Sims 3 64-bit: Screen turns black on startup, then reverts to partial desktop

Question

Hello,&nbsp;Like almost everyone else, I've had issues with getting the 64-bit version of the Sims 3 to work.&nbsp;First, it was the "base game not updated" message. After deleting Version.tag, I was able to launch the game into a black screen briefly, before it reverted back to my desktop...kind of. I have my laptop and monitor, so when it reverts back to the desktop, my monitor will show my desktop in 4:3 resolution, with the rest of the screen in black. The game is shown to be running in the task bar. (I couldn't take a screenshot because it would only show the desktop part, not the black border.)I tried seeing if it would install CC, just for fun. It'll act like it's doing it in the background, but there's no window showing the progress so it's obviously not really doing it.&nbsp;I've attached the deviceconfig log and done the usual repair game, reset origin song-and-dance.&nbsp;This is super frustrating, especially because support folks on chat and on phone keep hanging up on me before getting this solved, or not even addressing my inquiry.&nbsp;

puzzlezaddict · Answer

@krystinaconnect&nbsp; First, the easy part: when you install content through the launcher, the splash screen is often hidden behind the launcher.&nbsp; If you have a second plumbob in your dock, that means the launcher is installing the content (or trying, anyway), and you can click on that plumbob to see the progress.

The bigger issue is that your laptop's hardware is below the minimum requirements for Sims 3.&nbsp; That doesn't necessarily mean you can't play, just that the game might not run very well.&nbsp; As a first step, try unplugging your monitor and just using the laptop screen; I'd like to know whether it works.

If it doesn't, try setting the game to windowed mode.&nbsp; Open Documents &gt; Electronic Arts &gt; The Sims 3, open the file called options.ini (TextEdit works), and cmd-F to search for fullscreen.&nbsp; Set the value to 0 instead of 1.&nbsp; Then see if the game opens.

cmluxstyle · Answer

Hello,&nbsp;i have a similar problem, my game launches without a problem, but as soon as I gt to a town and actually need to “start playing” my screen turns black and all I see is the mouse and hear the music...

puzzlezaddict · Answer

@Cmluxstyle&nbsp; Try playing in windowed mode: hit cmd-return at the Main Menu to switch.

If for some reason that doesn't work (it doesn't for a few people), you can edit options.ini, in Documents &gt; Electronic Arts &gt; The Sims 3, to force the game to launch in windowed mode.&nbsp; Cmd-F to search for "fullscreen" and set it to 0 instead of 1.

lillebie · Answer

hi, that really helped me with all those immediate black spots occuring.But now my game crashes when I want to switch to edit mode -.-'My computer is having a good graphic card aso.

puzzlezaddict · Answer

@lillebie&nbsp; What world are you playing in, and have you installed any mods or custom content?&nbsp; It's fine if you have; I just need to know either way.

Please also post the full specs of your Mac: everything under About This Mac including the OS and except for the serial number.

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Sims 3 64-bit: Screen turns black on startup, then reverts to partial desktop

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