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

[MrsFlynn]

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.

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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

FPS Limiters do not work on patch 1.69

[MrsFlynn]

Game won't load - stuck on black screen

Here are a some tips that might help.

1. Check to see if you need to update your graphics card drivers:
http://help.ea.com/en/article/finding-devices-and-updating-drivers/

2. Turn off Origin in-game:
Open up Origin, Go to Game Library. Right-click on Sims 3 game and select Game Properties. Check the box to disable Origin in Game.

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

4. Repair game - Right Click on the game and select Repair Game.

5. Try clearing game cache, but 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.

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

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 Origin
https://www.origin.com/en-us/download
-- This will not hurt any installed Origin games. It will help refresh Origin.

9. Uninstall/Reinstall Sims 3 base game or the full game.
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,20732.msg425178.html#msg425178

----
If none of the tips above help, please post about the the issue at AHQ's Sims 3 Tech Help Board:
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/bd-p/the-sims-3

[MrsFlynn]

Game Won't Fully Load - Save slow loading

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. Deactivate Origin in Game -- Open Origin, Select Origin > Application Settings > Origin In Game and deselect to disable Origin In Game.

4. If you've recently installed custom content and/or mods it may be best to try to load the game without them. Easiest way to do that is to move the mods folder to the desktop and try to load the game.

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

5. Combine Package (custom Content) files to reduce loading time and game lag.
https://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/04/tutorial-combine-package-files-to-reduce-lag.html

6. Check your game options. Sometimes lowering in-game graphics options help. As well as turning off memories, and the interactive loading screens. How-To Links are below:

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

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]

7. In Origin > Games Library, right-click on Sims 3 and select Repair.

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

9. Sims 3 Factory Reset - HowTo
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg401814#msg401814

10. Delete and/or Backup Older Saved Games

Every so often, back up some of your older save-games. Back them up to an external drive, cd, usb key for if you want to use them later or need a backup to go back to.

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

** :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 to if needed.

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Reference Links:

Game Help: Restoring Backup Saves

Tips For Better Game Performance

Long Loading Times

[MrsFlynn]

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 (x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 4 (64-bit - Windows)
C:\Program Files\Origin Games\The Sims 4 (32-bit - Windows)

Digital Download Version
C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 3 (64-bit - Windows)
C:\Program Files\Origin Games\The Sims 3 (32-bit - Windows)

The Original Disc Version - pre 2012 version
C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 (64-bit - Windows)
C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4 (32-bit - Windows)

** The newer disc versions may 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.

If you are still having problems finding your Origin games it may be best to contact EA for further assistance.

[MrsFlynn]

Go Back to a Previous Save

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

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 can't be salvaged. These are okay to delete.

[MrsFlynn]

How To: Download and Install Store Content

Quick Links:
- How to Download Store Items
- How To: Redeem the Monte Vista/Hidden Springs World Bundle
- Downloads Dashboard - to help download content
- Clear Internet Explorer or Edge Cache Files
- How to Install/Uninstall Store Items
- How-To: Backup and Restore Store Content
- Bought Used Copy of Game or World Discs
- 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

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

2. 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. -- Items will show up in the Downloads tab in the launcher.

Checkmark Select All to download everything in your purchase history. **The "Select All" download option works on a per page basis. So the download may take awhile.

3. *Optional* Download content to a new Sims 3 folder for best results. - Do this by moving your current Sims 3 folder to your desktop, for example and renaming it Sims3Current. Then get into game, so it will create a new Sims 3 folder for you.

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

5. 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, external hard drive, flash drive, etc.) -- This way you have your store content backed up ready to go if/when you need it again later.

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

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Downloads Dashboard

If for some reason you are experiencing issues downloading content from your Purchase History page or the Sims 3 Exchange. You can use the Downloads Dashboard to get the 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

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Clear Internet Explorer or Edge Cache Files

The launcher still uses parts of Internet Explorer to start up. Clearing out IE's cache and cookies may help it work better. It has been shown clearing out Microsoft Edge browser's cache and cookies may help.

To Clear IE's Cache:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Go to the Tools menu. (Gear icon) on the right of the screen. Click it and choose Internet Options.
3. On the General tab under Browsing history click Delete.
4. Un-check the Preserve Favorites website data box.
5. Check the Temporary Internet files, Cookies and History boxes.
6. Click Delete and Okay.

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To Reset IE back to factory default.

1. Open IE and go to Tools --> Internet Options --> Advanced --> Reset.
2. Check the box that says "Delete Personal Settings.
3. Restart your computer

** Please note Internet Explorer is different from Microsoft Edge.  We are not talking about Microsoft Edge or whatever browser you may be using to browse the internet with.  We're talking specifically about Internet Explorer, it has ties into Sims 3's launcher and may need it's cache cleared or fully reset to help the launcher work again.

However, it has been shown clearing out Microsoft Edge browser's cache and cookies may help.

wikiHow to Clear Microsoft Edge Browser's Cache
http://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Your-Browser%27s-Cache#Microsoft_Edge_sub

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How to Install/Uninstall Store Items

The items you download from the store will go to your Downloads tab in the 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.

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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.

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

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 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:

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 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 store 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 (How-To Link Here) to have them help sort out the problem. With proof of purchase of the bundle they should then be able to help.



Reference Links:

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

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

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Troubleshooting Tips

Make sure Origin is open and 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: Internet Explorer.

If you're having a problem with downloading any of the content or your account, please contact EA's Customer Service (HowTo). [Only EA customer service can access user accounts.] You may need to verify your account 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.


[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

Origin crashes when I try to download additional content that comes with new expansions
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Origin-crashes-when-I-try-to-download-additional-content-that/m-p/2322643#U2322643

[MrsFlynn]

Sims 3 Expansion Packs Disappeared From Launcher

Thanks to a member helping me troubleshoot this problem we found this may be an issue to contact EA's customer service with. As this could be an account issue.

What sounds like is happening is the expansions can be viewed via Origin. - Games Library > Sims 3 > Extra Content tab Game Details [Right-click Sims 3, scroll past the Play button, click the Extra Content tab to see to see what Expansions and stuff packs that have been purchased.]

But for some reason, not really explained, the launcher is not recognizing the expansions. Meaning they don't show up under the Expansions and Stuff pack tab in the launcher. This could be happening for several different reasons, such as the game has deactivated the packs or some other account issues.

If a Repair Game or uninstall/reinstall doesn't work, it's likely an account issue and can best be handled by EA's Customer Service.

There has been issues with EA pulling packs from players games. If you feel this is happening to you, please read the thread linked below for more help:

Sims 3 Expansions Missing
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/Sims-3-expansions-missing/m-p/6085793#M222711

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How to: Repair Game
In Origin > Games Library, right-click on Sims 3 and select Repair.
Start game while in offline mode in Origin. This makes the packs show up in the launcher.

If packs show up in Origin, but not in launcher, trying to reinstall Origin may not work.

How to: Uninstall/Reinstall Sims 3
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg425178.html#post_Uninstall

How to: EA's Customer Service
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=21898.msg401708#msg401708

World Adventures Note: You won't find the World Adventures worlds listed (China, Egypt, and France). As they're only playable by your Sims going on vacation. You have to start in a normal "home" town first, such as Sunset Valley.


Reference Links:

Expansions not showing up in the launcher
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/883084/expansions-not-showing-up-in-the-launcher

Expansion packs aren't listed at all through the launcher
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=26532.msg442749#msg442749

[MrsFlynn]

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 Origin to get the Origin 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 Origin.

Log into your Origin account and register the codes there. [Launch Origin, click on the Origin menu, Games Redeem Product Code.] When that is finished, you should have the full game in your Origin Game Library.


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]

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

For Windows 8 and 10
For Windows 7


** This only works with the 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

You may need to navigate to: (if using the Origin digital download version)

--- 32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Origin Games\The Sims 3\Game\Bin
--- 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\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.

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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

You may need to navigate to: (if using the Origin digital download version)

--- 32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Origin Games\The Sims 3\Game\Bin
--- 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\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]

Restore Sims 3 Game Options Settings

There's a quick way to reset the game options after a graphics driver or Windows update.

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 should restore your settings.

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 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)

Open up your Option.ini file and carefully look over these options below and change the number to 4 on all of these options in your file to have them set on high/max.

terrainquality = 4

edgesmoothing = 4

visualeffects = 4

simquality = 4

lightingquality = 4

treequality = 4

drawdistance = 4

generalreflections = 4

texturequality = 4

[MrsFlynn]

Can't Log In to Sims 3 Store

Try these tips:

1. Try a different browser, for example Chrome, or IE instead of your usual browser.

2. Clear browser cache.
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/faq/clearing-your-browsers-cache/

3. Even if you don't use IE, it might be good to reset it. As Sims 3 uses parts of IE in it's launcher.

Open IE and go to Tools --> Internet Options --> Advanced --> Reset.
Check the box that says "Delete Personal Settings.
Restart your computer

4a. If you're able to log in via the launcher, then do that and then try logging into the store.

4b. If you can't log into the launcher, try logging into the store via the website. https://store.thesims3.com/

5. Crinrict has a suggestion of deleting a file in \Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Downloads that has your email address as a file name.

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

6. 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.

7. Even if you can log into Origin, try changing your password Then try logging into the Store again.

8. If all else fails, it may be best to contact EA's Customer Service to see if they can help.

When talking to EA's CS. You will have to verify your account. This means give them your name, email address, password, etc. With that information, they can help you with your account issues. Also, let them know of your temporary account, so they can merge it with your main account. - You may need to verify the temporary account as well.

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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