[Read First] Running Sims 3 in Windows

Clean-uninstalling Sims 3

It's only rarely necessary to uninstall and reinstall Sims 3, but it is indicated some issues, for example the "Service initialization error" or "Error during startup."  If you're going to switch install types, e.g. Steam to EA App, or move the location where the game is installed, a clean install is also the best approach.

If you've already uninstalled the game but think a clean uninstall may have been warranted, you can use Piriform's CCleaner (the free version) to remove leftover registry entries and other hidden files before reinstalling the game.  This should address most issues that a clean uninstall and reinstall would fix.

There are several ways to do a clean uninstall.  I use Revo Uninstaller (the free, portable version) because it's reliable and doesn't delete more files than it should.  You can download it here:

https://www.revouninstaller.com/revo-uninstaller-free-download/

First, open Documents > Electronic Arts and rename the Sims 3 folder to something that does not have "Sims 3" in the name.  This will prevent Revo from flagging it for deletion.

Find Revo in your Downloads folder, unzip it (right-click and Extract), and double-click RevoUPort.exe to launch it.  Right-click "The Sims 3" (just the base game) and select Uninstall.

Click Yes when asked if you want to uninstall your expansion and stuff packs too.  You don't need to make a system restore point, so uncheck that box and click Continue, then Yes.  When the uninstall finishes, click OK.

Revo will ask you what scanning mode to use.  Choose Moderate (or Advanced if Moderate didn't work the first time around), and click Scan.  Revo will list any found registry entries; click Select All, Delete, and Yes.  Revo will then list any leftover files and folders.  Review the list and preserve anything you want; delete the rest.  Folders in ProgramData and AppData should definitely be removed.

When troubleshooting some kind of launching issue, please uninstall the EA App with Revo as well.  The process is the same, except choose the Advanced scanning method, and there will likely be a lot more leftover files and folders.  Restart your computer before reinstalling the App.  Use a fresh copy of the installer, which you can find here:

https://www.ea.com/ea-app#downloads

When reinstalling Sims 3, if you're troubleshooting a launching issue, it's best to create a new folder into which you'll install the game.  The folder should be on the root level of the drive of your choice, for example C:\Games is fine, but not C:\Program Files\Games.  The folder should not be in Documents or Downloads.

After reinstalling, test the game once to make sure it works properly.  When you're satisfied, you can delete the new Sims 3 folder in Documents > Electronic Arts and restore the old one that you removed or renamed before starting this process.

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