Yes, the program was updated as frequently as it was suggested to do so. So maybe you're saying I have a configuration issue and need to have all of the same EPs installed before the program will recognize the Save versions? As for patch updates, I assume you mean updates to the program itself. The Saves, though, were made right after I installed 3 EPs, and currently I do not have any of the 3 EPs loaded yet. BTW, the saves were put on a separate, portable, back up hardrive and have been unaltered.
Any additional instruction in this regard would be appreciated. I tried to copy the entire Sims 3 folder over the newly loaded one but it kept telling me I needed Administrative privileges so, instead, I just copied and pasted files related to the Save folder. I do not know where the right place is, nor all the files that should be re-loaded. I used those files to replace anything the newly loaded Sims 3 program installed. I had to do a System Restore to my computer for another reason, but before that I saved all of the contents in the Sims 3 folder, including the Save folder.
