Re: Alder Lake Patch - error 0x0175d824.

@puzzlezaddict Hi, thanks so much for your response. I have tried repairing and using the task manager method before, still getting the error. I am using Mcafee, and yes I installed and then later uninstalled expansion packs. 

@Imogeeen  Please reinstall all the expansion packs you uninstalled earlier.  If you don't want to use them going forward, there are ways to stop them from loading; just let me know whether you have a disc or Steam install.  For now though, the packs' registry entries were probably not removed, and their continuing presence can and does cause the service initialization error.

If that doesn't help, uninstall Sims 3 using Revo Uninstaller (the free version is fine), and reinstall only the packs you want to use.  You'll need to apply the Alder Lake patch or another workaround again, of course.

McAfee is usually not a problem for Sims 3, but if you want to be thorough and potentially save yourself a troubleshooting step, disable real-time scanning while reinstalling Sims 3, that is if you need to reinstall.  Test the game once before reenabling scanning.  As long as you don't do anything else at the same time, your computer should be safe.

@puzzlezaddict Thank you again - I've now tried all your suggestions and it still isn't working. I've also tried using Revo Uninstaller and then bought the game with steam to see if that made any difference - no dice. 

@Imogeeen  Use Revo to remove Sims 3 again, then create a new admin Windows account and try installing the game there.  Make the account local, as in, don't link it to your Microsoft account or any email address.

If that doesn't help, I'm wondering whether this is an overall Windows issue.  The quickest way to address a broad swath of OS problems is with a repair install.  This is the cleanest version of Windows you can get without wiping your data.  Here's how (option two):

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/repair-install-windows-11-with-an-in-place-upgrade.418/#Two

This shouldn't delete anything, but if you get to step 14 and are NOT asked to keep personal files and apps, back out and start over.