[READ FIRST] Known issues, guides and FAQs
Hello everyone and welcome to Answer HQ!
You will find below the list of our most useful FAQs. They contain useful information and potential solutions for most of the issues you might encounter with your game.
- Account Safety
- Origin related issues
- Serial codes ; missing discs ; not showing games
- General game suggestions
- Specific game issues and errors
- The Store
- MAC related
Your Origin account and you: email change, merge, compromised, codes, online pass, gamertag
If you need to update/change personal information in Origin to access your games.
[FAQ]: How to keep your account safe - by Andromache2013
Tips on how not to get hacked
[INFO] Issues with logging in to The Sims 3 - by EA_Nils
Try these steps if you're having issues with in-game/website login
Help us Helpers to Help you - by crinrict
Make it easy for the community to help you.
[HOW TO] DxDiag for Sims 3 - PC Only - by crinrict
Make it easy for the community to diagnose your graphical issues.
Packs installed in Origin but now showing in the launcher - by EA_Mai
Origin telling you your packs are installed but some of them not showing in the launcher?
DLC Compatibility Alert - by crinrict
Origin telling you you need the download version of the base game even though you already have it?
Unable to connect with Origin - by crinrict
When I open the launcher, I get the following message: "Unable to connect with Origin".
[FAQ] New Origin Layout for The Sims 3 Expansion Packs - by SandArcher
Explanation of the latest Origin update and its affect on TS3
Serial codes; missing discs ; not showing games:
[INFO] How to Register The Sims 3 - by EA_Ursula
How to register your Sims 3 games
Lost and broken DVDs and missing serial codes - What to do ? - by crinrict
How to find or retrieve a serial code? How to obtain a replacement code?
Invalid and Used Serial Codes & Games not showing up in Origin - by crinrict
If you can't find your game in Origin or if you have issues with your game code.
I bought a game but it does not show up in Origin - by eaursula
How to make sure your order has been processed
[INFO] Serial Code Issues and Redeemig Bonus Content - by crinrict
All about finding and how to register codes
[FAQ] Steam VS Origin VS Discs - by Andromache2013
Everything you need to know about how the three all work together
Current Patch - 1.67 - Manual links and more - by crinrict
Install the new patch safely.
Lags & Freezes - by crinrict
Find out what may cause lags and freezes and how to resolve this kind of issue.
Game Crashes (CTD) - by crinrict
My game crashes to the desktop without a warning.
Troubleshooting Steps - by crinrict
There are several steps one can take to troubleshoot their own game before seeking help. There are some standard recipes that can help with several game problems.
All in one fix (except hardware issues) PC Only - by wecantpickaname
All in one steps to stop your game from crashing, fix store content, and stop getting the store patch pop-up.
[ISSUE] Savegame Corruption - by crinrict
Issues related to savegame corruption
[HOW TO] Find and remove bad custom content - by crinrict
All about finding and removing bad custom content
Specific game issues and errors:
There was an error during Startup - by crinrict
When starting the launcher, I get the error message: "There was an error during startup. See the Log for more details".
Save Errors (Error 12, 13, 15, 16) - by crinrict
While saving I get the error message: "Error 12 (or 13 or 15 or 16). Please see Read-Me for more information".
Service initialization failed - by crinrict
When starting the game I get the error message: "Unable to start game. Service initialization failed (some number)".
Sims not arriving at Travel Destination - by crinrict
How to ensure your Sims travel safely when going on vacation.
[ISSUE] Sims 3 Minimising - by rumbutter
My game minimises and exits randomly on startup
Thesims3.com Website FAQ - by crinrict
Everything around thesims3.com, MyPage, Whishlist, Exchange, Friend Requests, Badges, Achievements or the Store
[Guide] Sims 3 Store Worlds - by crinrict
How to get, download, and install your Store Worlds
Having a store problem? Not too sure how it all works?
[FAQ] My Studio Uploads have disappeared - by crinrict
The things I uploaded to the Exchange have disappeared
[FAQ] Complete Your Set - by eaursula
Getting great deals on other items from a set you already partially own
[FAQ] Make Me An Offer - by eaursula
Getting a randomised deal of store items for a cheaper price
[Troubleshoot] Downloading/Installing of Store Content - by crinrict
Basic troubleshooting steps with downloading and installation problems
Links to Mac help threads and guides - by bluebellflora
Mac users, this is for you.
MAC USERS] The Sims 3 with Intel Iris Graphics - by bluebellflora
The compatibility of Sims 3 on MACs with Intel Iris Graphics