okay i got it to install finally but now it won't run it says 'Failed to find a Direct X 9.0c compatible graphics adapter' or 'Graphic Adapter failure' error message my directdraw and directx 3d graphics work...do i need to download a different version of driver or do I download the lastest version of my graphics controller thing I'm confussed....which graphics controller is better for my video card for playing the sims2? help!!!!

Which graphics card do you have, are you sure it's compatible and do you have the latest drivers?

Gabriel is right check that your Graphics card is compatible with the game, to do this right click my computer----->Properties----->Click the device manager tab and scroll down to display adapters click the + button and there you go. the games specs reccomend at least a 32MB Card, but I find it runs much better even with just a simple GeForce 4 MX440. Hope you get it working, its a great game, apart from a couple of flaws. Cheers
Regards
Dan

Okay, I have a Intel(R) 82815 Graphics Controller...can I just download a new driver, I have DirectX9 but it says it isn't compatible when I run the disk but when I check directdraw and direct3d it works....Do I have to get a new video card just so I can play this game...I mean if thats what I have to then so be it but sheesh! this better be worth, it feels like I've been waiting forever to get it running...I feel so lame because I have no idea what to do...please help! =(

To my knowledge the 82815 Graphics Controller is simply not supported my the sims 2 upgrades are pretty cheap and the sims doesnt really need all that much power (compared to other games) I suggest searching ebay for a good deal. If you want more information or the latest driver for your chip go to:
http://support.intel.com/support/gra.../CS-009143.htm
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Dan

Okay, So should I buy a new graphics controller...or just get the latest driver or both? =/

Well I suggest you go out and buy/rent a new card from your local PC/Hardware Superstore, but for now if you like, you could up date your driver from here...
( http://support.intel.com/support/gr...b/CS-009143.htm ),
that should improve gameplay performance on the games it works on, but with regard to The Sims 2...its just not gonna work, sorry, you can buy avgerage to mid range cards for about 39 pounds. Or $100 Australian. Have a look around and you'll be able to get a pretty good deal. But you may just wanna check with some one here or a computer literate friend before buying, there can be traps.
Cheers!
Regards,
Dan