I try to install the sims 3 pets expansion pack but it keep on telling me that i must first install a copy of the sims 3

BUY LEGAL SOFTWARE!

You probably just typed it in wrong. O's look like 0's(zeros), B's look like 8's... Did you put in the dashes, or leave them out... Try it both ways. Good Luck!

There is an insert included inside the case that says 'EXCLUSIVE Limited Edition Content!' Use the code on this to install your game.

as this is just an expansion pack, it comes with extra items for sims 3, there is no gameplay to it. this means that you must have a full game of the sims 3 already installed. you cannot play it on its own.

I think university is the first or second expansion pack. I know there are issues if the expansions are not installed in order of their release. if you have say, seasons or freetime and then install university, it may not run correctly. You have to uninstall the packs or the game and re-install them in correct order. Yes, it's a big pain but I had to do it twice.
Install the SIMS2, or double deluxe whatever you have then follow this order with exception of say nightlife if you have have double deluxe because it comes with the original game.

The Sims 2" Expansion Pack Order

• "The Sims 2 University"
• "The Sims 2 Nightlife" included in double deluxe
• "The Sims 2 Holiday Party Pack" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Open for Business"
• "The Sims 2 Family Fun" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Glamour Life" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Pets"
• "The Sims 2 Happy Holiday" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Seasons"
• "The Sims 2 Celebration" (A Stuff Pack) also in double deluxe
• "The Sims 2 H&M" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Bon Voyage"
• "The Sims 2 Teen Style" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Free Time"
• "The Sims 2 Kitchen and Bath Interior Design" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The SIms 2 Ikea Home" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Apartment Life"
• "The Sims 2 Mansion and Garden" (A Stuff Pack)

After installing Double Deluxe install the expansions you have in this order...
The Sims 2" Expansion Pack Order

• "The Sims 2 University"
• "The Sims 2 Holiday Party Pack" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Open for Business"
• "The Sims 2 Family Fun" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Glamour Life" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Pets"
• "The Sims 2 Happy Holiday" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Seasons"
• "The Sims 2 H&M" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Bon Voyage"
• "The Sims 2 Teen Style" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Free Time"
• "The Sims 2 Kitchen and Bath Interior Design" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The SIms 2 Ikea Home" (A Stuff Pack)
• "The Sims 2 Apartment Life"
• "The Sims 2 Mansion and Garden" (A Stuff Pack)

your problem may be a graphics card issue. Did it work with the expansion packs or start problems when you installed the expansions?

maybe this link will be helpful if the above does not work.

http://thesims2.ea.com/help/detail.php?help_id=281

Make sure there is no sims 2 content on your hard drive. if there are any EA folders on your comouter either in program files or in "my documents" delete them. Then try installing Double Deluxe again. Then you can install pets.
Pets is an expansion pack for the Sims 2 base game. Other expansion packs are University, Seasons, Free Time, Bon Voyage.Open for buisiness and Apartment Life...If you plan to get other expansion packs you should install them in order of their release to avoid future problems. Nightlife expansion is included with Double Deluxe.

A simple google search for sims 2 expansion packs will show you the correct order to install and descriptions of each pack and what they add to the game. Seasons lets your sims go fishing for example. They can cook the fish they catch, and also plant gardens, and experience the changing seasons from summer to winter.

Copy the neighborhood files and put them into documents then when you uninstall and reinstall move the files back in merge them and you will have all your towns.
Happy Simming

how to instal sims 2 bon voyage..
I try to instal sims 2 bon voyage...but now I cant play because it says thet I need to put the originaly cd..
plese help