katfink1 Does this problem happen if you don't install anything from the Exchange? Please test and let me know. Just because items used to work doesn't mean they work now, or that they can always be installed safely without affecting your game.
There's no need to uninstall and reinstall when this problem happens. Simply move or rename the Sims 3 folder in Documents > Electronic Arts, and you'll have removed all the Exchange content. If this somehow doesn't make the game work again, that points to a different source of the issue.
