEFULLY you’ll be rewarded with an updated game with your custom content looking all shiny and new and stuff. If the content isn’t showing up after you kill the cache file then you have other problems.

Article by Amy Tucker

Amy is a writer. A wife. A mom. Amy is riddled with ADD. The order changes daily. And she loves Sims 3 and bacon. Editor in Chief of Project @Frontburnr.

Amy has written 717 amazing articles.

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  • mtunesxd

    I deleted those files, but they keep coming back,. help?

  • http://TasteLikeCrazy.com/ Amy @ Sims 3 Gamer

    Each time you boot your game, the files will be created. They exist to speed up the loading of your game so the game doesn’t have to recreate every thumbnail and Sim each time you load your game. You only delete your cache files when you’ve made changes to your game, e.g., when you add a new custom skin for your sims or add a game hack.

    • EstrusWanton

       @Amy @ Sims 3 Gamer  I added the naked  mod, but the file simcompositorcache, keeps coming back.
       
       How do I keep oit from coming back? im on a  PC.

      • http://Sims3Gamer.com/ Amy @ Sims 3 Gamer

         @EstrusWanton Every time you delete the cache, the game will build a new one. All of the cache files are just a way of speeding everything up; it’s kind of like the game is taking a snapshot of the stuff that won’t change in the game so it doesn’t have to worry about the stuff. That’s a good thing!
         
        The only time it can be a problem is when you add in new content. You delete the cache so the game’s new cache includes the content you just added.
         
        Hope that makes sense. 

  • fuschia

    i cant find these cache files, so mu custom content doesnt work. where can i find these file? need help

  • http://Sims3Gamer.com/ Amy @ Sims 3 Gamer

    Look here: DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 3

  • MackeemacMcBride

    Hi. After installing supernatural and patch my cache and thumbnail files no longer regenerate so my cc no longer appears either.  I’ve tried all that I can think to try and nothing works.  Any suggestions.  Thanks

  • LyricRandall

    Thank you so much this should help me with my problem.I just bought The Sims 3 Supernatural and now that i’ve gotten some custom content installed my game didn’t want to turn on I mean I could play it but when I put the cd in for the ”Run” message to come up as soon as i would press it it asks me if I want to uninstall my game so hopefully this will help.

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