[FAQ] Current Patch - 1.67 - Manual links and more
PLEASE TAKE OUT YOUR MODS BEFORE UPDATING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Make sure to backup the folder in documents\electronicarts\thesims3 to a safe place. That's all your user data like your downloads and savegames. Patch Notes See here: http://www.thesims3.com/game/patches/-508283802 (make sure to set your country to US to read) How to install Download the patch to a place of your choice on your hard drive (don't choose to run it directly, download it first in case something goes wrong) Find the file and double click on it to install Wait until the patch is installed Done Patch Links Below you find the current manual patch links. This patches are NOT for Steam Users. Steam has it's own update system. If you have any troubles with the smaller incremental patch (like the Invalid File Found error), use the bigger Superpatch. If you are at a lower version than 1.66 right now, also use the super patch. If you already patched through the launcher, you don't need to use these. The manual links are for people that have issues getting the patch through the launcher or get errors with it. Super Patch Super Patch (All Regions), 1.7 GB Incremental from 1.66 Make sure to download the right region. The last two digits of your base game version will tell you your region. Region 1 (USA), 176,1 MB Region 2 (Europe, Australia & Rest of the world), 177.9 MB Region 3 (Asia), 176.1 MB Region 5 (Japan), 175.6 MB Region 17 (Digital Game Version), 179.8 MB Macs Super Patch Links Region 1 (USA), 1.7 GB Region 2 (EEurope, Australia & Rest of the world), 1.7 GB Region 3 (Asian), 1.7 GB Region 5 (Japan), 1.7 GB Region 17 (Digital Game Version), 1.7 GB Please read this post carefully. Links also availble: Official EA Download Links for The Sims 3 *Cumulative* Manual Update ------------------------------------ Did this FAQ help you with your issue ? If so, please consider pressing the XP button
[FAQ] Lost and broken DVDs and missing serial codes - What to do ?
Lost/broken DVD but still have the serial code With your serial code, you are eligible for the download version of your game. You can download it through Origin and redeem your code. Instructions on how to do this can be found here: Redeem Your Serial Code in Origin Make sure to uninstall the DVD version and install the download version instead. Finding your Registration / Serial Code If you still have the game on your computer you can follow these steps to find your serial code from your registry (PC only). Credits of to Carl's Sims 3 Guide You need to be signed in as an Administrator first. Windows may require your permission to open the Registry Editor and if so, just click on yes. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type regedit in the search bar and press Enter. Click on 'File' at the top left of the window that opens then click on Export. Choose a location and name for the file as this will be your backup registry file. Click Save. This backup is created just as a precaution. Now to find your serial codes for each specific EP or SP installed on your computer: Expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder. Expand the SOFTWARE folder (Wow6432Node for 64 bit systems) Expand the Electronic Arts folder. Expand the Sims folder Expand the EP or SP you need the code for Click on ergc and in the box to the right under 'Data' you will see the code Write it down somewhere save Repeat above steps for each EP --------------------- Instructions for Macs can be found here: Finding your serial key using Terminal ------------------- Finding the code on Origin If you registered the game on thesims3.com OR bought it on Origin, the serial code can be found in the myGames tab on the Origin client. Download the client from here http://origin.com/download, log in with your data and go to the MyGames tab. Hover over the game and find the i. The product code listed there is your serial number (it can be different from your original one if the game was bought before Origin came out) No access to the serial code If you lost your serial code and don't have the game installed on an old computer, you need to contact Customer Support. They can be found here: https://help.ea.com/contact-us You have the option to contact them by mail, phone or Live Chat. Make sure you have a game, a category and a platform selected for the options to become available. For Live Chat, make sure to choose US as your country. If you registered your game to your account, it should be easy to get the code. If not, they'll give you a new code if you can proof that you own the game. See this: Obtaining a Replacement Registration Code ------------------------------------ Did this FAQ help you with your issue ? If so, please consider pressing the XP button
[FAQ] Troubleshooting Steps
There are several steps one can take to troubleshoot their own game before seeking help. There are some standard recipes that can help with several game problems. Resetting the game to factory settings without reinstalling Many problems can be pinpointed on custom content or corruption in your user data. There's an easy way to reset your game to factory settings without going through the ordeal of reinstalling the whole thing (Path can be different depending on your OS): Make a backup of theSims3 folder in Documents\ElectronicArts to an external drive (or burn it on a DVD or to a flash drive) Rename your theSims3 folder in Documents\ElectronicArts to Sims3_Backup Start the game or the launcher (All your save games will be gone, your options will be reset to factory settings and all your store content will be gone. Not to worry, it's all still there in that backup folder). A new Sims3 folder will have been recreated in your documents\electronicArts folder. Some folders might be missing for they are only created when you need them. Quit the game and the launcher Move the options.ini file from your backup folder to your newly created folder in documents\electronicArts\thesims3 to recover your graphic/sounds/gameplay options Start your game. You will need to start a new game for the other one is still missing right now. See if your error is gone. The Error is gone now Starting putting the folders back, starting with your saves. Check your game after every folder. This file UserPresets.package is all your custom styles you created in game, so you need to copy that one back as well. The files PassportData.package and ChallengeData.package contain your SimPort and Achievements progress. Make sure to put back. The folder Collections contains your collections. Make sure to put that back. If you find a mods folder in your documents folder, make sure you only put the stuff back that you know to be compatible ALL custom content can potentially cause problems. If you found out which folder is causing problems, put your stuff back in groups or one by one until you find the guilty party. Same Error still exists For Beginners Either make your own post, following the guidelines here: http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/READ-FIRST-Help-us-Helpers-to-Help-you/td-p/255562/ or if you already have one and were referred here, post there. For Advanced Users Go to programs\electronicarts\thesims3 and make sure you DO NOT have a mods folder there. If you do, move that to your desktop. Also make sure that there is no resource.cfg on that level (there will be on in your gamebin folder, don’t delete that one). Repeat above step for every expansion you have. If you have the download version of the game through Origin, make sure there aren’t any left over installation files. They can be found here: programs\Origin Games\<name of the expansion>\__Installer. Keeping your Computer updated Out-dated graphic and sound drivers, missing Windows Service Packs and other components that are not up-to-date can cause problems with your game. Make sure you you update those regularly. Computer maintenance is important. Defrag your Computer, clean your Registry and get rid of temporary files on a regular basis. Also clean the ventilators from time to time and if you have a desktop open it up and clean it inside. Backup your important files. That goes for your music, your photos as well as your Sims User Files. You'll find the user files in Documents\ElectronicArts. Copy the whole folder to an external drive. Virus protection and Firewalls They are both very important and no Computer should be without. Nevertheless can they lead to issues. If you have trouble patching or the launcher doesn't work correctly, make sure you tell your Virus program/Firewall that the EA Site is safe. Disable it temporarily to find out if the firewall is the issue. Things you can try if you run into a problem within the game These tips are things you can try if you see any kind of weird behavior in your game. Use the cheat resetsim <firstname> <lastname> to reset a particular Sim in your town. You won't loose any progress, all it does is put the Sim to a safe location from where he can start acting again Use the cheat resetsim * to reset every single Sim in your town. Delete your Cache files: In Documents\ElectronicArts you'll find these files: CASPartCache.package, compositorCache.package, scriptCache.package, simCompositorCache.package. Those are cache files that are recreated on start up. Delete them from time to time. Restart the game or the computer Go to Edit Town and move your Sim out of his home and then back into the same one. If you have money troubles, use the cheat freerealestate. You need to enable the the cheat testingcheatsenabled true first. Go to Edit Town and save your Sim/family to the library. They will keep their skills and age and the relationship towards each other. Then start a new game and put the saved family into the game. You will loose all relationships you made with other Sims that are not in your family Load a backup game. Start a new game to see if the error is only happening in the current save game. Bypassing the launcher If you have issue with your launcher, you can bypass the launcher to start your game . Navigate to the following file (location my vary depending on your Operating System): \programs(x86)\electronicarts\thesims2\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe. Right-click on the file and choose create shortcut. If asked if you want to create it on your desktop, say yes. If it gets created somewhere else, just move the shortcut to your desktop. Start the game by double-clicking on the new shortcut Finding your Registration / Serial Code If you still have the game on your computer you can follow these steps to find your serial code from your registry (PC only). Credits fo to Carl's Sims 3 Guide You need to be signed in as an Adminstrator first. Windows may require your permission to open the Registry Editor and if so, just click on yes. 1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type regedit in the search bar and press Enter. 2. Click on 'File' at the top left of the window that opens then click on Export. 3. Choose a location and name for the file as this will be your backup registry file. 4. Click Save. 5. This backup is created just as a precaution. Now to find your serial codes for each specific EP or SP installed on your computer: Expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder. Expand the SOFTWARE folder (Wow6432Node for 64 bit systems) Expand the Electronic Arts folder. Expand the Sims folder Expand the EP or SP you need the code for Click on ergc and in the box to the right under 'Data' you will see the code Write it down somewhere save Repeat above steps for each EP If you don't have the game on your computer anymore, you'll need to contact Customer Support. They are the only ones that can help. For support, please visit the EA Help website. For instructions on how to use the EA Help services, please refer to How to use EA Help. You have the option to contact them by mail, phone or Live Chat. For Live Chat, make sure to choose US as your country. Finding your game version See this post for details: How to find your game version Posting a question If you need help, make sure you post as much information as possible. Include your computer information and info about whether you use Custom Content or mods and what EPs you own. Please also state if you are on a PC or MAC and if you are using download version through Origin or Steam or DVD Version. Common Issues Lags & Freezes Game Crashes Save Errors (Error 12, 13, 15, 16) ------------------------------------ Did this FAQ help you with your issue ? If so, please consider pressing the XP button
DirectX 11 (DX11) for The Sims 4 - A Step-by-Step Guide
DirectX 11 (DX11) for The Sims 4 - A Step-by-Step Guide OVERVIEW DirectX 11, abbreviated as DX11, is a set of drivers from Microsoft that enhance visual and audio performance for games. Applying DX11 to The Sims 4 on a compatible PC can result in better performance, smoother animations, and overall improved gameplay experience. Please note that DX11 is not available for PlayStation or Mac systems. In our latest updates we have defaulted players using NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards to Direct X 11. NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards Players using NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards are now automatically set to use DirectX 11. If you had previously opted into DirectX 11 manually, please remove the "-dx11" argument to ensure smooth gameplay. Instructions are provided below. Note: If the "-dx11" argument is not removed, players will not have the option to view or select the DirectX 9 option from the in-game settings. Intel or other graphics cards Players using any other graphics cards, including Intel, will continue to enjoy The Sims 4 on DirectX 9 with an update to DirectX 11 to come at a later date. However if you would like to switch to DirectX 11, please follow the steps provided below. Check DirectX Version To verify that you are on DirectX 11, navigate to the main menu and check the bottom right corner of the screen. DirectX 11 Technical Issues and Feedback Thread For additional info, or to direct issues/feedback, please visit [DirectX 11 Technical Issues and Feedback Thread] Before reporting an issue please ensure that your graphics drivers are fully up to date: AMD Drivers NVIDIA Drivers If you wish to disable DX11 for the time being, please scroll to the end of this page for instructions. Important Reminder: Only scan QR codes from the following sources: The Sims 4 Main Menu in the game client, @TheSims and @TheSimsDirect official X.com channel Do not scan QR codes from the Gallery, forums, or AHQ HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR COMPUTER SUPPORTS DX11 Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type "dxdiag" and press Enter. In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window that appears, click on the "Display" tab, or “Display 1” tab if you have a multi-monitor setup. Under the "Drivers" section, look for "Feature Levels". If “11_0” or higher is listed, your computer supports DX11. HOW TO ENABLE DX11 EA App & Epic Game Store & Game Pass for PC: Open the EA App on your computer. Find The Sims 4 in your game library. Click on the game advance settings (3 dot icon) above the play button. Select "View Properties". In the "Advanced launch options" box, type "-dx11" Click "Save" to apply the changes. Steam: Open Steam and go to your library. Right-click on The Sims 4 and select "Properties". Under the "General" tab, find the "Launch Options" box In the text field, type "-dx11" Click "OK" to save your changes. Desktop Shortcut: EA App: *Requires Windows Admin permission Right-click on The Sims 4 desktop shortcut and select 'Properties'. In the 'Target' field, add a space at the end and then type "-dx11". Click 'Apply', then 'OK' to save the changes. HOW TO DISABLE DX11 Follow the same steps as above to reach the "Command Line Arguments" box (EA App) or the "Set Launch Options" text field (Steam). Simply delete "-dx11" and save your changes. HOW TO FORCE DX9 If you run into issues launching The Sims 4 on your AMD or NVIDIA card after this update: Follow the same steps as above to reach the "Command Line Arguments" box (EA App) or the "Set Launch Options" text field (Steam). In the text field, type "-dx9" Click "OK" to save your changes. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, please feel free to ask in this thread. Please be aware that we’re still fine-tuning our DX11 implementation and are aware of some existing issues. Further enhancements are on the way! HOW TO DISABLE DX11 - Through In-Game Options (ONLY players on NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards will be able to see this option) Launch The Sims 4 From the main menu, select Options → Game Options → Graphics In the “Graphics” tab, find the “DirectX 9” checkbox at the bottom right of the menu Click the “DirectX 9” checkbox The Sims 4 will run in DirectX 9 on the next launch
