Sims 3 launcher won't open

@Emily3234  .NET Framework 3.5 is one necessary resource, but it isn't the only one.  A few players still need to manually install DirectX 9, as described in the accepted solution in this thread, and you can try that too if you'd like.  If your computer has a 12th-gen Intel processor, you likely have this issue instead:

https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Sims-3-won-t-open-Alder-Lake-Intel-12th-gen-CPU/m-p/11057820#M248615

Otherwise, please run a dxdiag and attach it to a post.

https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/pc/how-to-gather-dxdiag-information/

Slightly embrassing...

After the post I 'installed' directx 9 and ran the application then restarted the device... Erm it seems i didnt install it correctly. So yeah, ignore this lmao.

Not sure if there's a current thread to this topic but I couldn't find anything recent or find a way to add to this post so I've decided to create a new post.

So recently I got a new computer so I decided to reinstall the Sims 3 after a few months of absence from the game. (Due to my old one being broken.) I used origin to download the Sims 4 successfully. No issues with that. cool. The problem occurred when I decided to install the sims 3. No problems with the download itself, but when I attempt to play the orange play button on origin, it minimizes itself for a few seconds then reappears. It seems that the separate sims 3 launcher will not open itself.

I've attempted 2 options so far by looking at previous related threads. (Which I couldn't figure out to add to.)

1. Was to go into C:/Programe files(86x)/Origin games and find the launcher then go to properties, compatibility and set it 'run this program for compatibility' to windows 7. I've done this and restarted my device. No change.

I uninstalled and reinstalled all the content for the game. (The compatibility is still set to windows 7)

2. Was to reinstall direct 9x. I followed the instructions for this and restarted the device. No change

There was other options in other threads. The main solution was to go into Documents/ Electronica Arts/Sims 3 and to remove the cache or certain film then restart the game.

This is not possible for me. Since I haven't even successfully loaded to game yet the files that are supposed to appear in the documents section haven't appeared yet (E.G. I don't have any mods, downloads, tray files etc.)

Another option was to do to modthesims and update all my packs to date. I didn't think this was possible since most (all??) modthesims files require my mods folder which i don't have yet.

I've never had this issue on my previous pc although the only difference between this circumstance and the previous once is that I have a laptop (which I don't think is relevant) and i have a new expansion pack university life. (Not too sure if this is the issue)

Since I've exhausted all my options I've decided to head here for help even through most people just solved by playing around with their files. I would appreciate the help. Additonally heres a dxdiag since a thread told me to post it with the help.

Thank you so much for helping me fix this! Following this thread and finding out that it was Direct X9 that was the issue all along. Had to wipe my laptop a few months back because of a virus and since then the Sims 3 wouldn’t launch. Honestly so happy have the game back, been back and forth with Origin support trying to find a solution but now it’s finally all sorted 🙂

Thank you!  

I just found the perfect solution! (August 2022)

I tried almost everything mentioned here in this thread and I think I have the ultimate solution without reaching to EA:

1. Download DirectX 9 here 

2. Make sure Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is installed download here 

3. Make sure your graphics card is recognised (especially when you have a newer PC), really easy with this little program: here 

4. Install the intel alder lake patch (that’s what made my game finally work again!!) download here 

I hope I can help some of you because I was almost giving up. 

@capricecassar  Please manually install DirectX 9, as described here:

https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/SIMS-3-GAME-WON-T-LAUNCH-WINDOWS-10/m-p/10711778#M247861

Restart your computer after installing and before trying to play.