Forum Discussion

puzzlezaddict's avatar
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
2 years ago

[CURRENT ISSUE] Sims 4 already running

Overview jump to:  Workarounds This is a common error that is usually caused when Sims 4 cannot access the user folder in Documents > Electronic Arts.  It can also be triggered by outdated or...
null
crashing
guides
launching
pc
Emprou's avatar
Emprou
Seasoned Newcomer
3 months ago

Hello,

 

I previously had a cracked version of The Sims 4 installed on my system. I have completely removed it and installed the official licensed version via the EA App.

 

However, every time I try to launch the game, I get the error:

“Unable to start: The Sims 4 is already running.”

 

I have already tried the following steps:

 

  • Uninstalled and reinstalled the EA App
  • Terminated all EA-related processes via Task Manager and Command Prompt
  • Deleted all folders related to EA and The Sims 4 under AppData, ProgramData, Documents, and Prefetch
  • Cleared all registry entries with CCleaner
  • Deleted lastsession.lock and cache files under the EA App directories
  • Performed a clean boot disabling all third-party services and startup programs

 

 

Despite all these steps, the EA App still believes the game is running even though it is not. There are no processes like TS4_x64.exe or EALauncher.exe in the background, and nothing appears in Task Manager.

 

I would appreciate any help or official guidance to resolve this issue. Thank you in advance.

Jpopper07's avatar
Jpopper07
Rising Rookie
3 months ago

I've had this issue for a while now....I have a seperate link on my desktop for TS4....when I get this error while trying to open through the EA app, I just double-click the desktop TS4 link, and then I will get the error again that the sims is already running (in EA app), and after a few seconds TS4 window usually comes up behind the EA app interface.  If it doesn't I just keep trying to open it using the desktop shortcut.  Hope this helps you.

About The Sims 4 Technical Issues - PC

PC players get help with their technical issues in The Sims 4 here.52,405 PostsLatest Activity: 5 days ago