I bought mine when it was released. The key is in an orange label above the CD. That's how Microsoft put CD Keys in PC games back at the time.
That's just the thing, there is no label whatsoever. All I have is the four disks, the manual and a Microsoft pamphlet on how to install the game in about 30 different languages.
You should probably contact customer support of the retailer you bought the game. Although, most retailers have a time limit for returns. You cannot really remove the orange label since it would be hard, and plus it would leave its marks on the game's box.
The Sims is like the expansion nightmare. Especially when you do not know the right order to install them.
How about installing some mods? After all, the mod community is still kickin'.
I'm going to guess a year and a half would be too long...
I do not know, I do not have a magic hat. (Well the hat in my avatar is magic, but not for this kind of magic) to tell you what your retailer policies are. You should contact customer support and ask them and also state that you have a receipt. You can also read your customer rights for the eurozone.
