Re: Keep getting Unknown Error when trying to launch?

I'm getting this problem, and I haven't even tried installing the expansions yet. I just installed the game on my Macbook Pro (Retina, 2012). I even tried installing the Super Patcher (To-9355-1.67.2.024017), and still no success in even getting the game to launch. 

And I have to admit, I am encountering the same sorts of difficulties with Customer Support. I find it very, very odd that they work pretty hard to conceal their phone number from the public. Suspicious, even.

@hexhandy  To contact EA customer service differs as to the region where you live. Is your computer a pc or mac?  Where did you buy your games?

@hexhandy

The super patch isn't a magical fix. Can you please provide the full specs. of your machine? Instructions here on the information needed - http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-Mac/READ-FIRST-Sims-3-Mac-Help-Guides-and-Troubleshooting/m-p/4756624/highlight/true#M4

Moving this thread to the Mac forum too.

@hexhandy

I need more information than that, please follow the link I provided in my previous post. I cannot help you if you don't help me 🙂

My apologies, Blue.

My specs are as follows:

• Operating System (Version)El Capitan 10.11.6 (15G1611)
• Mac modelMacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012)
• Processor

  2.7 GHz Intel Core i7

• Memory (RAM)

  16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3

• Graphics

  NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M 1024 MB

  Intel HD Graphics 4000

I hope that helps you better. Can I get a link to the Mac Forum where you cross-posted this?

Additionally, I have since run the uninstall program of anything Sims3-related from the computer and reinstalled the digital copy from the Origin app. The physical game (and the expansions) were bought in the US. When I double click the game icon, I get the same alert box telling an "Unknown Error Occured". and the game doesn't start. Btw, the version that was installed was v1.00.008361

@hexhandy

Thanks. This is the Mac forum, I moved your post here 🙂

Sims 3 does not run well on El Capitan and Sierra but it should run on your Mac as your NVIDIA GPU is supported and there's usually no problem with just the base game. Using the uninstaller doesn't get rid of all the hidden files so let's start from a clean slate as some residual ones may have been left behind:

1. Cleanly uninstall the game using the uninstaller and manually deleting the Library files. Instructions here
2. Run the Origin reset tool then download and run the installer for the base game.
3. When the game has finished installing, download and run the 1.67 patch for the digital version of the game (link in my signature below).
4. After it has finished patching restart your Mac then try and launch the game from the app within your Applications folder, not through Origin.

Okay, it installed correctly and the patch seemed to work. Then, when I selected the star button, I received the following message:

"No game disc found. Please instert The Sims 3 game disc before proceeding."

The game was reinstalled from the Origins app, as the original disc was damaged beyond repair.

What now? I was really looking forward to playing the game without the need for disks (ergo the 6+ Gb download size).

@hexhandy

Did you download the correct patch for the digital download? It's Region 17. And you definitely went into the hidden lIbrary folder and deleted all the files listed?

The patch I used was: To-9355-1.67.2.024017. And yes, I followed the instructions from your link to the letter.

@hexhandy

Ugh. Can you re-download and install the patch again? Completely uninstalling again and reinstalling can sometimes fix it but it's such a hassle. Do you have World Adventures? If so try installing that and seeing if it works. In fact, try any EP/SP apart from Late Night, Ambitions, Fast Lane and Outdoor Living.

I used to have 4 of the expansions, but I was stupid to not register them, and the discs are toast. I'm not really keen on re-purchasing all fo the expansions again at $20/each. So frustrating. World Adventures was the one I used the most.

I will DL/reinstall the patch yet again. If it doesn't work, I'll uninstall/reinstall the game and snip the relevant files in the libraries and preferences. I'll post an addendum if the superpatch reinstall doesn't fix the issue.

Okay, reinstalling the superpatch worked. I must have installed the US version and not the digital version. Thanks ever so much. You are awesome! 🙂

@hexhandy

That's great news! Yes, you must install the digital version , not the regional disc one.

Thanks @Bluebellflora, and hi @hexhandy,

I'm glad to read you could make the base game work.

To answer you about those 4 expansion packs - unfortunately, if you don't have your game codes, nor your discs, and you never registered your games in Origin or thesims3.com, it's a difficult situation, as you don't have a proof of purchase.

If you have a receipt of the purchase of those games, I would suggest to contact our advisors and explain the situation to them, but I cannot guarantee they will be able to help. There's no harm in trying. 😉

Good luck,

-Mai