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Fl0wingwater's avatar
Fl0wingwater
3 years ago
Solved

New Computer - Sims 3 Won't Launch

I just bought a new gaming computer specifically to play the Sims 3, and the Sims 3 won't launch.  I'm attempting from a fresh install, no mods.  The launcher will come up, but when I hit to play, the game just doesn't start and goes back to EA play.  I tried installing DirectX as described here:  https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/SIMS-3-GAME-WON-T-LAUNCH-WINDOWS-10/m-p/10711778#M2478....  That didn't work.  I verified that .NET Framework 3.5 is turned on. Can someone help with next steps? 

Computer specs are: 

12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-12700H 2.30 GHz,,

RAM 16.0 GB (15.7 GB usable),

NVIDIA GEForce RTX 3050 Ti. 

Windows 11

pc
technical issues
  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    3 years ago

    @Fl0wingwater  Using this thread is fine.  For the small game window, you can try switching back to fullscreen mode at the Main Menu and at the same time, setting the in-game resolution to whatever your monitor uses.  If that doesn't work, you can try using Windowed Borderless Gaming, a free utility that works well with Sims 3.

6 Replies

  • Fl0wingwater's avatar
    Fl0wingwater
    3 years ago

    Thank you! The game launched, only after I changed options.ini to start in windowed mode.  Do you have any suggestions for getting it to run in full screen mode? It's a pretty tiny window...lol. Let me know if I should start a new thread for that question, to keep things clean. 🙂 

    I should clarify that it seemed to launch before I changed options.ini (because I could hear the music), but it was just a black screen. 

  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    Hero+
    3 years ago

    @Fl0wingwater  Using this thread is fine.  For the small game window, you can try switching back to fullscreen mode at the Main Menu and at the same time, setting the in-game resolution to whatever your monitor uses.  If that doesn't work, you can try using Windowed Borderless Gaming, a free utility that works well with Sims 3.

  • Fl0wingwater's avatar
    Fl0wingwater
    3 years ago

    @puzzlezaddict I changed into fullscreen mode at the main menu after changing the resolution to match my monitor.  Then I started the game again with that setting, and it started in fullscreen mode! Thank you for your help. That worked!

    Thank you and @roberta591 for taking the time to help with these issues!  We wouldn't be able to still enjoy games like the Sims 3 without your gracious assistance on your own time!  People like you are what is keeping the game alive.  I want to recognize your valued contribution!!

    I still have an issue with EA Play not downloading several of my expansion packs, but I think that's an issue where I need to contact EA support. At least, I now have the game set up to run! 

  • roberta591's avatar
    roberta591
    Hero (Retired)
    3 years ago

    @Fl0wingwater   in the Sims 3 startup screen in the lower right of the window you will see - don't see your packs? and a button - Install Packs.  Try that.

  • Fl0wingwater's avatar
    Fl0wingwater
    3 years ago

    @roberta591 Thanks so much for your response!  I had tried that suggestion, previously.  It was a weird EA Play issue where I would get an error saying it can't download. I did end up contacting EA Support through the chat, and they very quickly resolved the issue.  I don't know what it was, but it was an easy fix from their end. Since I often use these support chats to solve problems, for the benefit of anyone that might find this thread later I'll also enter here how to connect to EA via their chat - because it isn't straightforward. You need to be sure to go through Account Management as described here: How do I contact EA Live chat ? - Answer HQrr

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