"Seeking Assistance: EA Launcher Prevents Game Launch Despite Valid Key"

ss658a6bbq0v​  Did you originally download Sims 3 through the EA App, or did you use a disc to install the game first?  What error are you getting when you try to play, other than the launcher showing version 0?

Unless you have discs, you will probably need to clean-uninstall and reinstall the game, not just manually removing the files but using an app to find hidden ones for you.  But unless you have a way to get internet access on your computer right now, it sounds like that will have to wait.

I'm feeling vulnerable about a CD game that no longer works. It might seem small, but it means a lot to me. The conflicting advice from AI and support has only made things more confusing. I still hope there's a way to fix it.

I trust my computer, but I’ve started focusing on other things. I even thought about using an old Microsoft update made for classic games, something that wouldn’t harm the system but might help. Still, how can I delete files that aren’t meant to be deleted?

The CD is clean and original, just used. The last version I had was 1.69. Back then, I couldn’t even make an EA account. Now I have one, and I enjoy The Sims 4 as much as The Sims 3.

The more I try, the more I realize how fragile my hope is. It’s hard to believe in a solution when a 0.0.0 version turns into gigabytes of data, then updates into 1.69—or maybe 1.70—without any clear explanation.

The Sims 4 folder is clean now, but there are still some folders with strange names that don’t end with “3” or don’t clearly belong. If they can’t be deleted—or if I'm just imagining the risk—I still hesitate. Maybe because they feel like the last pieces of something I’m not ready to let go of.🥺

ss658a6bbq0v​  Version 0 means the launcher can't read the version, which usually means some missing data that's critical for the game to work.  An all-disc install can be repaired without the EA App, but if you were running patch 1.69 before, that means you have an EA App install and would need to repair through the App, OR do a clean uninstall and reinstall via disc without using the App at all.  The latter is only possible if your base game disc was manufactured prior to September 2012, as the newer ones were built to require Origin (now the EA App) in order to install.

Patch 1.70 is the 64-bit Mac version.

For the folders you're not sure about, feel free to post screenshots, and if I know what they are, I'll let you know.  Include the address bar, above the list of files and folders, in the screenshots.

 I understand that support for older physical versions of games may be limited today, and sometimes technical issues are considered to be on the user's side. Still, I truly appreciate your explanations—they’ve helped me see things from a different perspective. I'm not here to place blame, but I do wonder: if certain files are said to be protected or undeletable, how can I check whether anything is missing or incomplete? And if official tools or platforms aren’t working properly, what alternatives do I have to restore or repair such content?

 It’s been mentioned that even with correct installation and original content, some elements might still need to be restored or completed. In that case, are there any platforms or tools available that could help with older software in a reliable and safe way? Or were you referring to other methods for cleaning or fixing these issues?

 Thank you again for taking the time to explain everything clearly.🍀🕊

ss658a6bbq0v​  For a disc-only install, with no EA App involvement, you can still use the Super Patch, made by EA to manually update the game to 1.67, the newest version number for discs.  This tool also works as a repair method, replacing some files that are missing or corrupt.  I don't believe it fixes missing or broken registry entries though.

It's a large download, at something like 1.7 GB, but not as large as the game itself.  If you're planning on maintaining an all-disc install, I'd keep the tool around for general maintenance.

For EA App installs, the App can repair the game, but that doesn't fix registry issues either.

There's no pefect way to fix this issue, unfortunately, but I can offer potential workarounds for either scenario if you only have limited data going forward.

Yes,plaese.I love this game and its style.What I want to say is that I trust this game platform a lot for all these types of games.I want to continue with the same trust in my heart.Thank you for your help.🕊

I've upgraded to a good tablet for drawing, so now I need a device that can read discs. I'm planning to buy a USB CD drive for my computer so I can try out the ideas you've suggested. I'm using a computer that may not be new, but it's at least as capable as my tablet.

ss658a6bbq0v​  I would suggest borrowing one first, if you have a friend or family member who has an external disc drive.  I've heard stories about the occasional drive not working with Sims 3 discs, although it's rare.  If the one you borrow works, you could buy it off its current owner, or buy the same model, without worrying about whether it'll work.  There's also a way to get around using the disc each time you play if you don't want to damage the discs.

Anyway, most of this is a moot point until you're actually installing.  The one important step to do before you start is a clean uninstall of Sims 3, which you can do as described here:

[Read First] Running Sims 3 in Windows | EA Forums - 8323446