I solved this issue by locating the SimCity .exe file and changing the compatibility mode of the game to Windows 8. Instructions: Since I have the game on Steam, I navigated to the game executable in \Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps Right-click on SimCity 4.exe and select Properties. Click on the Compatibility tab. Under the Compatibility mode dropdown, select Windows 8. Click OK. Start the game. Edit: I paused the game, built some basic power, water and zoning, unpaused, and then the game crashed and wouldn't recover. ☹️ edited title for clarity: @BlackjackWidow

Hi @craig9670 - I moved your post to its own thread, as the original one you replied in was quite old. Running in compatibility mode does help; also, set SimCity4.exe to run "As Administrator" and make sure it's added to any antivirus exception lists. The game was built back in 2003, so it can have issues running under our new systems, especially utilizing more than one processor core. To fix, there are a few command line switches you can use to force it to play nice. Hopefully this will get the game back to running on your system. Close out of the game - make certain SimCity 4 is not running any processes (you might want to reboot your pc, just to make sure). In Origin, right-click the SimCity 4 icon. Choose Game Properties > Advanced Launch Options. In Steam, right-click the SimCity 4 icon. Choose Game Properties > Set Launch Options In the Command Line Arguments box type -d:soft -intro:off -CPUCount:1 -f -CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1080x32 -d: soft sets rendering to software mode -intro:off skips the intro video -CPUCount:1 sets the game to use just 1 core -f sets the game to run in full screen mode (use -w for windowed mode) -CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1080x32 sets the resolution to 1920x1080 at 32 bit color. (you can set this to match a resolution supported by your monitor, up to 1280x1024x32) Choose Save to save the command line switches Exit the Game Properties and try SimCity 4 again These are the most common switches used. You may not want or need the screen mode or resolution settings. Hopefully, the software rendering and forcing the cpu count to only one core will fix the crashing. Skipping the intro video can also help, since they usually play in a different resolution and cause issues. 🤞 Hope this helps! Happy Building!

purchased a new pc with windows 11. after downloading the old simcity 4 amazon purchase from years ago, game kept crashing after the intro.resolved by:select run from start menubrowse for the simcity 4.exe fileadd "-intro:off -d:directx|software" to the end of the filepath (no quotations)copy the filepath and save it as a shortcut to desktopdouble click the iconskips the intro and lets the software render graphics

I tried doing what you said here but I do not see the options that you are telling me to fo to. I have Windows 11. Also, it is not Origin anymore, just EA. I found the exe file, but I don't see the options for launch properties or an Arguments box. I tried compatibility with Windows 8, but still doesn't work. I just want to be able to play on my new computer edit; found the box in the EA App, input everything. Tried other suggestions mentioned on here. still nothing and now doesn't even start. There has to be a fix for this.

I purchased it on EA and it’s still not working with both the d direct one and the other one said above the 3rd comment, any ideas for a fox? It crashes after the intro

SimCity 4 Deluxe does not launch or crashes

18 Replies

StephS1984
Seasoned Adventurer
2 years ago
@mikebillodeaux Thank you, this finally worked for me after trying everything else!
Loryfairy
10 months ago
this works
Natanama
9 months ago
I did what was suggested, but the game still crashes
19csq97otdk2
Seasoned Rookie
7 months ago
A ja jestem albo tępa dzi.da albo nie wiem.... Chcę sobie mieć dostęp do gry (dopiero kupilam) i nie można znaleźć miejsca, w którym mam nadpisane wyżej wspomniana treść. Nie zabij mnie, nie jest konieczne... Mam Windows 11
Kliknij prawym przyciskiem myszy Sim City 4 na pasku zadań>Skrót>Cel:
jak, gdzie? :O
845rgx6hm9o1
Seasoned Newcomer
5 months ago
Didn't work for me
John3396
Rising Newcomer
3 months ago
Didn't work for me either and still crashes while loading/starting a new region. Has anyone else found a fix to this since this is useless?
John3396
Rising Newcomer
3 months ago
Doesn't work... still crashes while loading/starting a new region.
ad769ff3d5d146d7
Newcomer
2 months ago
for me the only way to accomplish this was to use the "run" application as noted above but I needed more options. I purchased through the ea app but it wont run in the app. Just via the windows "run" app.
C:\Program Files\EA Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition\Apps\SimCity 4.exe -intro:off -d:directx|software -w -CPUCount:1 -CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1200x32
Your resolution may vary. I also put the exe file in windows 8 compatibility mode but I don't know if that's needed.

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SimCity 4 Deluxe does not launch or crashes

18 Replies

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