You need the sims 2 original standalone game before the expansion pack will work. Yes, the sims 2 university expansion pack is compatible with windows vista. Right click the executable and click the properties option. Actually windows update in vista is exactly the same as it is in xp.
This video will show you how to get ea maxis the sims 2 version 1. Sims 2 compatibility patch for vista always make a backup of the files that are overwritten by the file archive, as the original files are usually required. If you have problems running it on windows vista, try rightclicking on the shortcut and choosing run as administrator. Simswiki mod the sims downloads game mods overrides tuning mods. Many software vendors are working to release vista compatible versions but in the mean time, you can try running the applications in compatibility mode. Find the sims 2 uc icon on your desktop right click on it and choose properties choose the tab compatility click on the little tick in compatibilty mode and choose windows xp. Sims 2 vistaxp compatibility problems yahoo answers.
Troubleshooting if youre still having issues after applying the patch, there are a few more things you can try. I got a new laptop loaded with windows 8 and i managed to get sims 2 itself on my laptop but i cant install the patch therefore cant install any expansions. The most difficult part was actually making sure the fix files were unzipped into the folder, making sure i delete the 3 caches before every playing, reunzipping the graphics fixes with any origin sims 2 update and or windows 10 update. So long as the game cover says vista compatible, or has a sticker with the vista logo on it which most should, then your version of sims 2 is fully compatible.