Can't Launch the Sims 3, or install any DLC's

Question

I'm at my wits end here trying to get the Sims 3 working on my PC. I've reinstalled multiple times, reinstalled the EA app, cleared the cache, double-checked permissions, moved install drive, cleaned up my registry, really everything! Whenever I try to launch the SIms 3, I get an error saying 'unable to start game service initialization failed', and anytime I try to install one of my add-ons I get an Instillation Failed error!

Any help would be much appreciated, at this point the launcher seems so broken that my game is entirely unable to be played, which is pretty not on!

puzzlezaddict · Answer

@Cleftus_Biggums&nbsp; Please do a clean uninstall of Sims 3 with Revo Uninstaller (the free version is fine).&nbsp; This guide is for Sims 4, but the process is the same:

https://answers.ea.com/t5/PC/CURRENT-ISSUE-Sims-4-DLC-shows-as-installed-won-t-load-in-game/m-p/12942151#uninstall

Make sure the base game is working first.&nbsp; Then for the DLC not installing, please try this workaround:

https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/New-Sims-3-expansion-says-in-game-content-can-t-install/m-p/13421549#M263753

cleftus_biggums · Answer

@puzzlezaddict Thanks for getting back to me, I've tried the first option just to get the game to launch and this hasn't worked sadly, still gettin the same error ☹️

puzzlezaddict · Answer

@Cleftus_Biggums&nbsp; Try running Piriform's CCleaner (the free version) after uninstalling to see if it can find any leftover files.&nbsp; One other user told me that a clean uninstall worked after Revo didn't find everything the first time around.

If that doesn't help, just to be clear, are you installing only through the EA App, or are you using discs too?&nbsp; Have you ever installed the game on this PC before, and if so, what method do you use at that time?

cleftus_biggums · Answer

@puzzlezaddict Hi, I've already tried running CC cleaner after the unsinstall and still nothing.

Yeah, just through the EA app, no disks, and there may be a tiny chance I've installed this game on this PC before, but I don't think so? I've had the PC and the game for so long it's hard to remember!

puzzlezaddict · Answer

@Cleftus_Biggums&nbsp; Okay, to be thorough, use Revo again, and remove the EA App too, and create a new admin Windows account.&nbsp; Make it local, as in, don't link it to your Microsoft account or any email address.&nbsp; Reinstall the App while in that account.&nbsp; For Sims 3, create a new folder on the root level of the drive of your choice, for example C:\Games is fine, but not C:\Program Files\Games.&nbsp; Install Sims 3 in that folder.

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Can't Launch the Sims 3, or install any DLC's

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