Forum Discussion

jnmcarroll's avatar
7 years ago
Solved

macOS unknown error Sims 3

Got a new MacBook Pro for Christmas and tried installing Sims 3 with the following packs: World Adventures High End Loft Ambitions Fast Lane Pets After installing and using the Super...
  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    7 years ago

    @jnmcarroll  I've split your comment into its own thread because the issue you're seeing isn't related to the Mojave update—it's been around since El Capitan.  And it's easily addressed as well.

    The first thing to do is run the Super Patch (digital download version), if you haven't already.  The launcher probably prompted you to patch, but it might not have done a thorough job.  Running the Super Patch on a fully patched install won't hurt, either.

    https://bluebellflora.com/sims-3-manual-super-patch-for-mac-1-67/

    Afterwards, make sure the game still launches.  If you get an unknown error now, before installing Ambitions, you'll need to edit the game's .sgr files to force recognition of your graphics card.  Or, if you'd prefer, we can help you with that step; you've already included the relevant information (thanks).  Not patching isn't really an option, since your various packs will "expect" the base game to be at various different patch levels.

    If TS3 still launches, you can go ahead and install Ambitions.  There are two workarounds to apply.  The first is easy:  Create an alias for Ambitions in Applications, alongside the alias for the base game.

    https://bluebellflora.com/sims-3-packs-not-showing-as-installed/

    Second, you'll need to copy files from Ambitions into the folder for Pets, which is your newest pack by release date.

    https://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-Mac/CURRENT-ISSUE-Sims-3-Unknown-Error-in-El-Capitan-Sierra-High/m-p/5725514#M5926

    I'm surprised that you're running Fast Lane without any issues, since it's one of the packs that normally doesn't install properly, just like Ambitions.  Normally, we tell people to apply the same two workarounds for Ambitions, Late Night, Fast Lane, and Outdoor Living, but it sounds like FL somehow installed correctly for you.

    Finally, this isn't critical by any means, but if you were willing to copy some lines from your deviceconfig (in your game folder in Documents), you could satisfy my curiosity.  The first 40 or so lines are a report of what the game thinks of your hardware, including your graphics card.  This is the info that tells us whether a card is recognized and how it's rated.  It'll look something like this:

    Spoiler
    === Application info ===
    Name:            Sims3
    Version:         
    Build:           Release
    === Rating info ===
    GPU: 5 GPU Memory: 4 CPU: 2 RAM: 4 CPU Speed: 2900 Threading: 2
    Adjusted CPU: 2500 RAM: 15791 Adjusted RAM: 15279 Cores: 1
    === Machine info ===
    OS version:      MacOS 10.12.6
    OS prod type:    0
    OS major ver:    10
    OS minor ver:    12
    OS SP major ver: 0
    OS SP minor ver: 0
    OS is 64Bit:     0
    CPU:             GenuineIntel
        Brand:       Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-7820HQ CPU @ 2.90GHz
        Family:      6
        Model:       14
        Cores:       1
        HT:          1
        x64:         0
    Memory:          15791MB
    Free memory:     9803MB
    User:            [DELETED]
    Computer:        [DELETED]
    === Graphics device info ===
    Number:          0
    Name (driver):   Radeon Pro 560
    Name (database): AMD Radeon Pro 560 Series [Found: 1, Matched: 1]
    Vendor:          ATI
    Chipset:         Vendor: 1002, Device: 67ef, Board: 00000000, Chipset: 0000
    Driver:          display, Version: 0.10.0.11360, GUID: 40C1B248-9D7D-4A29-D7B7-4CD8109F3D5D
    Driver version:  11360
    Monitor:         DISPLAY
    Texture memory:  2047MB
    Vertex program:  3.0
    Pixel program:   3.0
    Hardware TnL:    1

    You can see that I got my card recognized, but it still doesn't evaluate my VRAM (shown in texture memory) properly, or my processor's strength, for that matter.  But since you have a new computer with hardware we haven't seen much yet (the "we" refers to me and Bluebellflora, who's the source of all this mac knowledge), the info would be very much appreciated.  Just delete your user and computer names about 25 lines down, if you want; there's no other identifying info in deviceconfig.