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qimmig's avatar
qimmig
3 years ago

Sims 4 running but not opening (even though the game isn't running)

Every time I try to open the Sims 4, it says "The Sims 4 is already running". The game isn't running. In task manager, the game isn't open. I've tried updating the EA app, repairing the game (twice),...
pc
puzzlezaddict's avatar
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
3 years ago

@qimmig  The Sims 4 error in your dxdiag is a crash of the Program Compatibility Assistant, which means you're probably trying to run Sims 4 in compatibility mode for an older OS.  Please undo that setting: it's not necessary and can complicate troubleshooting.  Sims 4 runs just fine in Windows 11 most of the time.  If you've set the game to automatically run as an admin, undo this as well.  You can access both settings by right-clicking TS4_x64.exe, or your desktop shortcut, and selecting Properties > Compatibility.

Additionally, your VPN is crashing.  If you've been using the VPN while trying to play Sims 4, please disable the VPN and restart your computer, then try again to play.

For the more generic Windows errors, it's worth running a couple of basic checks of your Windows system files:

  • Hit Windows key-X
  • Choose either “PowerShell (Administrator)” or “Windows Terminal (Administrator),” whichever option is offered
  • Inside the window that appears, copy and paste “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” without quotes, and enter
  • The system will start validating soon. If it throws an error, please list it here
  • After it reaches 100%, hit Windows key-X again
  • Again, choose “PowerShell (Administrator)” or “Windows Terminal (Administrator)”
  • Inside the window, copy and paste “sfc /scannow” without quotes, and enter
  • Post the message you receive here

Restart your computer, hit Windows key-i, select Update & Security, and click the box to check for updates.  If any install, restart again afterwards.

qimmig's avatar
qimmig
3 years ago

I turned off compatibility mode, and the admin mode was already unselected. I restarted my laptop and still it didn't work.

I wasn't aware I had a VPN. This laptop is fairly new, so it must have come installed when I got it without my knowledge. I have uninstalled it, restarted my laptop, and it didn't work.

Here are the results from the two commands, I will insert pictures.

I believe my game stopped working after I updated my laptop. After sending this message, I will check for new updates.

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