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Re: Sims 3 launcher running in tray while playing.

@172e3cda00349872  @TrexterZiam  How about an even better workaround?

But first, a disclaimer:  This approach worked well for me—I could login, load, and save, with no apparent ill effects.  However, I never tried to download or install any store or custom content, nor did I export or upload anything of my own.  I also tested on a throwaway game folder, and I suggest that anyone else trying this out do the same, or at the very least keep a backup of your existing game folder until you're satisfied with the results.

Again, the issues with the launcher running in the tray and claiming to be uploading when closed out can both be remedied by removing the Sims3Logs file from the TS3 game folder in Documents.  (As @172e3cda00349872  has mentioned, the Sims3LauncherLogFile may also be involved, although this has not been the case for me in particular.)  But even better, the files' properties can be changed in a way that disallows whatever nonsense has been going on with the launcher.  The path is:

Right-click on the affected file, Properties > Security (second tab) > Edit; highlight "Admin" and check the box to deny "read"

This was enough to make the launcher behave as normal on my Windows 10 setup, but if it's necessary to go further, checking all the "deny" boxes for Admin, System, and <username> appears to have no negative effects on the game.  And this change can be undone just as easily, simply by unchecking the boxes again.

Special thanks to @igazor  for his insight.  I don't want to make him uncomfortable by gushing all over this thread, so I'll just say that we all know he's wonderful.

8 Replies

  • Thank you to both @puzzlezaddict and @igazor for that awesome tip!! I tried it earlier today and have had no problems using the launcher, even installed a few Sims3Pack files without any issues.

    I don't know why I didn't think to try that tip on the files before. I do the same trick for the FeaturedItems folder. When ever I make a new Sims 3 folder.

    If I could give more XP points I would!! - Like tons more 😉

  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    Hero+
    7 years ago

    @172e3cda00349872  Thanks so much for sharing the the info about the launcher installs.  It's good to hear that everything still works as it should.  I don't think any of us want to have to scrap this workaround and start from scratch again.

    If you do run into any trouble, though, please post back so we can try to sort it out.  It's always good to have a few different people looking over the issues that crop up, especially now that the game is out of development and players have to figure out these things for ourselves.

  • I will definitely be keeping an eye on the launcher issue. I played for a good while today and every time I had to open the launcher to pop out of game, I cringed a little, but all seems good.

    I can't give extra XP points, so I just went ahead and gave everyone points in this thread!!

  • StuntPony's avatar
    StuntPony
    5 years ago

    Year 2020, tried deleting the logs, didn't work for long(they reappeared), tried to forbid reading - didn't work, forbidden reading on all three levels - works perfectly, no errors, no tray running, no crashes.

  • What do you mean, "all three levels"? I'm getting the upload bug and the installer isn't working either. It will get to the 50% mark and then, it disappears.

  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    Hero+
    4 years ago

    @Babydoll3133  It sounds like you might have a different issue than the one described in this thread.  (This error has nothing to do with manual uploads failing, at least not under normal circumstances, nor does it affect the process of installing Sims3Packs.)  Please describe what you're trying to do in a little more detail, and if you see an error message, post a screenshot.

  • Babydoll3133's avatar
    Babydoll3133
    4 years ago

    I was having the uploads still running thing when trying to close the launcher. 

    I have since found the problem - sort of. Not sure what what thing in my folder kept me from installing, but once I moved the entire Sims 3 folder and let it create a new one, the installs work again. And as a plus, the "upload" error stopped as well.

    I'll probably do the 50/50 test to find the offending object. LOL

    But thank you for your reply.

  • deus_ith's avatar
    deus_ith
    4 years ago

    March 2022: the problem still exists.

    However, the solution proposed by @puzzlezaddict holds. Windows 10 fully updated and running thru Steam.

    What puzzled me (no pun intended) was that in my win10 setup, i saw no tray icon nor a process still running (altho i didnt do a exhaustive search) so I just tried the solution and it worked.

    To whoever reads this in the future and to clarify the process:

    Go to your documents folder and search in Electronic Arts/The Sims 3/ for the files Sims3Logs.xml and Sims3LauncherLogFile.log and then right click > properties > Security (second tab) > select the Admin Group. Then click on Edit and check the Read box in the Deny column and then Accept. Windows might warn you about users sharing the same group being denied the action too, but we have to deal with ti. Do this for each of the two files individually.

    After that, the game should close with no trouble. You will know you did it right if you try to open the Sims3LauncherLogFile.log in notepad: permission should be denied.

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