Anyone know if downloading this version will rectify issues associated with install/uninstall order problems from previous Sims 2 installs? My computer remains convinced that I have Sims 2 University Life installed, so I can't install it, while simultaneously insisting it isn't present whenever I try to remove it so I can reinstall it.
It's a bit dangerous to fiddle around with regedit if you don't know what you're doing, but it sounds like you've got some problems that would need that to fix it. Basically when you install something a game adds stuff to a registry and when you use the uninstaller it undoes the edits, but if you manually delete sometimes it causes problems. I recommend searching for a detailed guide on using for sims 2.
I have not got "The Sims 2" but going from previous experience, in the regedit.exe program (You should be able to find it by doing a search in the start menu if you're running Windows XP or Windows 7), look in the folders "Computer:\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Electronic Arts". See if there's a folder in there labelled "Sims 2" or similar, possibly a folder titled "University Life". Try renaming the folder with a 1 on the end and attempt to reinstall the game.
I suggest renaming it rather than deleting because, while I'm sure deleting the folder will have no effect on your computers functioning, it's better safe than sorry.
Edit: It did just occur to me that you could also check the "Add/Remove application" program that comes with Windows. On Windows XP it should be called "Add or Remove Program/Application" or similar and be found in the "Control Panel" section of the "Start Menu".
Looking on Windows 7 and it seems to be called "Programs and Features". Opening the program on either OS will give you a list of all the programs installed on your system. Simply look for an entry for "The Sims 2: University Life", right click it and select "Uninstall".
Of course, both of my suggestions above will probably only work if you have administrative authority on your PC.