There are three reasons for getting a Missing Animations error:
You have not downloaded the proper animations.
You have not installed the animations properly.
Your computer does not like the way the animations are named.
We are going to deal with these problems one by one.
1) You have not downloaded the proper animations.
The objects themselves (iff files) are a separate download zip from the animations (cmx and cfp files).
Different types of objects use different sets of animations. Make sure you got the correct set (For example, "LoveRug" and "Bear LoveRug" are NOT the same thing)
Some of the Animations sets available at MnM Needful things have been used on "other" objects. Jon's LoveCounter Animations, for example, have been used by other sites on tables, desks and seating. The object's readme.txt should tell you which set of animations you need to download.
2) You have not installed the animations properly.
STEP TWO: If you decided you'd rather use a different object GO BACK AND DOWNLOAD A LOVE RUG. After a year of repeating explainations of why a 6 tiled love rug must be used and being largely ignored I'm opting to not make this page longer with explaining why. Just use a love rug.
STEP THREE: SOLVE PROBLEM ONE (Where to install the files)
METHOD ONE (recommended)
.iff files into your Downloads folder
.cmx and .cfp files into your GameData\Skins folder
Mix the cmx and cfp files directly in with all of the skins. They must not be in a sub-folder or the game cannot find them.
METHOD TWO
.iff file into your Downloads folder
.cmx and .cfp into the same folder with the IFF file (again, NO SUB-FOLDER).
MORE INSTALLATION OPTIONS
If neither Method One nor Method Two work for you try placing the animation files (cmx and cfp) in each of the following places. Try once with your IFF file in your Downloads folder
If you have Hot Date, put the .cfp and c.mx files into the ExpansionPack3/Animations folder.
If you have expansion packs after Hot Date installed, move the .cfp and .cmx files to the ExpansionShared folder.
Try putting the .cfp and .cmx files in the ExpansionPack/EpansionPackAssets folder. If you don't have an ExpansionPackAssets folder, you can make one yourself. Be sure to spell it exactly as it is here (with the same capital letters)
move the .cfp and .cmx files to your GameData\Animations folder.
move the .cfp file to the GameData\Animation folder and keep the cmx file in GameData\Skins.
If none of the above worked then try the list again (yes, again) with the IFF file in your GameData\Objects folder.
Moving so many files around can get a little confusing and lead to mistakes so take your time. Even if your game takes a while to load up you'll want to be patient and try each method in turn. Once you have figured out how to install this one object you should not need to go through this again (unless your computer or game configuration changes, of course). The rest of the objects that use custom animations will work installed the same way.
3) Your computer does not like the way the animations are named.
Now that you know where to install the animation (cmx and cfp) files. You need to figure out if yours is one of the computers that wants you to use the "lowercase" or "regular" set of animations.
Install one of the lovebeds to figure this out. Try the "regular" animations zip first and install it just like the loverug. If it does not work you need to use lowercased animations.
Tip: When you install more expansions your computer will change it's mind and want the "regular" animations
~ Download at your own risk.~
M & M Needful Things is not responsible for objects not working in your
game.
All objects have been tested in the game and work for us.
The Sims Is A Registered Trademark Of Maxis™ And Electronic Arts Inc.™
No Infringement Is Intended - 2003-2006 M & M Needful Things
All Rights Reserved
1) You have not downloaded the proper animations.