I get the error code when installing the patch. If I uninstall the game and reinstall it, like some have said to do, will I still have my save games?

Yup, just be careful while uninstalling, there will be a question about saving them on your HD.

Thank you, I'll try it. I'm having problems with items disappearing. I'm in the Pinwheel Village and I finally was able to mail the letter in order to get the bells sent to the post office, but when I went back to the room, the other bells were gone and it won't let me put the hat in the box.
I'm hoping this patch will fix that??

Yes, according to the patch notes.

How do I tell if the patch worked? I had to uninstall the game and then reinstall it, but now there are no bells in the boxes and it still won't let me put the hat in the box. I have no idea where the bells went to....they are not in my case. Anyone else have this problem?

UPDATE....now, not only are the bells missing but now the HAT is gone! sigh.....