Forum Discussion

Seasoned Newcomer

1 month ago

Solved

Sims 4 "unable to start, game already running"

I just updated my game today and to my surprise that's the error in getting this is a new install of the game no Mods folder or anything just base game install obviyid have to run the game To get the second Sims 4 folder but nope anyway I tried the solution form the puzzlezaddict's common errors solutions none worked I unimstalles and reinstalled my game I did repair it I factory reset my laptop recently I did follow the solutions but I see it's from three years ago I'm trying to find a more recent solution or help please the full notification is in the photo but it says:

Unable to start: The Sims 4 is already running [ed35e0ea:29f00e76:00000000:18a1dd51]

Can someone please help

puzzlezaddict
1 month ago
renasimmers Do you mean this thread?

[CURRENT ISSUE] Sims 4 Unable to Start, Already Running | EA Forums - 11818313

If so, did you in fact create a new admin Windows account, a local one (not tied to a Microsoft account or any email address), and try to play there? Did you try temporarily disabling your antivirus at the same time? That's not a good idea in general, but it's safe enough if you're only trying to open Sims 4 and reenable the AV immediately afterwards.

3 Replies

puzzlezaddict
Hero+
1 month ago
renasimmers Do you mean this thread?

[CURRENT ISSUE] Sims 4 Unable to Start, Already Running | EA Forums - 11818313

If so, did you in fact create a new admin Windows account, a local one (not tied to a Microsoft account or any email address), and try to play there? Did you try temporarily disabling your antivirus at the same time? That's not a good idea in general, but it's safe enough if you're only trying to open Sims 4 and reenable the AV immediately afterwards.
renasimmers
Seasoned Newcomer
1 month ago
Omw I didn't switch off the antivirus I just allowed it through the CFA (controlled folder access) I was too scared to switch it off tysm it worked I did make a new windows account and it didn't work but I think the AV was stopping it I'm so thankful rn
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
1 month ago
renasimmers Since that worked, you can set exceptions in your antivirus so you can use it again but it won't touch Sims 4. Set these exceptions, depending on what you use:

TS4_x64.exe: standard game, DirectX 11 mode
TS4_DX9_x64.exe: DirectX 9 mode
TS4_x64_fpb.exe: Memory Boost mode
EADesktop.exe: EA App, for good measure

Or you can set all these exceptions if you're not sure what you're going to run in the future.