Author Topic: Sims 3 - Tips for Crashing, Lag and Other Misc Tips (Read 236298 times)

MrsFlynn · « **on:** August 09, 2014, 05:45:17 PM »

Sims 3 - Tips for Crashing, Lag and Other Misc Tips:

Updated: May 2023

I know these tips can be found in various places around our forum and web. But I thought I'd create a list that shows all of them in one place, for quicker reference.

The following tips may also help with various glitches, lagging, and the dreaded Sims 3 has stopped working error. If you have any tips on reducing or preventing crashing glitching and lag, please pm me, so it can be added to the list.

Thank you SO much to all that have helped me put this tip list together!!

Thank you!!

MrsFlynn

The Sims 3 Performance & Bug Fix Guide
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1131162350
-- This guide works for all versions of Sims 3 (Steam, Disc, Origin/EA App and Other)

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Note: This thread and the posts linked to it have been been locked as they are for informational purposes. If you have any technical questions, please create a new topic here in tech help. Give us as much details/information as possible on the issue so we can help.

Index Of Tips:

How To: Play/Start the game? / How-To: Play/Start the game without internet?

Finding Missing Expansions

How to Install/Uninstall and Save the game, Restoring the game and Installing Store Content

Sims 3 - How To Transfer Old Sims 3 Games to New Computer?

Won't Start/Launch / Stopped Working / Crashing Issues / Freezing and/or Game lag

Misc. Gameplay Issues

Misc. Tips and Advice

----

This Code Has Already been Used

Redeem Game Codes

Can't Log In to Sims 3 Store

Sims 3 - From Steam To Origin

My Sims User Folder or Install Files are Missing?

Sims 3 - System Requirements and Graphics List

Finding Missing Expansions:

Finding Sims 3 Expansions in Origin

My Games Are Missing

My Sims User or Install Files are Missing?

Expansion Packs Disappeared From Launcher

Cannot log in to Sims 3 Launcher! - Invalid Email/Password Error

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How To: Install/Uninstall and Save the game, Restoring the game and Installing Store Content:

How-To: Saving folders/files to use on a different computer or to use as backup

How-To: Sims 3 - Uninstall/Reinstall

How To: Download and Install Store Content

How-To: Backup and Restore Store Content

Sims 3 CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) Error (What & How To Fix)

Add Sims 3 to DEP - For disc and Steam only

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Won't Start/Launch / Stopped Working / Freezing and/or Game lag:

Sims 3 Won't Launch/Start / Play button is grey

Tips to Relieve Lag and Freezing

Tips for Sims 3 Has Stopped Working

Tips for General Crashing Issues

Launcher Crashes / Launcher has stopped Working

Tips for Launcher Script Errors / Clear IE's or Edge's Browser Cache

Game Won't Fully Load - Save slow loading

Go Back a Previous Save File

Game Won't Save?

Game will not play at all - Game asks redeem a code

Game won't load - stuck on black screen

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Misc. Gameplay Issues:

Reset Town, Individual Sims and/or Evict Household

Can't access files? (Possible Solution) - For missing meta.data file

User Interface (UI) is Missing

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Misc. Tips and Advice:

Check the Mods - As they may help troubled games

Check on the 3rd Party Custom Content

Delete Game Cache Files (What & Howto)

Sims 3 Factory Reset (What & Howto)

Create a New Game

Delete Older Saved Games

Make Sure Drivers Are Up To Date

Restore Sims 3 Game Options Settings

V-Sync Settings

Thumbnails Folder

WorldCaches Folder

Getting the Game to Recognize Your Graphics Card

Register Games with EA for Digital Downloads

How To: Find System Specs (DxDiag) - Windows 10, 8 and 7

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Please see the Sims 3 Boards on Answers EA (AHQ) for more help:

AHQ's Sims 3 PC Tech Help Board
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/bd-p/the-sims-3

AHQ's Sims 3 MAC Tech Help Board
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-Mac/bd-p/the-sims-3-technical-issues-mac-en

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2015, 04:29:26 PM »

Lower In-game Graphics

Go to Options (...) on the Graphics tab (default tab)

To Change the in-game resolution: Go to Screen Size, and from the drop down menu, choose the screen resolution of: 1920x1080, for example.

While in this tab, uncheck Advanced Rendering and Animation Smoothing and check Enable Object Hiding.

Try lowering the in-game graphics to medium. and put High Detail Lots at 1 or 2.

Also, don't use Alt-Tab to pop out of the game. Go to the menu (...) and select Open Launcher. As your playing just keep the launcher minimized.

This should help the game run a little more smoothly, with less glitches and lag.

For those that have really high desktop screen resolutions, it may be best to try lowering the screen resolution to 1920x1080. Set in-game resolution to match it.

This is happening because because Sims 3 was not built with UI scaling. Larger the screen resolution the smaller the UI appears.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2015, 04:31:25 PM »

Turn Off Memories and In-game Store

Go to Options (...) Select the gear tab, which is the General Settings and look for the word Memories and in the drop down menu select Disable Memories.

While your in this tab, it may help to make sure Enable Shop Mode and Lessons are un-checked.

Turning off memories means less game bloat/overly large game save file.
** As bloated/overly large game saves will cause performance problems.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2015, 04:36:23 PM »

Turn Off Interactive Loading Screens

Go to Options (...) Select the gear tab, which is the General Settings, at the bottom of the menu uncheck the box labelled Interactive Loading Screens

Turning this off will help the game run a little more smoothly as well.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2015, 04:37:11 PM »

Try the Super Patch

** Not for use with the Origin version 1.69 **

There's been a few times the game has crashed and later found out the game needed to be updated. Tried to update through the launcher and that didn't help. Tried the super patch and FordGT90Concept patcher and it worked!!

Super Patch (1.67)
https://help.ea.com/en/help/the-sims/the-sims-3/the-sims-3-super-patcher/#pc

Run The Sims 3 Patch Downloader by FordGT90Concept
http://modthesims.info/d/409829
** It will install the patches for the earliest games that got left out of the super patch and help it work better.

EA Customer Service may not speak about the patch from ModtheSims, due to them not being allowed to talk about 3rd party patches.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2015, 04:38:09 PM »

Delete Game Cache Files

From inside this folder \Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3, you can delete the game cache to help the game run smoother:

- CasPartCache.package - CAS parts that appear in Create-A-Sim
- compositorCache.package - New objects that would appear in Buy/Build mode
- scriptCache.package - Mods or Hacks
- simCompositorCache.package - New Sims, default skins
- Sims3LauncherLogFile.log - Uploading/Downloading info in regards to the Exchange
- Sims3Logs.xml - Log Files about your computer and errors that might occur.
- socialCache.package - Simport-related and other social data, if you use the wall to integrate with your MyPage on thesims3.com site

* ~ . ~ . ~ -=>.<=- ~ . ~ . ~ *

Also delete everything except Ccmerged.package file in the DCBackup folder. (Delete the contents of the folder, not the folder itself) -- Be sure to leave Ccmerged.package alone.

--> Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 3 > DCBackup

** Rule of thumb on these files, if they aren't very big, for example under 100KB, then it's fine not to delete them unless you feel it's necessary.

**Note** If you've got patch 1.69 make sure that the EPs/Sps you intend to play with are still checked before clicking Play. As it has been reported that clearing caches also clears the checked selections in the new EP/SP Picker function.

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Reference Links:

Delete Cache files
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/01/faq-delete-your-cache-files.html

Sims 3 Delete Cache Files
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Sims_3_Delete_Cache_Files

Sims 3 User Files Explained
https://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/01/faq-user-files.html

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2015, 04:40:53 PM »

Clear Family and Individual Inventories

Look over and get rid of the extra stuff your sim family members may not need anymore in their personal inventories as well as the family inventory. As stuffed inventories cause lag, that eventually leads to crashing.

Also, having a large house with a lot of landscaping and a lot of furniture and decor will cause lag after awhile.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #7 on:** January 17, 2015, 04:46:22 PM »

Move the Household

Some of the pre-made houses will cause the game to crash, specially in Isla Paradiso and in the store towns. Before giving up on your game, try moving your family to an empty lot or a cheaper house, or new town.

–Help Moving Towns: Look into Nraas Porter to help move your families?

Nraas Porter, FAQ and Tutorial:
https://www.nraas.net/community/Porter
https://www.nraas.net/community/Porter-FAQ
https://www.nraas.net/Picture-Tutorial-Porter-For-Beginners

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #8 on:** January 17, 2015, 04:47:57 PM »

Reset Town, Individual Sims and/or Evict Household
With or without using cheats.

Quick Links:
With Cheats
Evict Sims/Household
Without Cheats

This does not delete data files, such as saved game files and Sims. All it does is resets the individual Sim, household, town or Everything if you use Nraas MasterController.

If having work related issues, use the dresser to remove or reset their work outfit.

With Cheats

In Edit Town mode - Press Shift-Ctrl-C keys together to bring up cheat console.

For the whole town - resetsim *

** Alternative for resetting town is to use

Nraas MasterController:
From City Hall > Nraas > M.C. > Town > Reset Everything.

Reset Sim:

While in live mode on pause, Press Shift-Ctrl-C keys together to bring up cheat console. Type in:

resetsim Firstname Lastname

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Evict Sims/Household

If reset Sim doesn't work, try evicting your family. This is done without cheating. This will place them on the clipboard. Then move them back into their house to see if that helps.

Saving house to Library and then replacing the house sometimes helps as well as part of evicting the household. - This also is a form of resetting the Sim and their house.

Here's how to do that:

1. Go to Edit Town, click on the family's house a pop up menu will appear to the right.

Click the Evict Button (Button with the 3 family members with an arrow above them) left bottom of the menu.

2. Click the checkmark, when told about the loss of wishes and promises of current family. - This is okay, specially when your trying to un-glitch or troubleshoot your Sim family.

3. Click Move Out (Moves household without house) - It will put them onto the clipboard to the top left of screen.

4. Click the next checkmark when asked about the deactivation of the household. - Again, this is okay when your trying to troubleshoot your glitched Sim family.

5. Save house to Library, then bulldoze the current one, and replace it with the copy from the library.

- Click on house and select Save Copy to Library (click on folder icon). You will get a message talking about current interactions will be canceled. This is okay, it's a part of troubleshooting. Click the bulldoze button to remove the house. You may be asked if this is okay. Click the checkmark to accept. Go to the Show Empty Houses tab, find your house. - should be most current house in list. Click Place Copy to replace house.

6. Click on the family on the clipboard in the upper left hand corner of the screen, and place them back into their home. You will be asked to purchase the house.

---- From here, you've got two options, you can either click on their house again and select the Switch to this Household button (Button with 2 houses and an arrow) from the menu. Or Click on the Change Active Family button from the User Interface and choose your family from there.

If you need help saving your families and lots to the library, please see the post links below.

How To: Save a household to Library

How To: Save a House/Community Lot to the Library

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Reset Sim Without Cheating

Go into Edit Town, split the sim from the household (it won't break family connections or anything, just remove wishes), then merge them back in.

If that doesn't work, go back into Edit Town, save your household and house if desired to the sims library. Create a new save, in either the same neighborhood, or a new one, placing the household in. It doesn't matter if you included their house, or copied just the family.

Again, this will make the household loose relationships/friendships outside the household along with wishes.

Create a New Game Save (How-to)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg401813#msg401813
-- See link above to save the family and their house(s) etc.

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Reference Link:

Nraas MasterController
https://www.nraas.net/community/MasterController

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2015, 04:51:33 PM »

Create a New Game

If you've been playing an older game-save, doesn't matter it could be several sim days/weeks or even several real-time weeks/months, it's a good idea to save the family(s) to the library and try them out in a new game.

For example: You may have had your family in Sunset Valley in an older game. You can save them to the library, create a new game and play them in a newly created Sunset Valley.

At the Main Menu select the town you want to play from the pull down list. - Click the down arrow under Select a Town: Then click the big Checkmark button at the bottom to play.

Click image to see larger view

If you need help saving households their house or community lots, please see the links below.

How To: Save a Household
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=19060.msg356789#msg356789

How To: Save a House/Community Lots
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=19062.msg356791#msg356791

How-To: Save Sims From the SavedSims Folder.
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=31201.msg443042#msg443042

How To: Save Sims 3 Files From the Library (Exporting Files)
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20751.msg380782#msg380782

If you're wanting to start fresh, but want to back up only some of the Sims 3 files and folders, check the link below.

Saving folders/files to use on a different computer or to use as backup
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,16414.msg313134.html#msg313134

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2015, 04:54:46 PM »

Sims 3 Factory Reset (What & Howto)

Updated: May. 2023

[This is different from a total-game reinstall - This sets the game back to when it was first installed with a fresh new Sims 3 folder.]

- How-To: Create a New Sims 3 Folder - With Photos
- Why Create a New Sims 3 Folder
- How-To: Sims 3 Factory Reset
- What to Do After a Factory Reset
- What Files/Folders to Add Back In
- Saving Issues - Lots and Game
- Save Game Files for Backup
- Read more about a Factory Reset, From Crinrict
- Download a New Sims 3 Folder w/Mods Folder Included
- Sims 3 User Files Explained by Crinrict

Why Do a Sims 3 Factory Reset?

It's best to create a new Sims 3 folder when you're having issues with your game, like crashing, game lag, freezing, odd gameplay issues and other irritating game headaches. It not only gives you a fresh new folder to play the game in, it also helps with troubleshooting problems with mods and custom content.

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How-To: Sims 3 Factory Reset

Go into your Electronic Arts folder [\Documents\Electronic Arts] and move the Sims 3 folder to your desktop.

-- To do this, Right-click the Sims 3 folder, select Cut and paste it to your desktop. Optionally, you can rename your Sims 3 folder to something like Sims3Backup. Right-click the file and select Rename.

What this does is it moves the folder out of the Electronic Arts folder to the desktop for backup purposes. The Sims 3 folder can be moved to a USB key or external hard drive if you prefer.

You won't loose any of your Sims 3 files, like saved games, mods, custom content Sims, lots or game options. It's all still there in the folder on your desktop or some where safe and can be found using this path, if saved to desktop. C:\Users\Username\Desktop \The Sims 3 -- Just don't delete it from the desktop until you're done testing.

To create a new folder, launch and exit the game.

-- If you've got the Origin/EA App version:

Double-click on Sims 3 to launch the game and exit at Sims 3 Main Menu. This will create a new Sims 3 folder. Then copy back the folders and files described below in What to do after creating a new Sims 3 folder.

-- If you have the Disc/Steam version > You can create a new Sims 3 folder one of two ways:

1. Open the Sims 3 launcher, and then close it again.

2. Double-click on Sims 3 Icon. This will create a new Sims 3 folder. Then exit the game.

Go to: ----> Documents > Electronic Arts > Sims 3 to confirm you've got a new Sims 3 folder.

*Note: When you move or rename the Sims 3 folder, the game will no longer be able to find it. When you go to play the game it will create a new folder.

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What to Do After a Factory Reset

If you're not having problems with your game, and you just wanted to create a new Sims 3 folder to start fresh, go ahead and start copying back the folders and files mentioned below in what folders/files to add back in.

However, if you're having issues with your game. Start a new save to test. Do not add any other folders or files. Other than your options.ini file - This is your game and video settings.

Does it load and play okay? Yes, then try your broken save-game again to see what happens. If you're still having problems with it do not save it.

If you find that the save does work okay, copy in the Mods/CC and other files/folders into the new Sims 3 folder. (See below for more information) Use Save As to save it with a different name.

** If you're having issues with some store or custom content not working correctly. Leave out your DCCache folder and reinstall both your store and custom content. So that the game can create new files for this content in the DCCache folder.

If you don't, you may run into the same issue of the store or custom content not working. Due to the files not being refreshed.

If having problems with custom content and mods in .package file format, see the troubleshooting tips post linked below:

Sims 3 - How-To: Fix Problems with Mods/CC
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=31759.msg506010#msg506010

Create a New Game (How-To)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg401813#msg401813

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What Files/Folders to Add Back In

-- To copy over the folders and files, right-click on them one at a time and select copy and paste into your new Sims 3 folder.

✽✽ If having a problem with .Sims3Pack files staying installed, it's recommended to reinstall these files for best results.

Folders: -

- DC Backup - for this file = ccmerged.package.
- DCCache - Contains all installed Custom Content/Exchange/Store items that you installed through the Launcher.
- Downloads - .Sims3Pack files to be installed.
- Exports - .Sims3Pack Files you export from the game via CAS or Edit Town.
- Installed Worlds - Custom or Store Towns you have installed.
- Library - Sims and lots that you've installed or saved.
- Mods - Mods and custom content
- Recorded Videos - Videos taken in-game using the V key.
- SavedSims - Saved Sims that are in the SimBin.
- Saves - Game Saves.
- Screenshots - Photos taken in-game using the C key.
- WorldCaches - Cache files for your installed custom and Store towns.

Files: -

* Options.ini - Game and Graphics Options
* userPresets.package - Saved colors, patterns and textures

If you would like to learn more about Sims 3 user files, please see the article on ModtheSims:
Game Help:TS3 User Folders Explained: https://modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:TS3_User_Folders_Explained

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The screenshots can be found by using this path:
C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Screenshots

The videos can be found by using this path:
C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Recorded Videos

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Saving Issues - Lots and Game:

🟌🟌 If having issues saving lots or even saving your save-game.

Save the Sims 3 User Folder to Desktop: I like to save my Sims 3 folder to the desktop, usb drive or external hard drive and then clean out the Sims 3 folder in Documents to help with troubleshooting. Go to: (Documents\Electronic Arts > right-click on the Sims 3 folder > copy/paste to desktop, usb drive or external hard drive.

Back in my current Sims 3 folder - (C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3) I like to delete the files that are in:

- CurrentGame.Sims3: If your game has crashed, it's a good idea to delete the contents of this folder. It is a backup of a previous save. Not really current.
- DCBackup: all files - except for the ccmerged.package file. The file helps your store and other .Sims3Pack files work properly when installed via the Sims 3 Launcher.
- DCCache: Delete the missingdeps.idx file to help possibly refresh broken store content. Or when I have problem CC that just won't delete. I delete all files in this folder. **Be aware you will need to reinstall all your custom and store content that are .Sims3Pack files.
- Downloads: These files can be removed from this folder after being installed.
- Exports: The files can be removed from this folder.
- Library: After you've got Sims and lots installed into your save, you can remove these files.
- Recorded Videos: The files in this folder can be removed.
- Saved Sims: The files in this folder can be removed after added to your save file.
- Saves: Keep only a few (a handful) current saves in the folder. The rest can be removed to help game performance.
- Screenshots: Can be removed.
- SigCache: Information about activities in EADM and the Store. Files will be created again, if deleted. - platform.bin: Probably some info about your Computer/OS -- igs.bin: Login-Data for the store.
- Thumbnails: Cached thumbnail pics. Saved here for faster loading the next time you start your game. If you have any trouble with strange thumbnails ingame, delete these. They will be recreated next time you start the game, albeit a slightly slower game when it is first loaded, after the contents of this folder had been deleted.
- Sims3LauncherLogFile.log: This file tells you what happens when you try uploading/downloading to the Exchange. It might contain some useful info if you have trouble up- or downloading. - Safe to delete when troubleshooting.
- Sims3Logs.xml: A log file of your computer specs and some settings. Safe to delete from time to time.
- UserPresets.package: This file can be deleted from time to time. Specially if Create a Style is lagging. However, please remember any textures, colors saved will be removed from CAST.
- tslus.bin:Can be delete. Related to the Sims 3 Launcher. Not sure exactly what it does, but I've deleted it and game is okay.
- Version.tag: Can be deleted. It helps with Sims 3 Launcher issues like Downloading/Installing.

I clean out my Sims 3 folder either before I start playing or just after I'm finished playing.

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Created: Jan. 2015
Updated: July. 2023

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:00:43 PM »

Make Sure Drivers Are Up To Date

Sometimes not having your drivers up to date will create graphics problems or make the computer act oddly. So make sure your drivers are up to date. Do this by searching for your computer's manufacturer and it's graphics card maker - (Nvidia or AMD).

Troubleshooting graphics on PC
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/pc/pc-graphics-troubleshooting

If the above doesn't help, try uninstalling your graphics driver and reinstall it. -- You may need to search on the manufacturer of your video card (Nvidia or AMD) to help find your graphics drivers.

How do I uninstall my NVIDIA display drivers?
https://www.wikihow.com/Uninstall-Nvidia-Drivers

Uninstalling AMD drivers
https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/faq/gpu-601

If you have a dual graphics card system, make sure the game runs on the card and not the chip.
https://crinrict.com/blog/2019/05/setting-up-a-gaming-profile-for-your-graphics-card.html

How-To: Get Sims 3 to Recognize a New Graphics Card
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=26753.msg446248#msg446248

**Note:** Be aware that Sims 3 game and graphics settings will be changed when graphics drivers are updated. So it's suggested to take note of what your settings are. You can do this with screenshots of the option settings and/or take note in notepad saving it as a text file. This way you can change them back after the drivers are installed. Or see post liked below to learn how to reset your Sims 3 Option.ini file.

Restore Sims 3 Game Options Settings
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg450953#msg450953

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:03:02 PM »

Freezing Then Shutting Down the Computer

This could be a sign that your desktop or laptop is overheating. You'll want to search for a program that will allow you to monitor your computer's graphics card temperature. Also if it's a laptop, a cooling mat is definitely recommended. As playing graphic intense games will overheat your computer.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:05:11 PM »

Clean Up Your Computer

Run a Registry cleaner such as such as Ccleaner or Revo Uninstaller to cleanup the files left behind from uninstalling any games, programs or apps.

----

Ccleaner - Standard Edition is Free

https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download -- PC
https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download?mac -- Mac

How to use CCleaner to fix PC issues
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-CCleaner

-- This helps clean up temporary files, internet cache files and other files that are left behind that are no longer being used.

Revo Uninstaller - Free Edition
https://www.revouninstaller.com/products/revo-uninstaller-free/

How to use Revo Uninstaller
https://www.wikihow.com/Uninstall-Using-Revo-Uninstaller

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #14 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:06:23 PM »

Getting the Game to Recognize Your Graphics Card

Get the dedicated graphics card to run instead of the built in card. In the link below, it explains step by step how to use the dedicated video card instead of the on-board graphics chip.

How-To: Get Sims 3 to Recognize a New Graphics Card
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=26753.msg446248#msg446248

An explanation on why The Sims 3 doesn't recognize new video cards
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/886411/an-explanation-on-why-the-sims-3-doesnt-recognize-new-video-cards

Here are a couple other links that may be helpful.

** For Laptops
-- http://support.lenovo.com/en/documents/ht078706

Granted, it's for Lenovo systems, but it should be about the same for any Intel/Nvidia dual graphics system.

----
** For a desktop it's a more involved process see
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Getting_new_graphics_cards_recognized_by_the_game
for the instructions.

Getting the game to recognize your graphics card
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2013/06/getting-the-game-to-recognize-your-card.html
Note: This also works for the Insufficient Memory Error

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #15 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:07:22 PM »

Launcher Crashes / Launcher has stopped Working

As I was going over what I had previously typed up and the current tips, I have found it's best to refer you to the tips for general crashing post. As it has some helpful tips that can help with this issue.

Tips for General Crashing Issues
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg425173#msg425173

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #16 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:08:06 PM »

User Interface (UI) is Missing

Regardless if traveling to/from different worlds or to/from University, you may come to find your game's user interface missing. There isn't an official fix for it. But there is a work-around and a few tips that may help with the problem.

Possible work-arounds:

1. Evict the family and placing them back into their home.
2. Switch to another household then back to yours may solve the issue.
3. If you find yourself with this bug you can then go back to a previous save.

Tip #1: Always make a backup of current game before traveling, regardless if it's to university or China, France or Egypt.

Tip#2: Clear out the family individual and family's inventories of extra items. - Always good to do this before traveling.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Missing UI
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/04/bug-missing-ui.html

Missing Sims and empty UI when arriving in vacation town
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/03/bug-missing-sims-and-empty-ui-when-arriving-in-vacation-town.html

Game Help:UI and Sim Issues
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:UI_and_Sim_Issues

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #17 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:10:26 PM »

Restart the Computer

Playing for long periods of time (2+ hours or more), without saving will cause lag and freezing and may cause save/memory errors. Regardless of what type of computer you have.

Save often, Using Save As. and giving it a new or similar name. Get out of the game and restart the system every couple of hours will help free up memory trapped by the game. It will also help you to be sure not to loose game progress.

Using Save As every now and again and saving as nameofgame-1, nameofgame-2, etc. may help to lessen the chances of getting save/memory errors.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #18 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:12:42 PM »

Delete and/or Backup Older Saved Games

If you haven't in awhile, it's a good idea to backup and/or remove older saved games. And only leave a handful of current saved game files in your Saves folder. (\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves)

You can back them up to a usb, external hard drive, dvd or online storage.

Having a lot of older saved-games in your Saves folder is known to cause issues with the game.

Note about Online Storage (OneDrive/GoogleDrive): Uninstall, disable or pause syncing with any services you normally use, such as OneDrive, Google Drive or otherwise. These services move your game files out from (\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3) to where your game can't see them anymore.

––Before doing anything with OneDrive or GoogleDrive, if you have Sims 3 files there, copy them back to the C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts folder.

Then turn off, disable or uninstall the service. This way the game will be able to access your Sims 3 files again and won't move them.

–Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/turn-off-disable-or-uninstall-onedrive-f32a17ce-3336-40fe-9c38-6efb09f944b0

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #19 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:13:39 PM »

Check on the 3rd Party Custom Content

If you've got custom content, (items not made by EA aka 3rd party content) or even items from the Sims 3 Store or the Exchange. Try starting the game without it, by opening the launcher, click the Installed Content Tab. Check mark Run Game Without Custom Content. Then click the Play button.

Going through your custom content and mods from time to time is a good idea to make sure none of it's corrupted or conflicting with other files or something else. As corrupted custom content will mess up your game for whatever reason and may make it, glitchy, have graphical glitches or become unplayable.

For example, if your Sim is actively wearing anything that may be bad CC, go through your launcher with a fine toothcomb. You may have downloaded a lot or a Sim that had some bad CC attached to it. If you see something that you don't recognize downloading, delete it from the launcher.

What I like to do is backup my Sims 3 folder to the desktop for temporary, usb drive or other backup media and then clean out the one in (\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3) to help with troubleshooting.

To backup the Sims 3 folder, go to: (Documents\Electronic Arts > right-click on the Sims 3 folder > copy/paste to desktop or usb drive.

When I'm having an issue with mods or custom content I delete all the files in my mods folder to start fresh. Use Delphi's Dashboard and Custard, depending on the file type and/or test them manually deleting the cache files between each small batch.

Usually I can find what mod(s) or custom content item(s) that are causing the issue. Delete them and find new copies or replacements.

See how I cleanup my folder in the spoiler below.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Sims 3 - How-To: Fix Problems with Mods/CC
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=31759.msg506010#msg506010

[HOW TO] Find and remove bad custom content (CC)
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/HOW-TO-Find-and-remove-bad-custom-content-CC/td-p/2759940

Or

Finding Problem CC
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:TS3_Finding_Problem_Custom_Content

The links above should help track down any cc that may be causing the issue. Note that some bad CC can't be found by checking the launcher, so check all of your downloaded sims using this tutorial linked below:
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/01/custard-downloads-that-are-attached-to-sims-directly.html

HowTo: Install Sims 3 Custom Content without the Launcher
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,26167.msg437430.html#msg437430

Game Help:TS3 Custom Content
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:TS3_Custom_Content

This is a list of known bad CC clothing -
http://sims3.crinrict.com/badcc/en/BadCC_Clothing.html

I can't see my custom content items in-game for The Sims 3
https://help.ea.com/en-au/help/the-sims/the-sims-3/i-can-t-see-my-custom-content-items-in-game-for-the-sims-3/

Check the Mods - As they may help troubled games
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg401825#msg401825

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #20 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:15:07 PM »

Check the Mods - As they may help troubled games

If you have mods in your game. Try running the game without the mods. By moving the mods folder to your desktop or some where safe.

-- From time to time, there is some game lag when using mods due to various reasons.

If the lag/crashing is still there. Add each mod back in until you find which mod may be causing the lag. If you find the lag being caused by a mod. Leave that mod out.

When going through your mods, leave out the ones you're not sure what they are or aren't familiar with. And maybe the ones that start with numbers in their file name. See the post linked below for more troubleshooting tips.

Sims 3 - How-To: Fix Problems with Mods/CC
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=31759.msg506010#msg506010

** Some recommended Mods to help prevent crashing and lag are:

Register - Can be used to reduce wild animal populations, which helps with lag. Also helps populate and manage shops/stalls.

Traffic - Cleans up taxis, limos, etc. Can also be used to turn on/off the ice cream and food trucks.

Overwatch - Performs game cleanup once every 24 sim hours.

Error Trap - Grabs errors, logs them and resets the sim rather than just letting the error sit there.

MasterController - Can help reset town, and has various interactions to help alter town population.

Debug Enabler - Helps "reset" bugged/glitched/invisible Sims

Saver - Fixes issues with the save system, prompts you to save every 30 mins (Save as, not just a normal save)

Traveler - Helps fix issues with going to the future, vacation, University, etc.

Porter - Helps with moving your Sims from an older save to a new save. aka old town to a new town.

Go Here - Helps fix routing issues.

Mover - Less useful than the others. Mostly just helps prevent issues moving house or neighborhood.

** In case you're new to working with mods, please see the topic below on creating a mods folder and installing them.

Creating a Mods Folder/Installing Mods Step by Step Guide
http://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,9187.0.html

HowTo: Install Sims 3 Custom Content without the Launcher
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=26167.msg437430#msg437430

If you're having a hard time getting your mods to work, try this:

Installing Sims 3 Package Files/Setup and Files
http://modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Installing_Sims_3_Package_Files/Setup_and_Files

There is a ready-made "FrameworkSetup.zip and instructions. It provided me with the creation of the Mod folder containing the Resource.cfg, Override and Packages folders. Then I copied my mods into the packages and voila!

If having issues downloading the FrameworkSetup.zip file from ModtheSims, please try a different browser, for example Firefox or download our ready-made mods folder from SimFileShare - Mods.zip - https://www.simfileshare.net/download/2740308/

Finding Problem CC
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:TS3_Finding_Problem_Custom_Content

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #21 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:18:10 PM »

Thumbnails Folder

It's safe to delete the files in this folder (\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Thumbnails) and okay to delete the folder as well as part of troubleshooting. The files and folder will regenerate.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #22 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:18:50 PM »

WorldCaches Folder

** Mac users don't delete these files!! **

Files in this folder are okay to delete. They will get recreated when you visit the worlds that use them.

--> C:\Users\<Username>\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\WorldCaches

WorldCaches folder is created only if you have custom worlds (Barnacle Bay, Riverview, etc.), and it's only created on some computers. Yes, feel free to remove the files inside WorldCaches - deleting them won't harm your game.

Not everyone will have this folder, so if you don't have it, don't worry about it. It just means that your computer doesn't use these caches.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #23 on:** January 17, 2015, 05:19:31 PM »

How To: Delete and clear the FeaturedItems folder

It's safe and fairly easy to delete the contents of the Featured Items folder. The files and folder will regenerate each play-session if you don't set it to Read-Only. To keep the thumbnails from coming back. Try these steps.

1. Go into the FeaturedItems folder, and highlight all the files and delete them.
2. Go back to the Sims3 Folder and select the FeaturedItems folder.
3. Right click and select properties.
4. Select the Security tab.
5. Click the Edit button.
6. Under the Permissions for Authenticated Users, find the word Write, and checkmark Deny.
-- This will prevent anything from being written to this folder.
7.) Click Apply or Ok.

8.) Select General tab, under Attributes, select Read-Only and click Apply or Ok.

--- If you would like to see reference photos, please see the link below.

Preventing of Ingame-Store-Pictures
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/12/tutorial-turning-off-ingame-store-and-preventing-loading-of-pictures.html

You can also fully delete the FeaturedItems folder and the files inside it. It will regenerate each time you play. However it will be less likely to crash your game. From what I understand and have experienced, making this folder Read-Only may make the game crash.

More Tips and Information:

What is the game doing when you quit?
https://nraas.net/community/topic11064

Feature item Folder!
https://nraas.net/community/post91572#p91572

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #24 on:** February 06, 2015, 12:08:47 PM »

Stuck Inventory Items

It's recommended to evict the family out, and then move them back in. How-To Evict Household

Read more about it in the link below.

Stuck Inventory Items
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/04/bug-stuck-inventory-items.html

If you have rewards, like the Motive Mobile, look them up in the BuyDebug menu. You can get to this menu by, Press Shift-Ctrl-C keys together to bring up cheat console and typing in BuyDebug on.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #25 on:** September 13, 2015, 07:09:50 PM »

Relieving Freezing and Lag

Updated: July 2023

Here are some tips to relieve some lag and freezing. Please note it's normal for the game and it's camera to have some stuttering when zooming in/out and scrolling around, even with having better graphics cards and newer systems. Please remember, Sims 3 is an older game that wasn't necessarily made to run on newer hardware or software (meaning Windows 11) and therefore needs help running on newer systems. This is the same for all older games.

Quick Links:
In-Game/EA App Tips
Tech Related Tips
Tips for General Crashing Issues

In-Game/EA App Tips

These are some in-game and EA App troubleshooting tips to try:

1. Repair Game: Open the EA App > Library > Find Sims 3 and Click Manage > Repair.

2. Turn off EA App overlay: In the EA App, click Application and look for In-game Overlay this setting needs to be turned off.

EA App overlay is similar to what Origin in-game was. A feature that allows you to see friends online in-game as well as other game stats. However, It has been known to cause problems having this feature turned on.

3. Empty Sims personal and family inventories. Often too many items in the inventories can cause issues. - Also, playing on large lots (40x40 and above) can cause lag, having a large family and house with a lot of furniture/decor and landscaping will cause lag after awhile.

4. Reset Town, Sims or Evicting Households to help reset things sometimes helps.

Reset Town, Individual Sims and/or Evict Household
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg401812#msg401812

5. Check your game options. Sometimes experimenting with the in-game graphics, settings and other options help.

Sims 3 Options Overview
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=27533.msg455148#msg455148

Lower In-game Graphics
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401802.html#msg401802

Turn Off Memories/In-game Store
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401805.html#msg401805

Turn Off Interactive Loading Screens
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401807.html#msg401807

6. Some towns/worlds can cause lag, depending on how large they are. Save the family/house and try a new game as a test to see if placing them to a different town might help.

How To: Save a Household
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,19060.0.html

Create a New Game
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401813.html#msg401813

7. Try a custom content world. This may help with routing issues that cause lag and freezing.

Here's a site that has some custom worlds
https://www.mysimrealty.com/Sims3_Worlds.html

Back to top

Tech Related Tips

1. Make sure drivers are up to date

Troubleshooting graphics on PC
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/pc/pc-graphics-troubleshooting

If the above doesn't help, try uninstalling your graphics driver and reinstall it. -- You may need to search on the manufacturer of your video card (Nvidia or AMD) to help find your graphics drivers.

If you have a dual graphics card system, make sure the game runs on the card and not the chip.
https://crinrict.com/blog/2019/05/setting-up-a-gaming-profile-for-your-graphics-card.html

How do I uninstall my NVIDIA display drivers?
https://www.wikihow.com/Uninstall-Nvidia-Drivers

Uninstalling AMD drivers
https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/faq/gpu-601

2. Check Mods and Custom Content: Move the Mods folder to the desktop for testing purposes and try the game again. - We suggest this due to outdated/broken mods/cc being the #1 issue when it comes to games not working correctly. If you need help with these, have a look at the links below.

Sims 3 - How-To: Fix Problems with Mods/CC
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=31759.msg506010#msg506010

3. Check recent downloads - If the lag/freezing has just started or has been going on for a bit, check over what you've recently downloaded.

4. Clean up the Sims 3 user folder: Backup the Sims 3 folder and delete some of the files. I like to save my Sims 3 folder to the desktop, usb drive or external hard drive and then clean out the Sims 3 folder in Documents to help with troubleshooting. Go to: (Documents\Electronic Arts > right-click on the Sims 3 folder > copy/paste to desktop or usb drive. See how I cleanup my folder in the spoiler below.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

5. Delete Game Cache Files (What & Howto)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401809.html#msg401809

6. Try resetting the Sims 3 folder, aka Sims 3 Factory Reset (HowTo)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401814.html#msg401814

7. It's strongly recommended to play the game on a computer that meets or exceeds the recommended specs. If your computer doesn't meet at least recommended specs, you may have problems running this game well. Meaning you will run into crashes, lag, freezing and other general headaches. - Integrated video cards lack the dedicated video memory to give allow for good gaming performance.

✽✽ If none of the above tips help, please post about your issue on answers.ea Sims 3 Tech Help Board:
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/bd-p/the-sims-3 - Give as much detail as possible, noting what you've tried. This will help in troubleshooting the issue.

----------
Reference Links:

Sims 3 Lags & Freezes
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/04/bug-lags-intermittent-freezes.html

Bizarre cause of lag/freeze issue - 1st post updated 8/26/13
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/536956

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #26 on:** October 17, 2015, 02:39:56 AM »

Sims 3 Has Stopped Working

Updated: May 2023

1. Sims 3 Stopped working -- If you have more than one EA account. Make sure your logged into the account that you purchased or registered Sims 3 with.

2. Try running the EA App As Administrator: Use EADesktop.exe to launch . (C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\EA Desktop\EA Desktop\EADesktop.exe) - Right-click on the EA App icon on and select Run as Administrator.

3. Repair Game: Open the EA App > Library > Find Sims 3 and Click Manage > Repair.

4. Delete the Cache Files (HowTo)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401809.html#msg401809

5. Update your drivers / Troubleshoot graphics
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/pc/pc-graphics-troubleshooting/

6. Check Mods and Custom Content: Move the Mods folder to the desktop for testing purposes and try the game again. - We suggest this due to outdated/broken mods/cc being the #1 issue when it comes to games not working correctly. If you need help with these, have a look at the links below.

Sims 3 - How-To: Fix Problems with Mods/CC
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=31759.msg506010#msg506010

7. Try resetting the Sims 3 folder, aka Sims 3 Factory Reset (What & Howto)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401814.html#msg401814

8. It has been reported that screen capture/recorders and instant messengers/video chat programs may cause issues with Sims 3 and may need to be turned off or uninstalled if issues are severe. If you feel the issue is one of these programs, please search on how to turn them off or uninstall them.

9. Have a new Computer? Your new computer may need some fixes or a patch to get Sims 3 to work properly.

Sims 3 won't open: Alder Lake (Intel 12th-gen) CPU
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Sims-3-won-t-open-Alder-Lake-Intel-12th-gen-CPU/m-p/11528168#M250997

–Reinstall DirectX 9: - Sims 3 still uses DX9, but isn't in Windows 10 or 11. * Restarting your computer maybe helpful after this step.
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Sims-3-launcher-won-t-open/m-p/10700883#M247761

–Make sure .net framework 3.5 is turned on.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/install/dotnet-35-windows

–Limit the game to 1 CPU core via Task Manager, as it starts to load.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpUUZUJNGXM - How To Fix The Sims 3/Medieval On Newer Intel Processors

✽✽ Please remember, Sims 3 is an older game that wasn't necessarily made to run on newer hardware or software (meaning Windows 11) and therefore needs help running on newer systems. This is the same for all older games.

10. Check Online Storage (OneDrive/GoogleDrive): Uninstall, disable or pause syncing with any services you normally use, such as OneDrive, Google Drive or otherwise. These services move your game files out from (\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3) to where your game can't see them anymore.

––Before doing anything with OneDrive or GoogleDrive, if you have Sims 3 files there, copy them back to the C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts folder.

Then turn off, disable or uninstall the service. This way the game will be able to access your Sims 3 files again and won't move them.

–Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/turn-off-disable-or-uninstall-onedrive-f32a17ce-3336-40fe-9c38-6efb09f944b0

11. Ensure Antivirus or security software is not blocking the game/EA App.

Add an exclusion to Windows Security:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-an-exclusion-to-windows-security-811816c0-4dfd-af4a-47e4-c301afe13b26

12. Run a Registry cleaner: Specially If you've recently uninstalled or reinstalled the game it maybe worth a try to use a registry cleaner such as Ccleaner or Revo Uninstaller to cleanup the files left behind from uninstalling the app and game files.

✽✽ If the computer doesn't recognize that Sims 3 is installed, the game will need to be reinstalled, as something in the registry has gotten corrupted.

Information on a manual removal is here at the official EA site
http://help.ea.com/en/article/manually-uninstalling-the-sims-3/

The tip below will only work for those who have the disc or Steam version.

7. *If you've got the disc version of Sims 3 and expansions* (Does not work with Origin's digital download) Try running the game by by-passing the launcher, and use the TS3.exe file to run the game.

Go to ---> C:\Program Files (x86)\TheSims3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe - and click on the file TS3W.exe to launch the game.

8. Add Sims 3 and Expansions to the Data Execution Prevention (DEP)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg447430#msg447430
Or
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Data_Execution_Prevention/TS3W

Restart the computer. Specially if you've just come from playing hours of another game. Or doing something that was as graphic intense for the computer. - This helps refresh It's memory, and gives it a fresh start.

----------
Reference Links:
Game Crashes (Sims 3 has stopped working)
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/01/error-game-crashes-ctd.html

Sims 3 Game Problems
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Sims_3_Game_Problem

Sims 3 Crashing Checklist
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Sims_3_Crashing_Checklist

Windows 10 Help Thread
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/READ-FIRST-POST-HERE-Windows-10-Help-Thread/td-p/4703142

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #27 on:** October 17, 2015, 05:37:42 PM »

Tips for Launcher Script Errors / Clear IE's or Edge's Browser Cache

Updated: May 2023

These are fairly common. You may get several different script errors. Some are left over from when EA was doing promotional things in the launcher.

They were fixed at one point, but since have been broken again. These errors can be safely ignored. The game can still be played and the launcher can still be used as normal and won't cause harm.

If you aren't able to exit out of the launcher due to the error, use Task Manager to close out.

Open Task manager (Ctrl-Shift-Esc) search for a file called Sims3Launcher (32 bit) Right click on it and select End Task.

The Sims 3 launcher uses parts of IE to work, so clearing Edge and IE's browser data helps with launcher issues such as downloading and installing store content.

View and delete browser history in Microsoft Edge:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/view-and-delete-browser-history-in-microsoft-edge-00cf7943-a9e1-975a-a33d-ac10ce454ca4

If you're running the Origin/EA App version and patch 1.69, the tip below won't work due to the way Origin/EA App works and the way they've patched the game.

If you are running on patch 1.67 it is recommended to bypass the launcher, when you're not installing custom content or other game files like Sims, Lots, etc that you've created.

Go to ---> C:\Program Files (x86)\TheSims3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe - and click on the file TS3W.exe to launch the game.

It does sometimes help to run the Superpatcher, especially if you've recently installed or reinstalled Sims 3. [Error: Expected Identifier, String or Number]

Super Patch (1.67) [The SuperPatcher is meant for 1.67 and below installs only.]
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/FAQ-Current-Patch-1-67-Manual-links-and-more/td-p/67858

*!*!* If you've installed Sims 3 via Steam. You may need to search on how to get it patched up, as Steam has it's own patching system and may not be able to use the super patch.

----------
Reference Link:

Script Error when opening launcher
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,11569.0.html

Script Errors on the Launcher
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Info-Script-Errors-on-the-Launcher/td-p/2216747

Sims 3 Launcher Running in Tray While Playing
https://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Sims-3-launcher-running-in-tray-while-playing/td-p/6993691

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #28 on:** October 18, 2015, 05:16:41 PM »

Tips for General Crashing Issues

We're sorry for this exhaustive tips list. But something from this list is sure to help fix the issue.

Updated: July 2023

Quick Links:
In-Game/EA App Tips
Tech Related Tips
Tips to Relieve Lag and Freezing
Tips for Sims 3 Has Stopped Working
Tips for Serious Error Occurred and Error 12

In-Game/EA App Tips:

1. Repair Game: Open the EA App > Library > Find Sims 3 and Click Manage > Repair.

2. Turn off EA App overlay: In the EA App, click Application and look for In-game Overlay this setting needs to be turned off.

EA App overlay is similar to what Origin in-game was. A feature that allows you to see friends online in-game as well as other game stats. However, It has been known to cause problems having this feature turned on.

3. Try running the EA App As Administrator: Use EADesktop.exe to launch . (C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\EA Desktop\EA Desktop\EADesktop.exe) - Right-click on the EA App icon on and select Run as Administrator.

4. Try experimenting with in-game graphics, resolution and settings:
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg401802#msg401802

5. Sims 3 Stopped working -- If you have more than one EA account. Make sure your logged into the account that you purchased or registered Sims 3 with.

6. Log out of the EA App. -- *If exiting the EA App isn't working, open Task manager (Ctrl-Shift-Esc) search for a few files. Anything from EA (EA App and EA Background Services) and depending on your install files such as TS3.exe or TS3W.exe ; Sims3Launcher.exe or Sims3LauncherW.exe. Click on any of these that apply and select end process.

7. Make sure that the EA App does not automatically open when starting Windows.
Click Menu (☰) up top left > Settings > Application - Open the EA App Automatically on Start Up - turn this off. It's on by default and can cause issues, if you have multiple Windows user accounts.

8. Delete the contents of the CurrentGame.sims 3 folder. (\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\CurrentGame.sims3) This is a "recent" backup of your current save file. Saved the last time you successfully saved the game. Hoewver, when the game crashes and you're in a save. Files get left behind in this folder and can cause issues like the game crashing or not loading.

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Tech Related Tips

1. Make sure drivers are up to date

Troubleshooting graphics on PC
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/pc/pc-graphics-troubleshooting

If the above doesn't help, try uninstalling your graphics driver and reinstall it. -- You may need to search on the manufacturer of your video card (Nvidia or AMD) to help find your graphics drivers.

How do I uninstall my NVIDIA display drivers?
https://www.wikihow.com/Uninstall-Nvidia-Drivers

Uninstalling AMD drivers
https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/faq/gpu-601

If you have a dual graphics card system, make sure the game runs on the card and not the chip.
https://crinrict.com/blog/2019/05/setting-up-a-gaming-profile-for-your-graphics-card.html

How-To: Get Sims 3 to Recognize a New Graphics Card
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=26753.msg446248#msg446248

2. Check Mods and Custom Content: Move the Mods folder to the desktop for testing purposes and try the game again. - We suggest this due to outdated/broken mods/cc being the #1 issue when it comes to games not working correctly. If you need help with these, have a look at the links below.

Sims 3 - How-To: Fix Problems with Mods/CC
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=31759.msg506010#msg506010

3. Delete both game cache and Origin cache files:

-- Delete Game Cache
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401809.html#msg401809

-- Clear the EA App Cache Files: Select the three dashes in the far-left corner of the EA app. Scroll to Help. Click App recovery. Select Clear cache. * Restarting your computer maybe helpful after this step.

4. Clean up the Sims 3 user folder: Backup the Sims 3 folder and delete some of the files. I like to save my Sims 3 folder to the desktop, usb drive or external hard drive and then clean out the Sims 3 folder in Documents to help with troubleshooting. Go to: (Documents\Electronic Arts > right-click on the Sims 3 folder > copy/paste to desktop or usb drive. See how I cleanup my folder in the spoiler below.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

5. Try resetting the Sims 3 folder, aka Sims 3 Factory Reset (HowTo)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401814.html#msg401814

6. A hard drive that is low on space may cause the game to crash/not load. It's best to move extra files such as game videos, game saves, screenshots to an external drive or usb drive if you're running low on hard drive space.

7. It has been reported that screen capture/recorders and instant messengers/video chat programs may cause issues with Sims 3 and may need to be turned off or uninstalled if issues are severe. If you feel the issue is one of these programs, please search on how to turn them off or uninstall them.

8. The crashing could be a potential power supply or overheating issue. Try cleaning out your computer, if that doesn't help. You may need to either have a friend help clean it out or take it to a repair shop to get it cleaned out. You may also want to have them test the power supply to rule out issues with that.

9. Have a new Computer? Your new computer may need some fixes or a patch to get Sims 3 to work properly.

✦ Even with older computers, if running Windows 10, reinstalling DX9 and checking the framework have been recommended to help with crashing.

Sims 3 won't open: Alder Lake (Intel 12th-gen) CPU
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Sims-3-won-t-open-Alder-Lake-Intel-12th-gen-CPU/m-p/11528168#M250997

–Reinstall DirectX 9: - Sims 3 still uses DX9, but isn't in Windows 10 or 11. * Restarting your computer maybe helpful after this step.
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Sims-3-launcher-won-t-open/m-p/10700883#M247761

–Make sure .net framework 3.5 is turned on.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/install/dotnet-35-windows

–Limit the game to 1 CPU core via Task Manager, as it starts to load.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpUUZUJNGXM - How To Fix The Sims 3/Medieval On Newer Intel Processors

✽✽ Please remember, Sims 3 is an older game that wasn't necessarily made to run on newer hardware or software (meaning Windows 11) and therefore needs help running on newer systems. This is the same for all older games.

10. Check the Install Path - Open the game with the game -not- the launcher, if possible. (Check Task Manager - Make sure the Game/Sims 3 Launcher is not running).

EA App: (C:\Program Files\EA Games\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe)

Origin: (C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe)

Steam: (C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe)

Disc: (C:\Program files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe)

11. Check Online Storage (OneDrive/GoogleDrive): Uninstall, disable or pause syncing with any services you normally use, such as OneDrive, Google Drive or otherwise. These services move your game files out from (\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3) to where your game can't see them anymore.

––Before doing anything with OneDrive or GoogleDrive, if you have Sims 3 files there, copy them back to the C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts folder.

Then turn off, disable or uninstall the service. This way the game will be able to access your Sims 3 files again and won't move them.

–Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/turn-off-disable-or-uninstall-onedrive-f32a17ce-3336-40fe-9c38-6efb09f944b0

12. Ensure Antivirus or security software is not blocking the game/EA App.

Add an exclusion to Windows Security:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-an-exclusion-to-windows-security-811816c0-4dfd-af4a-47e4-c301afe13b26

13. Run a Registry cleaner: Specially If you've recently uninstalled or reinstalled the game it maybe worth a try to use a registry cleaner such as Ccleaner or Revo Uninstaller to cleanup the files left behind from uninstalling the app and game files.

14. Try running a Clean Boot as this will help with stopping any other programs from interfering.
http://help.ea.com/en/article/how-to-clean-boot-your-pc/

15. Restart computer if you haven't in awhile. This helps to refresh the computer's memory.

16. Try turning off the Game DVR and Game Bar, as it's known to be causing issues.

Turn off or disable Game bar in Windows 10
https://www.howtogeek.com/273180/how-to-disable-windows-10s-game-dvr-and-game-bar/

17. Check to make sure your computer meets the minimum, or better yet recommended requirements for both Origin and the game. As trying to run Origin and/or the game on an older/lower end computer will cause both not to work at anytime.

18. It's strongly recommended to play the game on a computer that meets or exceeds the recommended specs. If your computer doesn't meet these the recommended specs, you may have problems running this game well. Meaning you will run into crashes, lag, freezing and other general headaches. - Integrated video cards lack the dedicated video memory to allow for good gaming performance.

19. If still not working or still crashing - Run the Error Reporter: (https://help.ea.com/en-gb/help/ea/ea-app/run-ea-error-report/) Share your Report ID with either a post at answers.ea Sims 3 Technical Help Board. (Sims 3 Tech Board: https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/bd-p/the-sims-3) or EA Customer Service.

Sign in with your EA account, click the New Topic button, up near the top of the board, to make a new post.

----------

Reference Links:

SimsWiki: Sims 3 Crashing Checklist
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Sims_3_Crashing_Checklist

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #29 on:** October 18, 2015, 06:42:53 PM »

How To: Sims 3 - Install and/or Uninstall/Reinstall

Quick Links

Install and/or Uninstall Sims 3, Expansions and Stuff packs

How to redeem your product and promo codes

Bought Used Copy of Game

Install Sims 3 via Disc

How to Play/Start the game?

How to Play/Start the game without internet?

The Expansions Aren't Loading?!

Sims 3 Expansion Packs Disappeared From Launcher

My Games Are Missing

HowTo: Install Sims 3 Custom Content without the Launcher

How To: Download Store Content

How-To: Backup and Restore Store Content

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Please note: If you have problems with your game code such as it comes up invalid, missing or aren't able to use it for whatever reason, you need to contact EA (https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/). We cannot help with game code and/or EA Account issues. Only EA customer service can access user accounts.

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How to Install and/or Uninstall Sims 3, Expansions and Stuff packs:

Install and/or Uninstall Sims 3 and expansions and stuff packs:
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/the-sims/the-sims-3/the-sims-3-complete-installation-guide/

Or....

Uninstall Sims 3 via Control Panel

It's highly recommended to run a registry cleaner such as Ccleaner or Revo Uninstaller to cleanup the files left behind from uninstalling or reinstalling the game files or EA App.

Ccleaner, It's free
- http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download -- PC
- https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download?mac -- Mac

How to use CCleaner to fix PC issues
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-CCleaner

Revo Uninstaller - Free Edition
https://www.revouninstaller.com/products/revo-uninstaller-free/

How to use Revo Uninstaller
https://www.wikihow.com/Uninstall-Using-Revo-Uninstaller

==========

Uninstall via the Control Panel:

Uninstall the game and all expansions/stuff packs by going to Uninstall a Program in Control Panel. (Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features)

Look for the Sims 3 expansions and/or stuff packs you want to uninstall and click on them and select Uninstall for each expansion/stuff pack you want to uninstall.

Run a registry cleaner after uninstalling to get rid of any files left over after uninstalling. Links above.

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Install Sims 3 via Disc:

Depending on what year is on the discs (looking for 2009 base game disc and first-run expansions/stuff packs discs) You're good and can use these to install/play. However you may not be able to register these with EA, as they may have been previously registered.

No Origin/EA App required because the first-run 2009 discs came out before Origin/EA App was a requirement!! Yay!!

First, If you have the EA App and any other EA Games, you'll want to turn off Automatic Game Updates in the EA App so that it doesn't try to take over the install of Sims 3.

Click Menu (☰) up top left > Settings > Downloads > Updates - Update Games Automatically = Turned off

Something else you might like to do is stop the EA App from opening when Windows starts.

Click Menu (☰) up top left > Settings > Application - Open the EA App Automatically on Start Up - turn this off. It's on by default and can cause issues, if you have multiple Windows user accounts.

----

If you have the full-first-run 2009 disc version of the game, each time you install an expansion or stuff pack and it asks to install the latest version of EA installer/Origin/EA App - select No. -- This will allow you to stay at patch level 1.67

Start with installing base game. Then install either the Superpatch or Sims 3 Patch Downloader to patch your game up to 1.67.

You can either use the Superpatch provided by EA - Using the link from Nraas, as it's got some good info on the patch.
https://www.nraas.net/community/Super-Patch

Alternatively you can download the Sims 3 Patch Downloader from ModtheSims.
https://modthesims.info/d/409829

It's my understanding after you've got the base game patched to 1.67 you can then install the discs in any order. Just say No to Origin/EA App while installing.

You'll need to create a mods folder and add the resource.cfg file to it. Create a Package and Nraas folder within the Mods folder so you can then add the Nraas NoCD mod to the Nraas folder.
https://www.nraas.net/community/NoCD

With the Nraas NoCD mod, you can play without the discs.

You can read how to create a mods folder or download a created mods folder that has the resource.cfg file already in the mods folder with the post link below.

Sims 3 - Creating a Mods Folder/Installing Mods Step by Step Guide:
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=9187.msg185282#msg185282

Launch the game through the game files instead of Sims 3 Launcher:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe"
Also, Right-click Run As Administrator on TS3W.exe

I installed Sims 3 from my original discs set (2009-2013) via external disc drive a few years back and it works and runs fine. I've had no problems.

If you'd like to download and install Sims 3 Store content, please see link below:

How To: Download and Install Store Content:
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg437664#msg437664

After you've done all this, go into game and check to see if everything is running okay.

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How to Play/Start the game?

Open the EA App > Library > Find Sims 3 and click Play

If you have the EA App version, you need to be logged in to play the game. As they integrated Sims 3 into their game client in late 2015. However, you can still play offline.

To play offline, you first need to open / login to the EA App while online. Then click Menu (☰) up top left > Go Offline. My understanding of why is for the account/games verification.

Since Jan. 2016 there is no way around EA App updating to patch 1.69 if you have recently purchased the game from EA.

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How to Play/Start the game with No Internet?

It looks like at this time you cannot play the game without internet.

To play offline, you first need to open / login to the EA App while online. Then click Menu (☰) up top left > Go Offline. My understanding of why is for the account/games verification.

Open the EA App > Library > Find Sims 3 and click Play.

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The Expansions Aren't Loading?!

If they aren't showing up in the EA App or Sims 3 Launcher, first check your purchase history via the EA Website (https://www.ea.com/). To see what packs and content shows up.

Consider Contacting EA (https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/) after looking at your purchase history to see if the packs/content do show up on your account. Missing games/content seems to be an account issue, like code(s) being blocked and needing a new one or game entitlements not being recognized as owned. You may need to try asking about it with Live Chat Support. If you don't see the option, change the location in your browser window to U.S. or U.K. Don't forget to ask for a refund if you recently made a Expansion/Stuff pack purchase.

The Sims 3 Launcher will forget from time to time which packs you have installed. Open the launcher and go to the Expansions & Stuff Packs tab to see what packs you have turned on. You may need to turn them off and back on to help the launcher remember which packs you have turned on.

Here's a link to a photo of what is being suggested:

More information on Patch 1.69 and Content Manager:
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2015/11/patch-1-69.html

Expansion and Stuff Pack Manager
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2015/11/expansion-and-stuff-pack-manager.html

Sims 3 Expansion Packs Disappeared From Launcher
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg439553.html#msg439553

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Bought Used Copy of Game or Worlds Discs:

Depending on what year is on the discs (looking for 2009 base game disc and first-run expansions/stuff packs discs) You're good and can use these to install/play. However you may not be able to register these with EA, as they may have been previously registered. See this section for a how-to install.

You can only register the game once to an EA Account.

If they are 2013 or newer, you won't be able to use them to install the game. This version requires Origin/EA App to install and play.

It's the same with the Worlds discs. If they've been registered to an EA Account, they can't be redeemed again.

You might try contacting EA's customer service (https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/) to see if there's anything that can be done, but most likely not.

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=====
Created: Oct. 2015
Updated: May 2023

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #30 on:** October 31, 2015, 09:44:19 PM »

V-Sync Settings

In Sims 3: Go to the Graphics tab and set the Screen Refresh Rate by selecting one of the numbers in the drop down menu. For example set it at 60. This will mean that you have V-Sync on. If you have it set to default that means it's turned off.

You can cap the frame rate with Nvidia Control Panel. Doing this will cap it at 60 FPS.
Example Shown is of Sims 3.

Click images to see larger view

You can find the vertical sync option at the bottom of the Specify settings for this program list:
Click images to see larger view

====

Nvidia = Manage 3D Settings and look for Vertical Sync. Set that to on/off
AMD = 3D Application Settings and look for Wait for Vertical Refresh - set to on/off

Frames Per Second (FPS) Tips
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=27183.msg450945#msg450945

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #31 on:** November 21, 2015, 01:42:07 AM »

Game won't load - stuck on black screen

Updated: May 2023

Quick Links:
– Game Will Not Launch/Start/Load
– Relieving Freezing and Lag
– Launcher Crashes / Launcher has stopped Working

Here are a some tips that might help.

1. Make sure drivers are up to date

Troubleshooting graphics on PC
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/pc/pc-graphics-troubleshooting

If the above doesn't help, try uninstalling your graphics driver and reinstall it. -- You may need to search on the manufacturer of your video card (Nvidia or AMD) to help find your graphics drivers.

How do I uninstall my NVIDIA display drivers?
https://www.wikihow.com/Uninstall-Nvidia-Drivers

Uninstalling AMD drivers
https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/faq/gpu-601

If you have a dual graphics card system, make sure the game runs on the card and not the chip.
https://crinrict.com/blog/2019/05/setting-up-a-gaming-profile-for-your-graphics-card.html

How-To: Get Sims 3 to Recognize a New Graphics Card
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=26753.msg446248#msg446248

2. Turn off EA App overlay: In the EA App, click Application and look for In-game Overlay this setting needs to be turned off.

EA App overlay is similar to what Origin in-game was. A feature that allows you to see friends online in-game as well as other game stats. However, It has been known to cause problems having this feature turned on.

3. Try resetting the Sims 3 folder, aka Sims 3 Factory Reset (HowTo)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401814.html#msg401814

4. Repair Game: Open the EA App > Library > Find Sims 3 and Click Manage > Repair.

5. Delete Game Cache
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401809.html#msg401809

✽ If you've got patch 1.69 make sure that the EPs/Sps you intend to play with are still checked before clicking Play. As it has been reported that clearing caches also clears the checked selections in the new EP/SP Picker function.

6. Try changing the resolution and/or Windowed mode using the Options.ini file. (Make a backup of this file, before making any changes!!)

The Options.ini file is in - \Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 - Click on the file to edit it.

-- Change the screen resolution:
Scroll down to where you see the word resolution.
Edit this to say: resolution = 1920 1080 0
The above is an example. When trying to change the in-game resolution, it's better to go lower than what your native screen resolution is.

-- Change from Fullscreen to Windowed Mode:
Scroll down to where you see the word fullscreen. Change it from: fullscreen = 1 - to: fullscreen = 0. This will put the game in windowed mode.

7. If that still does not help, run a Clean Boot as this will help with stopping any other programs from interfering.

http://help.ea.com/en/article/how-to-clean-boot-your-pc/

8. Uninstall/Reinstall the Game and/or EA App: It's recommended to uninstall the EA App, Sims 3 and related content. Use a registry cleaner such as Ccleaner or Revo Uninstaller to cleanup the files left behind from uninstalling the app and game files. Then reinstall the EA App (https://www.ea.com/ea-app), Sims 3 and related content via the EA App.

----
If none of the tips above help, please post about the the issue on answers.ea Sims 3 Tech Help Board:
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/bd-p/the-sims-3. Give them as much detail as possible, even the troubleshooting tips you've already tried.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #32 on:** December 12, 2015, 03:26:23 PM »

Game Won't Fully Load - Save Slow Loading

Updated: May 2023

Here are some troubleshooting tips to try:

1. Try loading a previously saved game.
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg433992.html#msg433992

2. Delete Game Cache Files (What & Howto)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg401809#msg401809

3. Check Mods and Custom Content: Move the Mods folder to the desktop for testing purposes and try the game again. - We suggest this due to outdated/broken mods/cc being the #1 issue when it comes to games not working correctly. If you need help with these, have a look at the links below.

Sims 3 - How-To: Fix Problems with Mods/CC
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=31759.msg506010#msg506010

-- If you are using a lot of custom content, this could cause long loading times, lag and crashing.

Try combining packages (custom content) files.
https://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/04/tutorial-combine-package-files-to-reduce-lag.html

4. Empty Personal and Family Inventories: Look at Sim's personal inventory as well as the family inventory. Get rid of what isn't being used. Often too many items in the inventories can cause issues.

5. Playing on large lots: (40x40 and above) can cause lag, having a large family and house with a lot of furniture/decor and landscaping will cause lag after awhile.

6. Size of Town: Is a bit factor in loading/saving time. The number of lots, and more importantly, the total population of the town. If it's a large town, you may want to consider moving the family to a different world/town. The bigger and more populated the world is the more they can lag after awhile.

–Help Moving Towns: Look into Nraas Porter to help move your families?

Nraas Porter, FAQ and Tutorial
(https://www.nraas.net/community/Porter)
(https://www.nraas.net/community/Porter-FAQ)
(https://www.nraas.net/Picture-Tutorial-Porter-For-Beginners)

7. Reset Town, Sim or Evicit Household: Can help, specially if there is something or a Sims or Sims stuck in your save.

Reset Town, Sims or Evicting Households to help reset things sometimes helps. (https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg401812#msg401812)

8. Check your game options. -- Sometimes experimenting with in-game graphics options help. Helps loading/saving times.

Sims 3 Options Overview
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=27533.msg455148#msg455148

For example, Enable Advanced Rendering, try the game with and without that turned on, or turn Tree detail to Medium and High Detail Lots to 3.

As well as turning off memories, and the interactive loading screens. How-To Links are below:

Turn Off Memories
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401805.html#msg401805

Turn Off Interactive Loading Screens
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg401807.html#msg401807]

9. Play for shorter periods: Try not to play for more than a few hours at a time. Restart the computer every now and again to help refresh the game.

10. Cleanup your Sims 3 folder of Saved Games, Screenshots, Videos, Downloads and Library Files.

Backup and/or Delete Older Saved Games:

Every so often delete or back up some of your older save-games. Back them up to a usb key, external drive or online storage.

Having a lot of saved-games in your Saves folder is known to cause issues with the game and loading issues.

Move the Screenshots and Recorded Video folders if using them, to the desktop. You can also do this for your Downloads folder, for backup purposes along with your Library folder. This will help the game have less to load.

** :Important Note: **
To prevent corrupting the game save use Save As, often. Giving the saves names such as Save01, Save02, Save03 each time. This helps create backups of your game save that you can go back if needed.

11. Playing a single Save for long period of time - example: months to years: Playing saves files for real life months to years long is problematic. There's tons of bloat to consider and if you use save instead of Save As that can cause even more bloat and problems.

1. Use a Save Cleaner: Regul Save Cleaner (https://modthesims.info/d/652440)
2. Merge Custom Content, but keep a backup of your single CC files to help troubleshoot issues.
-- How To: Merge Your Custom Content: - Using S3PE: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIZ2LdoT-HY)
-- How To: Install CC in CC Magic: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTXYAuiHEdw)
3. Look over the Sims 3 Performance & Bug Fix Guide: (https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1131162350) for more tips that might be helpful.

12. Repair Game: Open the EA App > Library > Find Sims 3 and Click Manage > Repair.

13. Restart computer if you haven't in awhile. This helps to refresh the computer's memory.

14. Turn off EA App overlay: In the EA App, click Application and look for In-game Overlay this setting needs to be turned off.

EA App overlay is similar to what Origin in-game was. A feature that allows you to see friends online in-game as well as other game stats. However, It has been known to cause problems having this feature turned on.

15. Try resetting the Sims 3 Folder, aka 3 Factory Reset (How-To)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg401814#msg401814

16. Turn off the Game Bar as it's known to be causing issues with a lot of games.

Turn off or disable Game bar in Windows 10
https://www.howtogeek.com/273180/how-to-disable-windows-10s-game-dvr-and-game-bar/

17. Check Online Storage (OneDrive/GoogleDrive): Uninstall, disable or pause syncing with any services you normally use, such as OneDrive, Google Drive or otherwise. These services move your game files out from (\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3) to where your game can't see them anymore.

––Before doing anything with OneDrive or GoogleDrive, if you have Sims 3 files there, copy them back to the C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts folder.

Then turn off, disable or uninstall the service. This way the game will be able to access your Sims 3 files again and won't move them.

–Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/turn-off-disable-or-uninstall-onedrive-f32a17ce-3336-40fe-9c38-6efb09f944b0

18. Ensure Antivirus or security software is not blocking the game/EA App.

Add an exclusion to Windows Security:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-an-exclusion-to-windows-security-811816c0-4dfd-af4a-47e4-c301afe13b26

==========
Reference Links:

Game Help: Restoring Backup Saves
http://modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Restoring_Backup_Saves

The Sims 3 Performance & Bug Fix Guide:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1131162350

Tips for Better Game Performance:
https://www.nraas.net/community/TIPS-FOR-BETTER-GAME-PERFORMANCE

Error: Long Loading Times - Tips
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/03/error-long-loading-times.html

Tips for General Crashing Issues
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg425173.html#msg425173

Tips to Relieve Lag and Freezing
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg422978#msg422978

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #33 on:** January 03, 2016, 01:50:41 PM »

My Sims User or Install Files are Missing?

If by chance your user files or install files have gone missing, you may need to first check to make sure you've installed the game correctly.

If the game is installed correctly, navigate to the folders below to see if you can find your files. If they aren't there. You may need to search your computer for these folders.

----> Click Start, and in the search bar the comes up Search for Sims 3 or 4.

User files should be located here:
--
C:\Users\<Username>\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3
C:\Users\<Username>\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4

==
Game install files should be located here: (by default)
--
C:\Program Files\EA Games\The Sims 3
C:\Program Files\Origin Games\The Sims 3

The Original Disc Version - pre 2012 version
C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3

** The newer 2013 disc versions may try to default install to Origin Games.

If your user files aren't in your \Documents\Electronic Arts\ (Sims 3 or 4) folder, move them from where you found them into one of those folders. As that is where the game saves the user files by default.

Check Online Storage (OneDrive/GoogleDrive): Uninstall, disable or pause syncing with any services you normally use, such as OneDrive, Google Drive or otherwise. These services move your game files out from (\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3) to where your game can't see them anymore.

––Before doing anything with OneDrive or GoogleDrive, if you have Sims 3 files there, copy them back to the C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts folder.

Then turn off, disable or uninstall the service. This way the game will be able to access your Sims 3 files again and won't move them.

–Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/turn-off-disable-or-uninstall-onedrive-f32a17ce-3336-40fe-9c38-6efb09f944b0

Ensure Antivirus or security software is not blocking the game/EA App.

Add an exclusion to Windows Security:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-an-exclusion-to-windows-security-811816c0-4dfd-af4a-47e4-c301afe13b26

If you are still having problems finding your EA Games it may be best to contact EA Help for further assistance.
https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #34 on:** February 02, 2016, 11:38:01 AM »

Go Back to a Previous Save

To find if you have a previous save look in your Sims 3\Saves folder in Documents.

Default Path to Saves folder.
C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves

Inside this folder you'll find your saved games.

SaveGame.sims3 -- (Main Save)
SaveGame.sims3.backup -- (Back up save of Main Save)
and maybe GameSave.sims3.bad -- (corrupted game save)

If you have a SaveGame.sims3.backup file. Rename or move the main save file to some place safe like an external hard drive or flash drive. Then rename the backup save.

For example: You could rename the Main Save SaveGame.sims3MS, then rename the backup: GameSave.sims3

If you find that the backup works, it would be a good idea to back it up as well. That way you have something go back to if something happens.

It's highly recommended to use Save As often. Give the save file a name like S1, S2, S3, for example. Then when problems come up, you have a built-in backup on hand to use when needed.

It's best to delete the GameSave.sims3.bad file, as it's corrupt and cannot be salvaged. These are okay to delete.

If your save files are not in \Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves your game will not be able to see them or use them. They may have been moved to OneDrive. If this is the case you may need to uninstall, disable or pause syncing with any services you normally use, such as OneDrive, Google Drive or otherwise. These services move your game files out from (\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3) to where your game can't see them anymore.

––Before doing anything with OneDrive or GoogleDrive, if you have Sims 3 files there, copy them back to the C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts folder.

Then turn off, disable or uninstall the service. This way the game will be able to access your Sims 3 files again and won't move them.

–Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/turn-off-disable-or-uninstall-onedrive-f32a17ce-3336-40fe-9c38-6efb09f944b0

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #35 on:** March 20, 2016, 12:10:00 AM »

How To: Download and Install Store Content

Updated: May. 2023

Quick Links:
- How to Download Store Items
- Clear Edge and IE Browser Files and Some Tips
- How to Install/Uninstall Store Items
- How To: Redeem the Monte Vista/Hidden Springs World Bundle
- How-To: Backup and Restore Store Content
- Bought Used Copy of Game or World Discs
- Sims 3 Points/Sims 3 Currency
- How To: Get Sims 3 Store Content Recognized By Game
- Troubleshooting Tips

Please note that recently purchased store items may take several minutes to appear on the purchase history page.

How to Download Store Items:

There are a few ways to download store content. It's recommended to do so in a new Sims 3 folder for best results. To create a new Sims 3 folder, go to: (\Documents\Electronic Arts) - right-click on the Sims 3 folder and select Rename. I usually rename it something like Sims3-Bkup. Everything is safe in your backup Sims 3 folder. Launch the game and exit it so it creates a new folder.

~ 1. Using the EA App:

Open the Sims 3 using the EA App. Go to the Load Game Page, click the three dots in the lower left and click Open Download Dashboard. This is where you should find all your Store Content. Look for Riverview, for example. When you find it, click Install Now.

This will download Riverview to the downloads tab of the launcher and install the it. Showing a status of downloaded and installed. -- Go into the launcher > Installed Content tab to see that everything is installed correctly.

~ 2. Sims 3 Store Site:

Go to the Sims3.com Store site and login with your Origin/EA username and password. (http://store.thesims3.com)

Go to your Username in the upper left hand corner of the screen and left-click on it and select My Store Account. Under it's menu select Purchase History This is where you can find all store content purchased and re-download it from there if needed.

If needed, you can go to the item's page and download it from there. -- Items will show up in the Downloads tab in the launcher.

✽ Note: It's highly recommended to download files in small batches of maybe 20 files or less and world files one by one. This is to help not overwhelm the launcher.

Download content to a new Sims 3 folder for best results. To create a new Sims 3 folder, go to: (\Documents\Electronic Arts) - right-click on the Sims 3 folder and select Rename. I usually rename it something like Sims3-Bkup. Everything is safe in your backup Sims 3 folder. Launch the game and exit it so it creates a new folder.

Open the launcher so it's ready to receive the store content you're wanting to download.

Start downloading store content in groups, for example you could start with store worlds, then store sets (download a few sets at a time, depending on how big the sets are) and then the individual pieces.

After you've downloaded all your store content. Make a backup copy your Sims 3 folder. By copying it to backup media of choice (a folder outside of the Electronic Arts folder, usb drive, external hard drive, etc.) -- This way you have your store content backed up ready to go if/when you need it again later.

Click the downloads tab in the launcher, Click Select All and Install.

~ 3. Downloads Dashboard

If for some reason you are experiencing issues downloading content from your Purchase History page or item's page, You can use the Downloads Dashboard to get the store content downloaded into your game. More details in the link below:

About Downloads Dashboard (What & How-To Use)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=16094.0

Back to top

Clear Edge and IE Browser Files and Some Tips:

If you're having issues with the Store site, downloading and/or installing content try these tips.

~ Clear Edge and IE Browser Data:

The Sims 3 launcher uses parts of IE to work, so clearing Edge and IE's browser data can help with launcher issues such as downloading and installing store content.

View and delete browser history in Microsoft Edge:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/view-and-delete-browser-history-in-microsoft-edge-00cf7943-a9e1-975a-a33d-ac10ce454ca4

~ Password Issues?

If your password contains any special characters, it's a good idea to change your password. The launcher doesn't do well with some of those, for example & or !. This is the case even when the password works fine on other EA sites.

Reset your password for expired credentials: (https://help.ea.com/en/help/account/reset-password-expired-credentials/)

Additionally, go into Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 3 > Downloads and delete the file labeled [your email].bin. if you have it.

~ Repair/Verify Game, Clear EA App Cache:

Repair Game: If Using EA App: Open the EA App > Library > Find Sims 3 and Click Manage > Repair.

Repair/Verify Files: If Using Steam: In Games Library, click on Sims 3 > Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity of game files.

Clear the EA App Cache Files: Click Menu (☰) up top left > Help > App Recovery > Clear Cache. * Restarting your computer maybe helpful after this step.

Back to top

How to Install/Uninstall Store Items:

The items you download from the store will go to your Downloads tab in the Sims 3 launcher. Once the items are finished downloading, click the Select All button, then click the install button. After installed they will show up under the Installed Content tab.

----------
~ To Uninstall Store Content:

1. Open the launcher, click the Installed tab.
2. Find the items you want to uninstall and checkmark them or click the Select All button.
3. When finished click the Uninstall button.
4. You'll get a warning message of Are you sure you want to uninstall the selected items? Click Ok.
-- The uninstall may take a few minutes depending on how many items you selected.

Back to top

How To: Redeem the Monte Vista/Hidden Springs World Bundle:

When purchasing the bundle, you will receive an email confirmation with codes for these world files. Be sure to check your spam folder in case it might be in there.

~ To redeem this bundle:

1. Log into the store - https://store.thesims3.com. Click your username, and select My Store Account - https://store.thesims3.com/myAccount.html

-- You may need to redeem the codes separately for each world.

2. Click the green plus (+) sign to the right of Redeem a Code (right side of screen)

3. Enter the code and Click Redeem.

-- Once you do this for both worlds, they should now be added to your Purchase History page and be available for download.

4. Check either your purchase history page for the worlds or go to their item pages to download and install.

Monte Vista:
http://store.thesims3.com/montevista.html?categoryId=12642

Hidden Springs:
http://store.thesims3.com/hiddenSprings.html?categoryId=12642

Notes on Hidden Springs and Monte Vista:

HiddenSprings is known to be a little tricky to get via this bundle. What should happen is your account should get credited up to 2000 Simpoints. At that point, you should be able to go to it's item page: http://store.thesims3.com/hiddenSprings.html and purchase it that way. It should then show up on your purchase history page. http://store.thesims3.com/purchaseHistory.html. It should then be ready to download and install.

You may find that you get an error message of This code has already been used for Monte Vista. That's okay. You've already redeemed the code for the town. It should now be ready to download and install from your purchase history page, or from it's item page. http://store.thesims3.com/montevista.html

Note: Key codes for the worlds, store content and game are stored in the Windows registry. So, that's why it is skipping the game code entry when you're installing any of the above - it uses those keys even though you may be installing it from disc.

If for some reason this does not work, or the worlds do not show up in your purchase history after awhile, please contact EA's customer service (https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/). Missing games/content seems to be an account issue, like code(s) being blocked and needing a new one or game entitlements not being recognized as owned. You may need to try asking about it with Live Chat Support. If you don't see the option, change the location in your browser window to U.S. or U.K.

-----

Reference Links:

[Guide] Sims 3 Store Worlds
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Guide-Sims-3-Store-Worlds/m-p/1589911

How to Install Hidden Springs -
https://help.ea.com/en-gb/help/the-sims/the-sims-3/how-to-install-the-sims-3-hidden-springs/

Unable to Download/Install Hidden Springs and Monte Vista bundle
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/860994/unable-to-download-install-hidden-springs-and-monte-vista-bundle

Back to top

Information on Sims 3 Points/Sims 3 Currency:

Simspoints are now called Sims 3 Currency and you can buy them with the EA App.

Can't Buy SimPoints on Store.TheSims3.com?
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Can-t-Buy-SimPoints-on-Store-TheSims3-com/td-p/11953657

Players can still purchase SimPoints/Sims 3 Currency in the EA app for PC (and Origin on Mac) to then redeem on TheSims3.com and in the in-game store.

Buy Sims 3 Currency in the EA App: If you're not seeing the option, click Sims 3 in your game library, then click DLC, and "Sims 3 Currency" should be the first listing. Click that and select the number of points you want, then proceed to checkout.

Back to top

Get Store Content Recognized By Game:

It seems like for the most part, downloading from the Sims 3 Store's website: https://store.thesims3.com/ > purchase history page: http://store.thesims3.com/purchaseHistory.html to the Sims 3 Downloads folder, isn't the issue.

Where the problem comes in is getting store content to stay installed or getting the game to recognize that it's already installed.

Click images to see larger view.

Exit the game and EA App and delete the files mentioned below.

Delete the igs.bin and platform.bin files in the SigsCache folder
- \Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\SigsCache

Launch the game again to see if that helps. The game will regenerate these files. If not, try the tip below:

◆ ◆ For this tip, please be sure to have your store content and custom content files backed up. Deleting the both files in the folder mentioned below deletes both the installed store content and custom content that is installed via the Sims 3 launcher. -- However, deleting just the missingdeps.idx file should not delete store or custom content.

Delete the missingdeps.idx file from the DCCache Folder
- \Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\DCCache

If uncomfortable deleting the files mentioned above, save a copy of your Sims 3 folder to your desktop or usb stick for back up purposes. Then try deleting the files.

Please see the article linked below by Crinrict to read about the Sims 3 User Files.

Sims 3 User Files Explained
https://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/01/faq-user-files.html

Back to top

Troubleshooting Tips:

Make sure Origin/EA App is open and the Sims 3 launcher is open before you log into the store to download the content. As it may take awhile for the launcher to open depending on how much content you have installed already.

If you're having problems downloading any of the store content, try using a different browser. For example: Firefox.

If you're having a problem with your EA account, downloading or installing, try the tips listed here first. If those don't help, please contact EA's Customer Service (https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/) as they can help with account issues.

Missing games/content seems to be an account issue, like code(s) being blocked and needing a new one or game entitlements not being recognized as owned. You may need to try asking about it with Live Chat Support. If you don't see the option, change the location in your browser window to U.S. or U.K.

You may need to verify your account details and show proof of purchase. -- If at some point you have registered your discs/games with Sims3.com that might be able to be used as proof of purchase.

-----

Reference Links:

[Troubleshoot] Downloading/Installing of Store Content
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Troubleshoot-Downloading-Installing-of-Store-Content/m-p/4287701#U4287701

[FAQ] The Sims 3 Store
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/FAQ-The-Sims-3-Store/td-p/333394

Back to top

============
============
Created: Mar. 2016
Updated: May. 2023

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #36 on:** April 05, 2016, 06:50:05 PM »

Sims 3 Expansion Packs Disappeared From Launcher

Updated: May 2023

This is still currently an issue with the EA App and Sims 3 Launcher.

You might try:

1. Clear the EA App Cache Files: click Menu (☰) up top left > Help > App Recovery > Clear Cache. * Restarting your computer maybe helpful after this step.
2. Login to your EA Account via the EA Website (https://www.ea.com/) to check your purchase history. Just to see what packs/content show up.
3. Consider Contacting EA (https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/) after looking at your purchase history to see if the packs/content do show up on your account. Missing games/content seems to be an account issue, like code(s) being blocked and needing a new one or game entitlements not being recognized as owned. You may need to try asking about it with Live Chat Support. If you don't see the option, change the location in your browser window to U.S. or U.K.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #37 on:** June 30, 2016, 03:05:46 AM »

Sims 3 From Steam To Origin

Question: If I buy Sims 3 expansion/stuff packs from Steam, can I take the game codes and register them with Origin?

Answer: Yes. However, first you must purchase the TS3 base game from Steam. - Once that is done, you can purchase all the expansions/stuff packs you want and register them with EA to get the EA version.

Go to the Sims 3 in your Steam library and go CD Key, under the Links menu. Click on each ep/sp and copy key to clipboard paste into notepad. So then they can be registered with EA.

Via the EA App: Library -> Redeem code

Via Sims 3 Store: Login to the Sims 3 Store's website (https://www.thesims3.com/home.html). Go to My Page > My Account > Register a Game or possibly Redeem a Code.

However if you get a message that states the codes have been redeemed, you may want to check over your account history. to see what shows up. If you have any problems Contact EA (https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/) to see if it's an account issue, like code being blocked or game entitlements not being recongnized as owned. You may need to try asking about it again with Live Chat Support. If you don't see the option, change the location in your browser window to U.S. or U.K.

Sims 3 Steam code not registered on Sims 3 website
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/sims-3-steam-code-not-registered-on-website/td-p/12447872

-----
Reference Link:

Can expansions bought on Steam be transferred to Origin?
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Sims-3-next-sale/m-p/8646844#M239173

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #38 on:** July 09, 2016, 10:14:17 PM »

Add Sims 3 and Expansions to the Data Execution Prevention (DEP)

For Windows 8 and 10
For Windows 7

** This only works with the original disc version of the game.

For Windows 8 and 10

1. File Explorer > This PC, right-click select Properties
2. Select Advanced System Settings
3. Under the Advanced Tab, Performance, click Settings.
4. Select the Data Execution Prevention tab.
5. Select Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select.
6. Add the Sims 3 executable files to the exception list.
7. Click the Add button and navigate to the Sims 3 install folder and look for TS3W.exe

--- 32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin
--- 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin

** Note: You will need to find the .exe file for each expansion you own and add it to the list.

8. Click OK when finished.
9. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Back to top

For Windows 7

1. Windows Explorer > Computer, right-click select Properties
2. Select Advanced System Settings
3. Under the Advanced Tab, Performance, click Settings.
4. Select the Data Execution Prevention tab.
5. Select Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select.
6. Add the Sims 3 executable files to the exception list.
7. Click the Add button and navigate to the Sims 3 install folder and look for TS3W.exe

--- 32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin
--- 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin

** Note: You will need to find the .exe file for each expansion you own and add it to the list.

8. Click OK when finished.
9. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #39 on:** September 25, 2016, 05:39:46 PM »

Restore Sims 3 Game Options Settings

These tips sometimes helps, not always.

1. Move the options.ini file to the desktop.
[The option.ini file can be found in: \Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3]

2. Start the game and then quit out of it. So it will create a new options.ini file.

3. Open the option.ini file and look for a line that says something like "lastdevice =" with a bunch of numbers. Copy the lastdevice = with it's numbers and replace it into your old options.ini file.

4. Save and replace the options.ini file.

This device line gets changed every time the graphics drivers and/or Windows are updated. The lastdevice line is given a new driver number that seems to tell the game that the whole options.ini file is new.

If for some reason this doesn't help, you'll need to manually reset them yourself and take note of them via text notes in Notepad or screenshots of your game and graphics options, for next time the graphics card needs to be updated.

You won't be able to just copy/paste the file into your Sims 3 folder. It doesn't work that way, not sure exactly why other than the file is assigned unique lastdevice numbers that are different file to file and if they don't match you have to change the options yourself.

If you don't understand the above, look at the post linked below. It explains in a different way how to save and restore the options.ini file.

How to save graphic settings?
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=15561.msg297343#msg297343

Under the spoiler tag are a some of options that you may want to change in your file to to get highest settings. (1 means low / 2 medium / 3 high / 4 high/max)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

MrsFlynn · « **Reply #40 on:** February 19, 2017, 01:33:35 AM »

Can't Log In to Sims 3

Try these tips:

1. Clear Edge and IE Browser Data:

The Sims 3 launcher uses parts of IE to work, so clearing Edge and IE's browser data can help with launcher issues such as downloading and installing store content.

View and delete browser history in Microsoft Edge:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/view-and-delete-browser-history-in-microsoft-edge-00cf7943-a9e1-975a-a33d-ac10ce454ca4

2. Reset Your Password:

If your password contains any special characters, it's a good idea to change your password. The launcher doesn't do well with some of those, for example & or !. This is the case even when the password works fine on other EA sites.

Reset your password for expired credentials:
https://help.ea.com/en/help/account/reset-password-expired-credentials/

Additionally, go into Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 3 > Downloads and delete the file labeled [your email].bin. if you have it.

3. Use a Different Browser to Login:

Try a different browser, for example Firefox or Chrome istead of your usual browser and log into the Sims 3 Store website.

https://store.thesims3.com/

4. Try using the exchange, open the launcher (don't login). Go to the exchange: https://www.thesims3.com/exchange Try downloading something, to see if it will allow that. If so, then try logging in.

5. If all else fails, it maybe best to post about the issue on answers.ea. Sims 3 Tech Board

Sims 3 Tech Board:
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/bd-p/the-sims-3

EA Customer Service:
https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/

When talking to EA's CS. You will have to verify your account. This means you may have to give them your name, email address, etc. With that information, they can help you with your account issues.

Also, if you have a temporary account, let them know about it. They may be able to merge it with your main account. - You may need to verify both the main and temporary accounts to be able to get the accounts merged.

----
Reference Links:

Can't Login thru Sims 3 Launcher or in Game
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Can-t-Login-thru-Sims-3-Launcher-or-in-Game/td-p/5979430

I can't log in to The Sims 3
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/I-can-t-log-in-to-The-Sims-3/td-p/1789895

Invalid email/password error
https://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Invalid-email-password-error/td-p/1987869

News:

Author Topic: Sims 3 - Tips for Crashing, Lag and Other Misc Tips (Read 236298 times)