How to Install SimPE with Windows XP

1. Download SimPE
   
2. If you don't have Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0 download (see above) and install it.  If your do not have Managed Direct X 9c  and you want to work with Meshes, download and install it.
   
3. Open SimPE-Setup.exe (Doubleclick it and a Setup should start)
   
4. Follow the Onscreen Instructions
   
5. Before starting SimPE, create a Backup Copy of your Sims 2 Savegame Folder!!! In fact, you should do this always before using any Modding Tools!
   
6. Now check your Startmenu. SimPE should be availalbe there.  To set preferences and to download and install NVIDIA DDS Tools open Preferences>System Folders under Extras in the main menu.  Set SimPE preferences in Preferences>SimPE Settings and your GUID database information and ID in Preferences>Ident. 
   
7. Enjoy
   

How to Install SimPE with Windows Vista (Home, Home, Unlimited)

1. Download SimPE
   
   
2. Windows Vista comes with Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0 installed.  If your do not have Managed Direct X 9c  and you want to work with Meshes, download and install it.
   
3. SimPE must run with Full Administrator's permission so you will need to have these rights to install and operate SimPE without known issues.   
   
4. SimPE must be installed with Administrator access.  Right-Click on SimPE-Setup.exe and click Run As Administrator.  There will be a pop-up box telling you that the publisher cannot be verified.  Click run.  Windows Vista will then ask if you will allow this software to run because the publisher is unverified (again).  Choose Allowed.   If you do not have administration rights the installtion will fail at this point.
   
5. Follow the Onscreen Instructions. 
   
6. Before starting SimPE, create a Backup Copy of your Sims 2 Savegame Folder!!! In fact, you should do this always before using any Modding Tools!
   
7. Locate the directory that you installed SimPE and locate SimPE.exe.  Right click on SimPE.exe and check the box that says "Run As Administrator".  Windows Vista will now ask you each time you start SimPE if you will allow this program to run, since it is set to run as administrator.  Click Allow.   
   
8. Locate the SimPE shortcut in Start > All Programs and right click SimPE in the menu and repeat above.  If you choose to create a shortcut on the desktop and/or quickbar you will need to right click on them and repeat as you did for SimPe.exe setting the shortcut to "Run As Administrator".  
   
9. To set preferences and to download and install NVIDIA DDS Tools open Preferences > System Folders under Extras in the main menu.  Set SimPE preferences in Preferences>SimPE Settings and your GUID database information and ID in Preferences>Ident.  Download SimPE

Enjoy!!

NOTE:  For those of you that may have access to install programs (such as a poweruser) but do not have full administration access, you will be able to install SimPE as above.  However, you will not be able to allow the program to "run as administrator" so do not set that option or you will not only be able to allow the program to run but unable to uncheck the run option or uninstall the program.  SimPE has been able to run on Vista operation system with out administrator access set and without it set to run as an admintrator, but there are known issues with SimPE unable to find all expansions, stuff packs,  failing to initialize some plug-ins, cause errors with some frameworks commands, and/or failure to save data.  SimPE installation was tested with a regular user account and it could not be installed at all.  This is not a bug, SimPE needs this action for some of the code to run correctly and there is currently no 'fix' or plan to recode SimPE to work without full administrator access.  This may mean that some may not be able to use SimPE, unless they can be granted admin access.

Clean installation is described here.

A more detailed explanation for Windows XP installation (by TazzMann) can be found here.

EDITED: Jan 26, 2008: (Stormwench)  Updated for current version of SimPE and instructions for installation on Vista operating system.