Re: [CURRENT ISSUE] Sims 4 Unable to Start, Already Running

@ajptwo  Time for the basics. Please post your computer's dxdiag - how to gather dxdiag data   Then attach the created text (.txt) file to the paper clip in the lower right of the forum response window.

if it does not meet the minimum requirements what is the recourse?

@ajptwo  Your computer should be able to run all current Sims 4 content; its hardware isn't the issue.  And this error isn't due to hardware anyway, nor is it related to the download issues that can happen when the CAS Demo is installed.  (That's completely separate.)  Instead, it typically happens when Sims 4 can't access or write to the user folder, as in, the Sims 4 folder in Documents > Electronic Arts.

I see a OneDrive sync error in your dxdiag, so that's the place to start.  First, find the Sims 4 folder in Documents > Electronic Arts and make sure it's the one with your saves inside, that is, if you have any saves.  Right-click the folder and select Copy, then paste it on your D drive: open File Explorer, click This PC, then double-click D, and right-click in the empty space and select Paste.  This will be your backup copy of your saves and other user files in case you need it later.

Now please pause OneDrive syncing and cancel the current sync:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/how-to-cancel-or-stop-sync-in-onedrive-4885c27e-3d89-4d69-be75-2646c71367d3

Next, tell OneDrive not to automatically sync the contents of Documents.  You'll stlll be able to manually upload files, but it won't keep interfering with Sims 4.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/choose-which-onedrive-folders-to-sync-to-your-computer-98b8b011-8b94-419b-aa95-a14ff2415e85

Restart your computer and try again to play.  If you get the same error, please let me know the full file path to the Documents directory: open a File Explorer window, right-click Documents in the left panel (the one with the special icon), select Properties > General, and list the Location.

@puzzlezaddict You've literally been a lifesaver with all troubleshooting.  You're on every post and for that, I thank you for your services.  A true hero.

Now.... I am still having issues where my EA app shows a Sims 4 game is already in progress and yet, nothing is open.  Would you mind helping?  I'm not super tech savvy.  I have a brand new CyberPC with a bunch of space.  I'm attaching my DxDiag in hopes that this info helps.  

Again, you're awesome.  I appreciate literally ANY advice you can give me.

@shelly_CHS13  First of all, please undo the compatibility setting you've applied to Sims 4.  It's not required and can complicate troubleshooting.

Please also uninstall and reinstall the EA App, which is throwing errors.

Please let me know whether OneDrive is running, even if you don't use it, and how full it is.

And finally, please list the full file path to your Documents folder.  Open a File Explorer window, right-click the Documents folder (the one with its own special icon), select Properties > Location, and list the path you see.  If you don't see a Location tab, let me know, and find the file path under General.  You can write [username] instead of your username if you want, but please leave the rest of the file path intact.

I have a problem with my Sims4 folder not being in my EA folder, has this ever happed to you or anyone? If so please if you can try

your best to help me I would appreciate it. in my EA folder I am missing my Sims4 folder. what should I do ? If I reinstalled my EA would it 

bring back my folder? I was about to go on Sims4 and I guess EA is down cause it's failing to launch. 

@KarielAngelfish  Here's how to find the location of your user folder:

https://sims4.crinrict.com/eng/2018/07/how-to-find-your-user-folder/

The folder will need to exist somewhere as long as you've launched the game at least once.

Hey, so I'm also having the sims 4 already running error and I've done literally everything I could to fix it but I've had no luck.  Can someone please help me?

@Aero_exe  Among the troubleshooting steps you've tried, have you created a new admin Windows account and tried launching the game from there?  If not, please do so now.  The account needs to be local, as in, don't link it to your Microsoft account.  None of your saves or other user content will be available, but that's fine for now; just let me know whether Sims 4 runs at all.