missing d3d9.dll

@Ari204406  Within TS3's program files, look for DXSETUP.exe.  I'm not sure what kind of install you have, but it should be in there somewhere.  For example, on my Steam install, the path is:

Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\install\Directx

For an Origin install, it will look something like this:

Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\TS3\_Installer\directx

Run the .exe as an admin, then restart your computer.

If that doesn't help, you can install the file directly from Microsoft:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=35

If that doesn't work either, are you running SweetFX, by any chance?  It uses altered dx files, so that could be interfering with TS3.

By the way, you can only start a new discussion on the official Sims forums if you're a full member, which means having 15 posts and 25 points.  Otherwise, you'd need to post in an existing thread, like the one for new members.  But posting here is also fine.

https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/893122/thread-for-new-members-to-post-their-sims-3-game-issues/p93

(Thanks to @holger1405 for the consult.)

That still diidnt work. I even unistalled the game and reinstalled it to see f that would fix it and that didnt work either its just the same error.

@Ari204406  Please run a dxdiag and attach the results to a post here.  That will cover a lot of ground at once.

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

Here is the dxdiag. Its so weird im having this problem. I play the sims 4 and 2 perfectly fine and used to play 3 fine as well as other games too.

@Ari204406  The driver for your graphics card is over three years old.  You can download the newest version from Intel:

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/81499/Intel-HD-Graphics-4000

If that alone doesn't help, you really do need to install DirectX, not just download it.

I'm not sure what the person you talked to meant about not downloading the file, but it's perfectly safe to download from Microsoft or other manufacturers' websites (like Intel's, in the link above).  That's the only way to get the newest updates.  And since Windows 10 updates automatically, your other software needs to be updated as well to remain compatible.

Once you've installed the new driver and DirectX, try to launch TS3 a couple more times, and if it still doesn't work, run another dxdiag.

(Thanks again, @holger1405 .)

@Ari204406   d3d9.dll is part of DX12. Previous versions of DX (directx) will not work with Windows 10 (at least not well if at all). The only way I found to reinstall DX12 is from the Windows 10 install files (which is not easy). A guess you installed something that may have corrupted the DirectX 12 install. You could try to google how to reinstall DX12. I saw some posts that may help.

I updated and ran the install but i still get the same error. 

@Ari204406  So you're not running SweetFX then?  (I just want to confirm.)

If not, there are a couple of file system checks you can run:

• Hit Windows key-X
• Choose either “PowerShell (Administrator)” or “Command prompt (Administrator),” whichever option is offered
• Inside the window that appears, copy “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” without quotes and enter
• The system will start validating soon. If it throws an error, please list it here
• After it reaches 100%, hit Windows key-X again
• Again, choose “PowerShell (Administrator)” or “Command prompt (Administrator)”
• Inside the window, copy “sfc /scannow” without quotes and enter

Please post the message you receive after running the second command.