Everytime I select anything in build/buy the screen goes black. If I tab to the desktop and then back the screen will be back but anytime I click anything including options or switching to live mode it goes black again. Does anyone have a fix for this? Update (via EA_Nils): Thank you all for your reports, we are looking into this. Please read this linked post for the latest info so far. Update 2: Anyone able to help, we would greatly appreciate if you could post your DxDiag. Instructions are available at this linked post here. Thank you!

Running windows 8.1 x64 I can alt tab out, but the game doesn't minimize, and stays on top of all other windows. I do have my left and right monitors tho, so I could open the resolution settings window on one of those monitors, but I'm not looking for a workaround. I'm looking for EA to admit that you released an unfinished game, and patch their screwups.

I seemed to have fixed my black screen issue. I run the sim4launcher.exe and TS4.exe as Admin and Windows 7 Compatibility.

I think that did it. No problems at all with a black screen. So happy it is fixed. Thanks for all the help.

Wow, it has been a while since I did this correction. I think my earlier post explained it. I can't find the exact web page I used but this is what I did:Find your Sims 4 game iconRight click the iconThis brings up a windowClick on PropertiesClick on the compatibility TabClick on the box that says "Run compatibility troubleshooter"After it runs click "Try recommended settings"The click "Test the program"After the program runs, window it and go back to the troubleshooter. Click nextClick, save these settings.Also, make sure you do the same steps to Origin iconAlso, when you right click, click the "run as administrator button for both the game and OriginTo know if it worked:Go to Origin and on the screen with the Sims 4 game right click itClick on "Game properties"Under "When launching this game" there should be a tabIt should give you 3 choices. Present all options, Run Sims 4 in 64bit or run Sims 4 in 32bit. Click on the 64bit and okIt should then work fine.Good Luck.

I am having literally the exact same issue, word for word. EA clearly did not fully playtest the sims 4 before releasing it. first I couldn't get the game to load, and now I can't use the build/buy mode. I wonder what issue I'm going to have next.

Sims 4 black screen when selecting anything in build/buy

243 Replies

barcodejames
11 years ago
I am having literally the exact same issue, word for word. EA clearly did not fully playtest the sims 4 before releasing it. first I couldn't get the game to load, and now I can't use the build/buy mode. I wonder what issue I'm going to have next.
Anonymous
11 years ago
Well I have till 10 tonight to return the game which is looking more and more likely.
Anonymous
11 years ago
My game seems to work fine, but anytime I try to buy an objest in build mode the screen goes black. I can see my cursor, but nothing else on the screen.
Anonymous
11 years ago
Placing items is one of the most basic features of the game. To not have the ablity to place items means at least half the game is useless. All my drivers are up to date. I have unistalled and reinstalled still not fixed. Screen goes black when tring to place items. I can place walls and rooms but not items. Maybe I will have to wait for a DLC to fix this? Twenty dollars for the fix.....😕mileymad:
wolfwhocriedman
11 years ago
Having the same issue as well... Just wondering, are we all running windows 8 (not 8.1) my partner who's computer is sitting right next to mine, isnt having this issue and he's running windows 8.1. Maybe its a compatibility issue? Also what's everyones resolution? Ive found out that if you can tab back and forth long enough to change the resolution to something else and back again the problem corrects itself until the next reload. Is everyone else able to fully tab out of their game? Because when I tab out I can't actually get to accessing anything else. I have to completely shut down my game to access any other windows. Anyone with a fix, please help!
*EDIT* Resolution change within the game itself
barcodejames
11 years ago
Running windows 8.1 x64 I can alt tab out, but the game doesn't minimize, and stays on top of all other windows. I do have my left and right monitors tho, so I could open the resolution settings window on one of those monitors, but I'm not looking for a workaround. I'm looking for EA to admit that you released an unfinished game, and patch their screwups.
wolfwhocriedman
11 years ago
Yeah I dont enjoy the workaround either and dont find it acceptable or a "fix" but it may give some light as to what is going on with the issue. Have you at least tried changing resolutions to something else and back? Is this something that may be a resolution error? Again, not that it acceptable, but if anyone were to read this from EA, they may want to know where the problem started.
*EDIT* Resolution within the game itself
barcodejames
11 years ago
nope, can't change the resolution. Just tried, and it blacks out all three of my monitors, and stays blacked out even when I alt tab out of the game.
edit: I have noticed that if I hit alt tab, and then keep the alt key held down, I can see the game again, until I let go of alt. Then the screens go black again.
wolfwhocriedman
11 years ago
Help us help each other on this thread:
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-4/Sims-4-black-screen-when-selecting-anything-in-build-buy/m-p/3432733/highlight/false#M5078
wolfwhocriedman
11 years ago
and everyone make sure to tick the "me too" button to confirm we're all having this problem, please.