I've had the Sims 3 game for about two months now and from the beginning, I have had it freeze in Create a Household mode. When I first got the game it was the Sims 3 plus Showtime expansion pack. I remember it always froze between 3-10 minutes of creating the sim. I like to spend time with creating and customizing my sim, and when it freezes, I FREAK! I have fixed the DEP issues and it did not help one bit. Now I have University Life, Island Paradise, and Late Night all installed on my computer. I have re-downloaded ALL 5 of my games! I have deleted ALL my custom content thinking that was the issue. But even before I ever had custom content, the first time I tried to create someone, IT STILL FROZE. I have researched my butt off and I still don't know what to do. After it freezes, the music still goes and it still has the cartoon mouse. I wait for hours and it still doesn't unfreeze. It crashes always in windowed mode and it tells me that Sims 3 has stopped working. I have lowered my graphics settings to the ABSOLUTE MINIMUM! My computer is only 1 year old and it is a Dell Inspiron. It has 64-bit operator system. I know it is not my computer so please help! Thank you for whoever that makes an effort to help me.

Well, without knownig their specs, it's hard to tell. Are you willing to try a third party tool ? There's a tool called crash log analyzer (just google).It's not a magic tool that can stop the crashes but it can give an indication to where the error lies. Just copy the errors you get to the clipboard and post them here.This tool is not supported by EA so you'll be using it at your own risk

Could you post your Computer's DxDiag?To gather a DxDiag on your computer, please follow the steps here: http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/HOW-TO-DxDiag-for-Sims-3-PC-Only/td-p/1049584/

You're graphic chip is below specs. You need at least 128 MB of dedicated memory, you only have 64 MBTry lowering your graphic settings and turn off mirror reflections. Also update your graphics drivers. Yours are 2 years old.

If it's a laptop, that is usually not possible. Did you also turn off mirror reflections (yes, ingame options) ?

Did you try removing all your custom content ? You are below the minimum requirements of the game so I don't know what else to suggest. CAS is pretty demanding on the card.

My Sims 3 game keeps freezing and crashing during Create-a-sim!

24 Replies

Anonymous
13 years ago
I have the same exact problem. I have all the expansion packs and recently got show time standard edition. I have a dell desktop and when ever my sim ages up I go into create a sim and when I scroll down the shirts, the game freezes but still plays music and has the cartoon mouse. The game then stop playing music, starts again, and then freezes or crashes. One thing that has helped it not do as much crashing is deleting a bunch of screen shots that you took of your sims. I deleted all of mine, but it still does crashing but runs smoother. I really haven't found a real soloution yet though ☹️
Anonymous
13 years ago
Also, I forgot to add, restarting your compute every now and then REALLY helps 🙂
Anonymous
13 years ago
Thank you for the deleting pictures idea. I take quite a bit! I do restart my computer whenever my Sims 3 game crashes. I am hoping to find a solution soon because it gets me so stressed out ☹️
Anonymous
13 years ago
Somebody, please help us!
crinrict
Hero+
13 years ago
Could you post your Computer's DxDiag?

To gather a DxDiag on your computer, please follow the steps here: http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/HOW-TO-DxDiag-for-Sims-3-PC-Only/td-p/1049584/
Anonymous
13 years ago
Here it is:

System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 12/8/2013, 12:08:51
Machine name: NIOVI-LAPTOP
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.130828-1532)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Inspiron 5520
BIOS: InsydeH2O Version 03.72.02A07
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3210M CPU @ 2.50GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.5GHz
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 8094MB RAM
Page File: 3385MB used, 12800MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode
------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)
---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) HD Graphics Family
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0166&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_09
Display Memory: 1696 MB
Dedicated Memory: 64 MB
Shared Memory: 1632 MB
Current Mode: 1366 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: unknown
Monitor Id: LGD033A
Native Mode: 1366 x 768(p) (60.052Hz)
Output Type: Internal
Driver Name: igdumd64.dll,igd10umd64.dll,igd10umd64.dll,igdumd32,igd10umd32,igd10umd32
Driver File Version: 8.15.0010.2696 (English)
Driver Version: 8.15.10.2696
DDI Version: 11
Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 3/19/2012 16:31:54, 8087040 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp:
Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-4226-11CF-1079-6325A9C2C535}
Vendor ID: 0x8086
Device ID: 0x0166
SubSys ID: 0x05691028
Revision ID: 0x0009
Driver Strong Name: oem68.inf:IntelGfx.NTamd64.6.0:iIVBM0:8.15.10.2696😛ci\ven_8086&dev_0166&subsys_05691028
Rank Of Driver: 00E60001
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C ModeWMV9_C ModeVC1_C
Deinterlace Caps: {BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
{BF752EF6-8CC4-457A-BE1B-08BD1CAEEE9F}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_EdgeFiltering
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY VideoProcess_AlphaBlend
D3D9 Overlay: Supported
DXVA-HD: Supported
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Speakers (Conexant SmartAudio HD)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_14F1&DEV_506E&SUBSYS_10280569&REV_1000
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: CHDRT64.sys
Driver Version: 8.54.0037.0000 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 5/18/2012 00:36:44, 1604736 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Conexant
HW Accel Level: Basic
Cap Flags: 0xF1F
Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: Internal Microphone (Conexant SmartAudio HD)
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: CHDRT64.sys
Driver Version: 8.54.0037.0000 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 5/18/2012 00:36:44, 1604736 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x1
Format Flags: 0xFFFFF
-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a
Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a
Device Name: USB Receiver
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B
FF Driver: n/a
Device Name: USB Receiver
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B
FF Driver: n/a
Device Name: USB Receiver
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B
FF Driver: n/a
Device Name: USB Receiver
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B
FF Driver: n/a
Device Name: USB Receiver
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B
FF Driver: n/a
Device Name: USB Receiver
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B
FF Driver: n/a
Poll w/ Interrupt: No
-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x8086, 0x1E26
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub20
| Service: usbhub
|
+-+ Generic USB Hub
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x8087, 0x0024
| | Location: Port_#0001.Hub_#0002
| | Matching Device ID: usb\class_09
| | Service: usbhub
----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------
------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ Standard PS/2 Keyboard
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0303
| Service: i8042prt
|
+ HID Keyboard Device
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B
| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_keyboard
| Service: kbdhid
|
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
|
+ Dell Touchpad
| Matching Device ID: *dll0569
| Upper Filters: ETD
| Service: i8042prt
|
+ HID-compliant mouse
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B
| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_mouse
| Service: mouhid
|
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
Drive: C:
Free Space: 775.2 GB
Total Space: 939.7 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: ST1000LM024 HN-M101MBB
Drive: D:
Model: PLDS DVD+-RW DS-8A8SH
Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), , 0 bytes
--------------
System Devices
--------------
Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 1E26
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E26&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&E8
Driver: n/a
Name: 3rd Gen Core processor DRAM Controller - 0154
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0154&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_09\3&11583659&0&00
Driver: n/a
Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family SMBus Host Controller - 1E22
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E22&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&FB
Driver: n/a
Name: Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8136&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_05\4&83B10A7&0&00E0
Driver: n/a
Name: High Definition Audio Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E20&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&D8
Driver: n/a
Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 2 - 1E12
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E12&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_C4\3&11583659&0&E1
Driver: n/a
Name: Intel(R) HM77 Express Chipset LPC Controller - 1E57
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E57&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&F8
Driver: n/a
Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 1 - 1E10
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E10&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_C4\3&11583659&0&E0
Driver: n/a
Name: Intel(R) Management Engine Interface
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E3A&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&B0
Driver: n/a
Name: Intel(R) 7 Series Chipset Family SATA AHCI Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E03&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&FA
Driver: n/a
Name: Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E31&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&A0
Driver: n/a
Name: Intel(R) Centrino(R) Wireless-N 2230
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0887&SUBSYS_44628086&REV_C4\4&343E7A4E&0&00E1
Driver: n/a
Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 1E2D
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E2D&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&D0
Driver: n/a
Name: Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0166&SUBSYS_05691028&REV_09\3&11583659&0&10
Driver: n/a
------------------
DirectShow Filters
------------------
Force throttling
Allow batching
Force half deinterlace
Force scaling
Decode Power Usage: 50
PowerFlags: 1424
Enabled:
Force throttling
Allow batching
Force half deinterlace
Force scaling
Decode Power Usage: 0
crinrict
Hero+
13 years ago
You're graphic chip is below specs. You need at least 128 MB of dedicated memory, you only have 64 MB

Try lowering your graphic settings and turn off mirror reflections.

Also update your graphics drivers. Yours are 2 years old.
Anonymous
13 years ago
How do I lower my graphics setting on my computer? Because I have lowered my graphics in my game to the absolute minimum. I have had my computer for 1 year now and I want to know how to update my chip. Can I go to an electronic store and buy a new one? If so, how do I put it inside my computer?
crinrict
Hero+
13 years ago
If it's a laptop, that is usually not possible.

Did you also turn off mirror reflections (yes, ingame options) ?
Anonymous
13 years ago
Yes I have. My friend has more expansion packs, has her graphics in the game all the way up, has more custom content, and her game has never froze. She has had her laptop for years now but it is a logitech(I don't know if that makes a difference).

Forum Discussion

My Sims 3 game keeps freezing and crashing during Create-a-sim!

24 Replies

Featured Places

The Sims 3 Technical Issues

Recent Discussions

Failing to run

My Sims 3 crashes after I use cheats

The screen goes black after playing The Sims 3 for 30 minutes

Having Trouble Activating Sims 3 Expansion Codes from EA App

Can't play