core/activation.dll not found on sims 3 launch

When I try the TS3.exe it just says you missing core/application.dll but I do have it which is odd and frustrating. Anyone know how to fix this? i even tried downloading the Microsoft c++ but that didn't help either.

@gracieandholly  Please post a screenshot of the error.  Please also run a dxdiag and attach it to a post.

https://help.ea.com/en/help/pc/how-to-gather-dxdiag-information/

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@puzzlezaddict wrote:

@gracieandholly  Please post a screenshot of the error.  Please also run a dxdiag and attach it to a post.

https://help.ea.com/en/help/pc/how-to-gather-dxdiag-information/

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@gracieandholly  I need the whole dxdiag, in text form.  As in, in the screenshot you've posted, click "Save all information," save the file to your desktop, and attach it to a post.

You don't need to use a compatibility setting for Sims 3 or Origin.  The .dll file in your screenshot is a generic Origin DRM-related file which should be within the Sims 3's program files, but it's possible that your antivirus has quarantined it.  So please temporarily disable the antivirus, then repair the game in Origin: open your game library, right-click on the Sims 3 icon, and select Repair.  If that doesn't help, let me know what antivirus, if any, you use.

Here is my DXDIAG 

@gracieandholly  Just to clarify, you do not have the Alder Lake issue.  You don't even have an Intel processor, and certainly not one that's only a couple months old: Alder Lake CPUs were released at the beginning of November.  I don't know who told you that you have a 12th-gen Intel CPU, but that person has no idea what they're talking about.

Instead, your dxdiag shows the same errors as other people who needed to manually install DirectX 9.  So please do that, as described here:

https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/SIMS-3-GAME-WON-T-LAUNCH-WINDOWS-10/m-p/10711778#M247861

If you decide you want a refund instead, you should be able to get one automatically rather than going through support:

https://help.ea.com/en/help/account/returns-and-cancellations/

Hi! Thanks for helping everyone. I've been trying to keep up but I don't understand much of what's going on. I never had an issue with Origin before so I don't know why it would act up with the Sim3. I attached my DxDiag and I'd appreciate any help. 

It won't open at all, but sometimes Origin will blink, like I heard it happened with some other users.

So far I've repaired all my packs and the game itself through origin, tried to open the game as an administrator, ran the code that another user came up with in the other thread, turned my computer on and off and cleared cache. My Documents > Electronic Arts path doesn't even have a folder for The Sims 3 yet so I can't find a .log file for that other solution I saw online.

Is this something that EA will fix? 

@gracieandholly  First you need to provide more free space on your system device.. Being an AIO (all in one) your computer upgrades are probably limited. Second you need to check to see if Microsoft visual c++ redistributable is installed - the 2013 version should work. Also make sure .net framework 3.5 is turned on in turn Windows features on or off. These are required for Sims 3 to run.

@gracieandholly If you are using dual monitors disconnect one and see if the game plays. Some players have issues running this games wiith dual monitors. I think it's a driver issue but not sure. Do you have .net framework enabled in Windows programs and features? Windows 10 has it disabled by default and is required by the Sims 3 launcher to run.