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Bluebellflora's avatar
Bluebellflora
Hero+
9 months ago

Unable to start: The Sims 4 is already running - Mac only

If you're experiencing this error message it doesn't mean your game is already running, the actual message itself is incorrect. It means The Sims 4 cannot access the Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 fold...
external drive
launching
Bluebellflora's avatar
Bluebellflora
Hero+
4 years ago
@Katrinebf

It's been happening intermittently to players for years. Have a read through this thread I've merged your post into for suggestions. The new user account usually does the trick.

If you're running the game on an external drive the message pops up when the drive isn't properly mounted.
Katrinebf's avatar
Katrinebf
4 years ago

I have created a new user account but how does that help me play the game without having to repurchase all of it? now I don't have it on that user ☹️

  • Bluebellflora's avatar
    Bluebellflora
    Hero+
    4 years ago
    @Katrinebf

    Origin should be installed to Macintosh HD > Applications (NOT Macintosh HD > Users > [User] > Applications) so you should be able to access it no matter what user account you are in on the Mac. Open Origin in the new account, log in and then press Play. You shouldn't have to redownload the packs as they will still be accessible to Origin even though they are installed in your [User] > Applications folder.
    • Katrinebf's avatar
      Katrinebf
      4 years ago

      That is where it is installed, but when I log in to origin with a different email it is asking me to buy the game all over

      • Bluebellflora's avatar
        Bluebellflora
        Hero+
        4 years ago
        @Katrinebf

        Because you need to log into Origin using the same account your games are purchased through, the same account you normally use.

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