PACKAGE File Extension

What is PACKAGE file?

PACKAGE is a file that contains data packages for Electronic Arts games saved in proprietary archive format DBPF (DataBase Package File). PACKAGE can be compressed. PACKAGE files can store such resources as:

• Audio data,
• 3D model data,
• Texture data,
• Character data,
• Neighborhood data,
• Other game data.

Resources in PACKAGE files can be used by various EA games, for example, The Sims 2-4 and Online, Sim City 4, or Spore. Users can edit PACKAGE files with dedicated editor tools – for The Sims 2, for example, a SimPE or official EA ContentManager tool can be used. Many software tools for creating DBPF archives are also available. The header of PACKAGE file contains information about given file type and index of files stored in the archive. Installing custom files requires appropriate mods to be installed.

Programs which support PACKAGE file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support PACKAGE files. PACKAGE files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 12/04/2019

How to open file with PACKAGE extension?

Being unable to open files with PACKAGE extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Electronic Arts Game Package Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with PACKAGE files.

Step 1. Download and install The Sims 3

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PACKAGE files is that no program that can handle PACKAGE files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing The Sims 3 or different compatible program, such as Spore, SporeEdit. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download The Sims 3 installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Electronic Arts, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of The Sims 3 and update if needed

You still cannot access PACKAGE files although The Sims 3 is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why PACKAGE files are not compatible with The Sims 3. The latest version of The Sims 3 should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Electronic Arts Game Package Format files with The Sims 3

After installing The Sims 3 (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open PACKAGE files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the PACKAGE file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the The Sims 3 installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open PACKAGE files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected PACKAGE file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select The Sims 3 and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with PACKAGE extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the PACKAGE is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the PACKAGE file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the PACKAGE in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the PACKAGE file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the PACKAGE file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. PACKAGE file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the PACKAGE file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic PACKAGE file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with PACKAGE extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open The Sims 3

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with PACKAGE extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Electronic Arts Game Package Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with PACKAGE files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

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