Official EA Download Links for The Sims 3 *Cumulative* Manual Update
http://lvlt.thesims3.com/images/header/browsernotification-alrt_ver908955.png IMPORTANT As of base game update 1.22.9 or later, players no longer need to update their expansions and stuff packs. All updates will now be applied only to the base game. This should make the patching process easier and prevent base game incompatibility errors. Also note that separate game updates for expansions and stuff packs are no longer being released, since these are now incorporated into the base game update. More information on the latest patch notes can be found at the following page: http://www.thesims3.com/game/patches/447287726 The base game manual patches listed here are for Mac only, specifically the DVD disc version or Origin digital download version. http://www.thesims3.com/images/gamebadges/sims3Logo_small.png Cumulative Base Game 1.67.2 Super Patcher for The Sims 3 For players who are unable to patch the base game to version 1.67.2 in Mac OS X via the game launcher, here are the official EA download links for the base game standalone cumulative Super Patcher: Region 1 (US) http://llnet.thesims.cdn.ea.com/sims/u/f/sims3/mac/To-9355-1.67.2.024001.tgz Region 2 (Worldwide) http://llnet.thesims.cdn.ea.com/sims/u/f/sims3/mac/To-9355-1.67.2.024002.tgz Region 3 (Asia-Pacific) http://llnet.thesims.cdn.ea.com/sims/u/f/sims3/mac/To-9355-1.67.2.024003.tgz Region 5 (Japan) http://llnet.thesims.cdn.ea.com/sims/u/f/sims3/mac/To-9355-1.67.2.024005.tgz Region 7 (Origin Digital Download) http://llnet.thesims.cdn.ea.com/sims/u/f/sims3/mac/To-9355-1.67.2.024017.tgz IMPORTANT: The Super Patcher is designed to work with the base game of any version number. After applying the cumulative patch your base game will be brought to version 1.67.2. This update includes all previous game code fixes and adjustments. PART A: Determine the Base Game Region Code To manually patch the base game, you will first need to download the Super Patcher that corresponds to your base game region code. You need only download one manual base game update - do not download all of them. If you already know what region code your base game is using, you can skip this part and proceed to PART B. If the version number displayed in the bottom left corner of the game launcher window begins with 1.66.2, take note of the complete version number displayed. The last digit of the version number will be the base game's region code - 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7. When done, proceed to PART B. If the version number displayed in the bottom left corner of the game launcher window begins with 1.63.4, take note of the complete version number displayed. The last digit of the version number will be the base game's region code - 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7. When done, proceed to PART B. If the version number displayed in the bottom left corner of the game launcher window begins with 1.57.62, take note of the complete version number displayed. The last digit of the version number will be the base game's region code - 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7. When done, proceed to PART B. If the version number displayed in the bottom left corner of the game launcher window begins with 1.55.4, take note of the complete version number displayed. The last digit of the version number will be the base game's region code - 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7. When done, proceed to PART B. If you only have the base game installed and no other expansions or stuff packs, simply run the game launcher and take note of the complete version number displayed in the bottom left corner of the window. The last digit of the version number will be the base game's region code - 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7. When done, proceed to PART B. If you have other expansions and/or stuff packs installed in addition to the base game, to find out the base game region code you will need to access the base game's skuversion information: 1 - Use Finder and navigate to where the base game has been installed - by default this will be in the Applications folder 2 - Right-click on the base game application icon and select "Show Package Contents" - a new Finder window will appear 3 - Look for a file named info.plist and click on it once to highlight it 4 - Press Spacebar on the keyboard to open the file in Quick View mode 5 - When the file is opened, look for the following text string: <key>ClientBuild</key> 6 - The line of text directly underneath will indicate the current version number of the base game - the last digit of the version number will be the base game region code (1, 2, 3, 5 or 7) 7 - When done, press Spacebar on the keyboard to close Quick View mode 8 - Close all Finder windows 9 - Proceed to PART B PART B: Download the Super Patcher With the base game region code on hand, you can now download the corresponding base game Super Patcher from the links listed above. For example, if your base game region code is 1 you would use the download link located under "Region 1 (US)". Any computer with internet access will be able to download the manual base game update from EA, and the computer need not be a Mac. The file size of the manual patch is very large, and the time required to download will depend greatly on the speed of your internet connection. You can use any web browser to download the Super Patcher. The download process should commence automatically when clicking on the appropriate download link. If the download does not start, you can do the following: 1 - Right-click on the download link - a contextual popup menu will appear 2 - Select "Save File" or words to that effect to download and save the file to the location of your choice - if using the Safari browser, select the "Download Linked File As..." or "Download Linked File" option Once the download process has started, wait for the file to finish downloading completely. If using another computer to download the manual patch, you will later need to transfer it to the Mac where the game has been installed. When the manual patch has completed downloading, proceed to PART C. PART C: Extract the Super Patcher The actual manual base game update is contained inside a compressed archive and will need to be extracted before it can be used. To do so, follow these steps: 1 - Locate the base game manual patch that was downloaded previously - it will appear as a compressed archive icon 2 - Double click on the base game manual patch compressed archive icon 3 - The Archive Utility (or similar application) will launch and begin extracting the base game manual patch - depending on the Mac hardware being used, extraction can take up to several minutes 4 - Notice that the extracted manual patch will now appear with a green plumbob icon 5 - Proceed to PART D PART D: Apply the Super Patcher The standalone cumulative patch is self executable, and can be placed on your Mac OS X desktop or anywhere else convenient. Other than ensuring that the game and launcher are not running, no further setup is required at this point. To begin applying the base game manual patch, do the following: 1 - Double click on the extracted base game manual patch - if Mac OS X prompts for an administrator password, enter it now 2 - In the Finder window that appears, navigate to where the base game has been installed - by default this will be in the Applications folder 3 - Click on the base game application icon once to highlight it 4 - Click on the Update button at the bottom right corner of the Finder window 5 - Wait for the updating process to finish completely If your version of Mac OS X has the Gatekeeper security feature, you may need to adjust its settings in order to run the executable. For more information refer to the following support article from the Apple website: https://support.apple.com/HT202491 Final Notes When the base game has been successfully updated, it is highly recommended that you keep a backup of the base game manual patch. Doing so will allow you to quickly update from the local patcher instead of having to download it again through the game launcher, in the event of a game reinstallation. When installing an expansion pack or stuff pack, you may receive a message stating that the base game is at a more recent version than what the setup installer was expecting. You can safely ignore the message and just continue with the installation of the expansion pack or stuff pack.112KViews0likes0CommentsSims 3 and Windows 8 - An Analysis
Hey guys, I'm really curious to why some people have no issues at all and others can't even start the game. It seems, that people with the 32 bit version have no issues, 64 bit seems to be a different matter. Let us try to get to the bottom of this, so the devs can do the adjustments needed. Please answer the questions below and try to described your issue as thorough as possible. Make sure you have the newest drivers and all updates possible - What version of Windows 8 are you running ? - Do you have the 32 bit Version or the 64 bit one ? - Did you buy a new Computer and got Windows 8 on that or did you install it on your old machine ? - Which of the EPs/SPs do you have installed ? - What Patch level are you at (base game) ? - Do you have any Store content or CC/mods added ? - Did you try out any of the beta/consumer preview versions and did you have any issues with those ? - What graphic card do you have and which driver version are you running ? - What symptoms are you seeing (try to be as detailed as possible) - Anything else you like to add. Everyone with Windows 8 can post here, whether they have issues or not69KViews0likes192Comments
The Sims 2 Windows 7-10 Fixes
It's not uncommon to have problems with The Sims 2 on Windows 7, 8, 8.5, and 10. I've had all of these versions of windows and had trouble running The Sims 2 on all of them. The Sims 2 is my favorite Sims game so naturally I searched the internet for fixes and Troubleshoot Forums. Here's what I found: Black Flickering This is caused by your graphics card not agreeing with the game. Turn Shadows to Medium or turn them off completely. That's the simplest fix. If you're also having any of these: Screen flickering, Black screen, graphical errors, pie menus won't load, gameplay errors, shadows still flickering, mods won't show up. First, before doing any more fixes, remove your mods folder and all mods if you have any, just to be safe. Second, download Graphics Rule Maker from SimsNetwork: http://www.simsnetwork.com/simpedia/the-sims-2/editions/the-sims-2/specials/graphics-rules-maker-improve-compatibility-with This program, (Virus free, I checked) is made to fix all the problems listed above except for the mod issue. Let it find your Sims 2 game, add your graphics card to its database, set your screen resolution, and apply the fixes. (But try to avoid using all the fixes if possible) I personally used this and it fixed my Sims 2 game 110%. Looks better than it did before. Now for the mods, check the in game options, there's a section to toggle the mods on and off. Check on and that should fix it, if it doesn't then its a deeper problem. So there ya go! Enjoy The Sims 2!45KViews1like270Comments
UPDATE 9-2-20 Has your Sims 3 game been affected by the recent pixilation issues?
UPDATE: 3/8/2021 Cororon has been affected now and is determined to figure this out, yaaay! Please go to her thread on Nvidia and support her efforts to have Nvidia take a look at what's going on. https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/forums/game-ready-drivers/13/438312/sims-3-colour-banding-and-artefacts-with-nvidia-dr/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE: 9/2/2020: Naus has narrowed down the issue (see page 17 of this thread) and Infragreen has some possible fixes and has started a thread at Nvidia to get some attention. Please post there if you're having this issues. Let's be loud and get this solved!!! https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/forums/geforce-graphics-cards/5/395894/horrible-color-banding-texture-handling-and-dither/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE 6/19/20: I'm updating this thread to reflect the REAL issues in the game that was caused by the early December Windows update. Some of the issues I showed pictures of were already in the game and always an issue. I just didn't noticed until I went looking for them. The real issues are worse color banding and the pixilation of sims' skins and faces. The pixilation issue especially affects sims with darker skin color or who are out at night time. Installing Reshade and editing the color banding option does help with this issue and Archivist provided instructions for that on this thread. The other issue is horses used to look like horses and now don't completely render. The cheap fridge issue was evidently always in the game and even happens on Linux systems. This poll is not accurate as some who said they were not affected have now been affected. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A recent Windows update (yes, it has been narrowed down to that) has caused all kinds of crazy pixilation issues in a lot of our games. Have you been affected? I'll put pictures of the issues in the second post. ETA: One of the reasons for this post is I recently saw someone who was complaining about their graphics on FB get jumped on by a lot of players saying how awesome Sims 3 graphics are. I think they thought it was an old 'sims 3 graphics are horrible' rant but it wasn't. Just want everyone to be aware that this is happening so we can be supportive to those who are affected and let them know what's going on. Yes, sims 3 graphics are the best! But not when they're borked. ETA2: For those who don't hang out in the techie section, these are the things I've tried: First thing was Nvidia, had long chats with them 2 nights in a row. No help. Finally told me to go back to the developer. Tried reporting to Windows. No comment. Tried rolling back graphics driver. No help. Tried a total reset thinking Windows would be restored to the original condition when I purchased the computer. That doesn't work anymore. Windows now restores the updates along with your system restore. No way I can find around that. Puzzlezaddict did some testing here if you want to look at that thread in the techie section. Posted over at NRaas. The techies over there think it is definitely a Windows update, and also that it is affecting more recent games than Sims 3, even some of their Xbox games. Because of this they think Windows will eventually fix it. That's where we are now.20KViews0likes711Comments
Qtcore4.dll not found solution
Qtcore4.dll is part of EADM and should be in c:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\EADM directory (for 32 bit systems). If it's not there you need to reinstall eadm. Download new version at - http://eastore.ea.com/store/ea/html/pbPage.welcome?resid=S2mdKgoBAkcAAB2caUcAAAAX&rests=1265212714560 OR: http://www.ea.com/1/download-manager Uninstall old eadm and install eadm you just downloaded. This should not affect the playability of the game as this is only the download manager.17KViews1like26Comments
Save Issues with Supernatural and Seasons CAW: Discussion and research thread.
A lot of people have noticed some serious issues with the recent versions of CAW, but all the information has been turning up on separate threads. Let's bring it all together in one place and look for common issues and possible causes. The most widespread and recent issue seems to be Edit In Game (EIG) mode deleting lots upon saving. Common threads are problems with saving, with EIG, and with lots. Notably, during all this mess, CAW's version has gone back a number. July's CAW was 1.18.3. Since then the numbers have gone 1.18.3 -> 1.19.3 -> 1.18.4 -> then a silent update to 1.18.5 http://www.abload.de/img/blue2-rule-04l-whitevxcj.gif Reference Threads CAW update is deleting all my lots Read only lots + insufficient memory 1.42 and CAW. Does it work? What is that? Is that a light? Save failed... CAW says save unsuccessful in Edit in Game Mode... Another issue with the new update worked FOREVER on something, saved it, then go back to CAW and it's not there? Save Successful - BUT WITH WARNINGS http://www.abload.de/img/blue2-rule-04l-whitevxcj.gif Symptoms Specific world files (that worked on previous CAW versions) no longer open. Specific world files (that worked on previous CAW versions) open but crash EIG mode. World saves successfully in CAW but with error messages claiming some lots are set as read-only. Tells users to make these lots writable. World saves successfully in EIG but deletes lots. Lots may or may not appear in CAW despite being deleted, perhaps due to caching, but are gone in EIG. Seems to affect all world files. Exported worlds do not install. The launcher says they have installed, but they do not appear in the InstalledWorlds folder. http://www.abload.de/img/blue2-rule-04l-whitevxcj.gif Workarounds Currently it is possible for many of us to keep working on a world, it is just tricky. Many creators are finding that minimising Edit In Game's second loading screen, then letting the game load minimised, allows them to access Edit In Game without crashing. Exporting your world will produce a simpack with all your files intact inside it, but the simpack will not be readable. The only way to install a world right now is to use the method anetherron provides here.16KViews0likes258CommentsPatch 1.50 - Superpatch now offered through the launcher - Retry
EA server Link to Manual super patch (NOT FOR MAC OR STEAM): http://akamai.cdn.ea.com/eadownloads/u/f/sims/sims3/patches/TS3_1.50.56.0210xx_update.exe ------------------ Official EA note on the issue Note on Feb 19 Game Update We understand that some of you have attempted to install the recent Game Update and encountered an issue completing the install. For PC players, if you reattempt the install now, you should be able to successfully complete installation. Note that this Game Update is larger in size and that we will be releasing a smaller version within the coming weeks if you prefer to wait for a smaller download. For Mac players, we are still conducting some final tests on the Mac Game Update to ensure it will be a smooth and successful experience for you as well. This release will be coming very soon. Thank you for your patience. http://www.abload.de/img/blue2-rule-04l-whitevxcj.gif UPDATE 02/20/2013 Seems that EA has now replaced the laucher incremental patch with the superpatch so that everyone should be able to patch. It might take a moment for every server to be updated. If you're still offered the 200 MB one, there's no need to redownload. It might not work for all atm but try re-downloading through the launcher. Be aware that you will be downloading the 1.3 GB patch and not the 200 MB one (unless EA now did find a solution for their incremental patch messup which was acutally a problem in 1.48). Good Luck everyone http://www.abload.de/img/blue2-rule-04l-whitevxcj.gif Most people are getting an invalid file error with this patch. Also make sure to update Origin to it's newest version and restart both the launcher and Origin. EA is aware of the issue and looking into it.15KViews0likes175Comments'No Sound Bug' Troubleshooting Assistance: What We Know And What Can Be Done About It
***To Everyone Viewing This Thread*** If you are experiencing the no sound bug, please post a dxdiag report. This critical information is very useful to EA and can assist them in determining a possible cause and solution to the no sound issue. Instruction on how to create and post a dxdiag report can be found near the bottom of this post. What We Know From observing the developments in the 'no sound bug' over the past week, this bug appears to be a game issue. Here is a quick run down of what I have observed so far: 1. The no sound bug began affecting players upon the installation and running of The Sims 3 Showtime Expansion Pack. 2. Not all players are affected by the no sound bug. 3. Some players report sound "coming and going" (working then not working) throughout the course of a play session. 4. The no sound bug only seems to affect objects and interactions from The Sims 3 Showtime Expansion Pack. 5. Players with sound issues are affected to varying degrees. For some people it is just the singer singing and the accompanying music, while for others it is singing, accompanying music, sing-o-grams, jukeboxes, dj booths, karaoke machines, pool tables, etc. 6. All players seem to have a different combination of sounds that they can or cannot hear. For example, with the karaoke machine some people can hear music but not singing, while others can hear nothing at all. 7. A couple of users have reported the sound bug sporadically going away without having made any changes to their game or audio driver. Following the sporadic resolution, the issue has yet to return. 8. The sound issue is affecting all types of computers and game configurations including low, mid and high end computers/graphics cards, computers with outdated and updated audio drivers, games with and without custom content or mods, and people running the game on low, mid, and maxed out settings. Furthermore, having the audio quality set to 'high' and the proper speaker setup for the player's specific audio configuration is mostly being reported as ineffective for the majority of players affected by the no sound bug. 9. A wide variety of audio drivers are affected by the no sound bug (Realtek High Definition Audio, Microsoft High Definition Audio Device, IDT High Definition Audio CODEC, etc.). Moreover, the system manufacturer is equally as varied (Compaq, Dell, Sony, Toshiba, Asus, Alienware, HP, Gigabyte, Intel, Acer, custom builds, etc. 10. Several players have noted that being logged into the game seems to lessen the severity of the no sound issue. What Can Be Done About It Please visit the 'Updates & Announcements' to keep up with the latest developments, and use this thread to document any and all pertinent information and observations regarding the no sound bug. There is also a list of guide questions concerning the type of information that is being sought out. For those of you out there that are affected by the no sound bug, you can try updating your audio driver, but please note that the results are extremely hit or miss. For a minuscule number of players, an audio driver update "appears" to fix the issue, but for an overwhelming majority of players, it makes absolutely no difference and the sound issue remains. Only time will tell if those whose no sound bug seems to have been resolved by an audio driver update was truly fixed. How To Post Your Dxdiag Report: Windows XP & Windows Vista (link provided by SimGuruMeatball) http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/list/22070.page Windows 7 1. Click Start (windows icon) 2. type "dxdiag" in the "search programs and files" bar 3. Click the program dxdiag (blue circle with yellow x icon) *A new window should open with the title "DirectX Diagnostic Tool"* 4. At the bottom of this window click the button "Save All Information..." *Make a note where you are saving this file* 5. Open text file "DxDiag" press CRTL+A to select all text, and then copy and paste this information into your forum post. ***Disclaimer*** While I am happy to help you to troubleshoot the 'no sound bug' and offer suggestions of a possible fix, please only try updating your audio driver if you feel completely comfortable and confident in what you are doing, and if the available driver listed on your system manufacturer's website is more recent than the one that you already have installed. If not, I recommend waiting for a bit as the Showtime EP is still quite new, and EA will probably have a suggestion/solution for the affected users sometime in the future.10KViews0likes149Comments
Cas stuck on loading screen.
Since the new update and me downloading Lovestruck everytime I try to go into cas it gets stuck on the loading screen and I have to restart my PC each time, I have went through my mods folder deleting cc and mods to try and figure out what's affecting it, I need some help with what mod may be crashing it. I deleted more colums mod, Height sliders, mc command center, UI cheats, all my eyelashes, Tool mod, Better build buy, and any traits that could mess it up. anything that may interfere, but it just won't open cas no matter what I do, am I missing anything?10KViews91likes70Comments
Know What Is Inside Your Game: The Sims 3
Introduction and Part 1: Inside the Programs/Applications folders I will be putting together a few informative posts to help people understand their TS3 game better. It may take me a while, and I'm not sure how many I will do or how many will be needed. But I reserved some spaces, so I can keep everything together at the beginning of the thread. We will start with an intro Part 1 of a "getting to know your game" post, and go from there. :) *************** Everyone should know the insides of their The Sims 3 game. Please read the following, to acquaint yourselves with your game, so you understand how to properly back up your game and make it run as smooth as possible. Here is a list of the expansions and stuff packs, in the order in which they were released: http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss84/amjoie/ScreenShot2014-07-26at70317PM_zps9c5c6f11.png Your game is found in two places. One place is inside your User or Home folder, and then inside the Documents folder, and then inside the Electronic Arts folder, where you find The Sims 3. We will be examining this folder in detail, later. PC: http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss84/amjoie/insidedocuments_zps832ab881.jpg http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss84/amjoie/yourgamefolderinsideDocuments_zpsc3018a4e.jpg The same thing, inside the Documents folder on the Mac: http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss84/amjoie/ScreenShot2014-07-26at51932PM_zpsb54e99e1.png The other part of your game is found in Programs or Programs X86 on the PC and inside Applications on the Mac. Inside there, you will also find an Electronic Arts folder. Inside that Electronic Arts folder, you will find all your installed EPs and Stuff Packs. I also keep a copy of each alias in that folder, as you can see in the pic. PC: http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss84/amjoie/insideprogramsEA_zpsf0b5b962.jpg On a PC, your actual game, that is patched while using a Superpatch, resides inside the base game, which is The Sims 3 folder found inside Programs or Applications. If you open that folder you will see several folders: Caches, Game, GameData, Support, Thumbnails. If you use an FPS Limiter, you will also see 3booter.exe, FPS_Limiter.exe, HookHelper.dll, and Limiter_D3D9.dll which put a limit of 30 frames per second on your game. (Without a frame limiter your game might run upwards of 800 frames per second, and has been known to burn out graphics cards, or worse, on top of the line computers.) I got the frame limiter from Pescado's site, so I cannot provide a link. Google it. http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss84/amjoie/insideprogramsEATheSims3basegame_zps8d05da05.jpg Inside GameData, you will find the Shared folder. http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss84/amjoie/insidegamedata_zpsb932229e.jpg Inside that, you will find NonPackaged. Inside that, you will find Worlds. And inside Worlds, you will find Sunset Valley.world which is the template that creates all the new Sunset Valley worlds in your game (if, once your game is open, you choose the plus sign to create a new world, and then choose Sunset Valley from the worlds menu.) This is NOT a save, but an actual template. Inside each EP folder that you have installed in Programs/Applications, you will find something similar, following the same path, providing that EP had a world that came with it. Each world is found inside GameData/Shared/NonPackaged/Worlds. Mac -- inside Applications and inside this folder, you will find something similar: http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss84/amjoie/ScreenShot2014-07-26at52404PM_zpsacf6c83f.png On a Mac, inside Applications, inside Electronic Arts, your actual game that is patched by a Superpatch is this file (found way at the bottom, on my Mac): http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss84/amjoie/ScreenShot2014-07-26at54020PM_zps4cdc313b.png In order to see your GameData folder, you will need to right click on the file pictured above, and choose Show Package Contents from the menu. Then you will see this: http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss84/amjoie/ScreenShot2014-07-26at54509PM_zpsc90c7de5.png From there, it is the same as on the PC to find a world in each EP. Unless you are an advanced user, these Programs/Applications folders should not be touched. But it would be good to have a backup of them on an external drive (they will not fit on a 32 GB thumb drive, if you have all EPs and Stuff Packs), should you ever need to do a manual install, if a game disk has been damaged. The remaining game files that generate during an installation are in your Registry on a PC, or in your home folder Library Preferences on a Mac. I keep a backup of those files, also, so I will be able to manually install an expansion, should I ever lose a disk. I cannot give detailed information on how to save those files, if you have your game on Origin rather than a disk. Do a search on Google to get that information, because they are found in different places. (I also do remember that someone wrote it was possible to generate files which are saved on your desktop that would allow you to install the game directly from those files instead of having to download them each time from Origin, but I don't remember how they did it.) If you installed from game disks, on a PC, you can find out what to save and how to save it, if you follow the instructions to manually uninstall your game, BUT DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING OR REMOVE ANYTHING!!. Simply export everything they say to delete, and you will have what you need to import, in order to install your game manually, by doing the reverse of a manual uninstall. The instructions are from this link: http://help.ea.com/za/article/manually-uninstalling-the-sims-3/ Also see this link for clear instructions on uninstalling: http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:TS3_Uninstall ........... The base game: If you're having issues with the game and need to manually uninstall it as a troubleshooting measure, refer to the instructions below. Backup the save data in Windows XP: Click the Start button and select My Documents. Select the Electronic Arts folder. Right-click The Sims 3 folder and select Cut. Right-click on your desktop and select Paste. To restore your Sims 3 save games, move this folder back into the Electronic Arts folder after re-installing the game. Backup the save data in Windows Vista/Windows 7: Click the Start button and select Documents. Select the Electronic Arts folder. Right-click The Sims 3 folder and select Cut. Right-click on your desktop and select Paste. To restore your Sims 3 save games, move this folder back into the Electronic Arts folder after re-installing the game. Delete the game files (in the default location): Click the Start button and select My Computer. Select the Local Disk (C) drive folder. Select the Program Files folder. For 64-bit, select Program Files (X86) Select the Electronic Arts folder if installed from the disk, or the Origin Games folder if installed via Origin. Right-click The Sims 3 folder and select Delete. Disclaimer: You are about to edit your registry. To avoid operational issues with your system, please follow the instructions exactly as they are written. Backup the registry: Hold down the Windows key and press R. At the Run command, type in "regedit" (minus the quotes) and select OK. Click on File and then Export... Choose a location and name for the file; this will be your backup registry file. Click Save. Delete the registry keys: Expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder. Expand the SOFTWARE folder. For 64-bit systems, expand Wow6432Node Expand the Electronic Arts folder. Expand the Sims folder. Right-click The Sims 3 folder and select Delete. Collapse the Electronic Arts folder. Expand the Sims folder. Right-click The Sims 3 folder and select Delete. Collapse the Sims folder. Expand the Microsoft folder. Expand the Windows folder. Expand the CurrentVersion folder. Expand the Uninstall folder. Delete the following folder if it appears: {C05D8CDB-417D-4335-A38C-A0659EDFD6B8} Collapse the Microsoft folder. Expand the Classes folder. Delete the following folders if they appear: .Sims3 .Sims3Pack Sims3 Sims3Pack Delete the uninstall files: Click the Start button and select My Computer. Select the Local Disk (C) drive folder. Select the Program Files folder. Select Tools, then Folder Options, then View, then select "Show hidden files and folders." Select the InstallShield Installation Information folder. Delete the following folder if it appears: {C05D8CDB-417D-4335-A38C-A0659EDFD6B8} The Sims 3 should now be completely removed from your system. *** Now that you know how to do it, here are the numbers for each EP/Stuff Pack (If you have 64-bit Windows OS, all entries below will be under the wow6432Node). These things should all be exported and saved, so that you have the ability to manually import them, if a disk becomes damaged: {08A25478-C5DD-4EA7-B168-3D687CA987FF} The Sims 3 Master Suite Stuff (SP05) {117B6BF6-82C3-420C-B284-9247C8568E53} The Sims 3 Outdoor Living Stuff (SP03) {1C9B6173-6DC9-4EEE-9EFC-6BA115CFBE43} The Sims 3 Diesel Stuff (SP07) {3BBFD444-5FAB-49F6-98B1-A1954E831399} The Sims 3 Showtime (EP06) {3DE92282-CB49-434F-81BF-94E5B380E889} The Sims 3 Seasons (EP08 ) {44EAFE3D-09A9-4478-A2BF-0EED22F4E49F} The Sims 3 Create a Pattern Tool (CAP) {45057FCE-5784-48BE-8176-D9D00AF56C3C} The Sims 3 Late Night (EP03) {65761BAE-11E8-48FE-B30F-1F01011AB906} The Sims 3 Create a World Tool (CAW) {71828142-5A24-4BD0-97E7-976DA08CE6CF} The Sims 3 High-End Loft Stuff (SP01) {7B11296A-F894-449C-8DF6-6AAAA7D4D118} The Sims 3 Town Life Stuff (SP04) {910F4A29-1134-49E0-AD8B-56E4A3152BD1} The Sims 3 Ambitions (EP02) {9B2506E3-9A3F-45B5-96BF-509CAD584650} The Sims 3 Katy Perry's Sweet Treats (SP06) {A0BBD6C7-B546-4048-B33A-F21F5C9F5B09} The Sims 3 Into the Future (EP11) {BA26FFA5-6D47-47DB-BE56-34C357B5F8CC} The Sims 3 World Adventures (EP01) {B37DAFA5-717D-41F8-BDFB-3A4B68C0B3A1} The Sims 3 Supernatural (EP07) {C05D8CDB-417D-4335-A38C-A0659EDFD6B8} The Sims 3 {C12631C6-804D-4B32-B0DD-8A496462F106} The Sims 3 Pets (EP05) {D0087539-3C57-44E0-BEE7-D779D546CBE1} The Sims 3 Movie Stuff (SP09) {DB21639E-FE55-432C-BCA2-0C5249E3F79E} The Sims 3 Island Paradise (EP10) {E1868CAE-E3B9-4099-8C18-AA8944D336FD} The Sims 3 70s, 80s, & 90s Stuff (SP08 ) {E6B88BD6-E4B2-4701-A648-B6DAC6E491CC} The Sims 3 Generations (EP04) {ED436EA8-4145-4703-AE5D-4D09DD24AF5A} The Sims 3 Fast Lane Stuff (SP02) {EF7E931D-DC84-471B-8DB6-A83358095474} Origin (aka EADM) {F26DE8EF-F2CF-40DC-8CDA-CC0D82D11B36} The Sims 3 University Life (EP09) And here are the uninstall files, which should also be manually exported, so you can import them if a game disk becomes damaged: {08A25478-C5DD-4EA7-B168-3D687CA987FF} The Sims 3 Master Suite Stuff (SP05) {117B6BF6-82C3-420C-B284-9247C8568E53} The Sims 3 Outdoor Living Stuff (SP03) {1C9B6173-6DC9-4EEE-9EFC-6BA115CFBE43} The Sims 3 Diesel Stuff (SP07) {3BBFD444-5FAB-49F6-98B1-A1954E831399} The Sims 3 Showtime (EP06) {3DE92282-CB49-434F-81BF-94E5B380E889} The Sims 3 Seasons (EP08 ) {44EAFE3D-09A9-4478-A2BF-0EED22F4E49F} The Sims 3 Create a Pattern Tool (CAP) {45057FCE-5784-48BE-8176-D9D00AF56C3C} The Sims 3 Late Night (EP03) {65761BAE-11E8-48FE-B30F-1F01011AB906} The Sims 3 Create a World Tool (CAW) {71828142-5A24-4BD0-97E7-976DA08CE6CF} The Sims 3 High-End Loft Stuff (SP01) {7B11296A-F894-449C-8DF6-6AAAA7D4D118} The Sims 3 Town Life Stuff (SP04) {910F4A29-1134-49E0-AD8B-56E4A3152BD1} The Sims 3 Ambitions (EP02) {9B2506E3-9A3F-45B5-96BF-509CAD584650} The Sims 3 Katy Perry's Sweet Treats (SP06) {A0BBD6C7-B546-4048-B33A-F21F5C9F5B09} The Sims 3 Into the Future (EP11) {BA26FFA5-6D47-47DB-BE56-34C357B5F8CC} The Sims 3 World Adventures (EP01) {B37DAFA5-717D-41F8-BDFB-3A4B68C0B3A1} The Sims 3 Supernatural (EP07) {C05D8CDB-417D-4335-A38C-A0659EDFD6B8} The Sims 3 {C12631C6-804D-4B32-B0DD-8A496462F106} The Sims 3 Pets (EP05) {D0087539-3C57-44E0-BEE7-D779D546CBE1} The Sims 3 Movie Stuff (SP09) {DB21639E-FE55-432C-BCA2-0C5249E3F79E} The Sims 3 Island Paradise (EP10) {E1868CAE-E3B9-4099-8C18-AA8944D336FD} The Sims 3 70s, 80s, & 90s Stuff (SP08 ) {E6B88BD6-E4B2-4701-A648-B6DAC6E491CC} The Sims 3 Generations (EP04) {ED436EA8-4145-4703-AE5D-4D09DD24AF5A} The Sims 3 Fast Lane Stuff (SP02) {EF7E931D-DC84-471B-8DB6-A83358095474} Origin (aka EADM) {F26DE8EF-F2CF-40DC-8CDA-CC0D82D11B36} The Sims 3 University Life (EP09) .................. On the Mac, just save The Sims 3 Preferences, that you find in your home folder Library, inside Preferences. Keep it inside a backup folder that has a note saying where you got it from, so you know where to put it, if you ever have to manually install your game. Note: On some Mac OS, the home folder Library is hidden. To unhide it, do this: Open your home folder. Click on your desktop to get the finder menu at the top of your screen. Use the Go menu at the top of your screen, and choose Go To Folder. Then type in Library, and click the Go button. (Do yourself a favor, and make an alias of the Library folder, so you have it easily available, next time you need it.) Next, we will examine the insides of your Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 3 folder.7.6KViews1like99Comments
The Sims 2 Windows 7-10 Fixes
It's not uncommon to have problems with The Sims 2 on Windows 7, 8, 8.5, and 10. I've had all of these versions of windows and had trouble running The Sims 2 on all of them. The Sims 2 is my favorite Sims game so naturally I searched the internet for fixes and Troubleshoot Forums. Here's what I found: Black Flickering This is caused by your graphics card not agreeing with the game. Turn Shadows to Medium or turn them off completely. That's the simplest fix. If you're also having any of these: Screen flickering, Black screen, graphical errors, pie menus won't load, gameplay errors, shadows still flickering, mods won't show up. First, before doing any more fixes, remove your mods folder and all mods if you have any, just to be safe. Second, download Graphics Rule Maker from SimsNetwork: http://www.simsnetwork.com/simpedia/the-sims-2/editions/the-sims-2/specials/graphics-rules-maker-improve-compatibility-with This program, (Virus free, I checked) is made to fix all the problems listed above except for the mod issue. Let it find your Sims 2 game, add your graphics card to its database, set your screen resolution, and apply the fixes. (But try to avoid using all the fixes if possible) I personally used this and it fixed my Sims 2 game 110%. Looks better than it did before. Now for the mods, check the in game options, there's a section to toggle the mods on and off. Check on and that should fix it, if it doesn't then its a deeper problem. So there ya go! Enjoy The Sims 2!UPDATE 9-2-20 Has your Sims 3 game been affected by the recent pixilation issues?
UPDATE: 3/8/2021 Cororon has been affected now and is determined to figure this out, yaaay! Please go to her thread on Nvidia and support her efforts to have Nvidia take a look at what's going on. https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/forums/game-ready-drivers/13/438312/sims-3-colour-banding-and-artefacts-with-nvidia-dr/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE: 9/2/2020: Naus has narrowed down the issue (see page 17 of this thread) and Infragreen has some possible fixes and has started a thread at Nvidia to get some attention. Please post there if you're having this issues. Let's be loud and get this solved!!! https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/forums/geforce-graphics-cards/5/395894/horrible-color-banding-texture-handling-and-dither/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE 6/19/20: I'm updating this thread to reflect the REAL issues in the game that was caused by the early December Windows update. Some of the issues I showed pictures of were already in the game and always an issue. I just didn't noticed until I went looking for them. The real issues are worse color banding and the pixilation of sims' skins and faces. The pixilation issue especially affects sims with darker skin color or who are out at night time. Installing Reshade and editing the color banding option does help with this issue and Archivist provided instructions for that on this thread. The other issue is horses used to look like horses and now don't completely render. The cheap fridge issue was evidently always in the game and even happens on Linux systems. This poll is not accurate as some who said they were not affected have now been affected. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A recent Windows update (yes, it has been narrowed down to that) has caused all kinds of crazy pixilation issues in a lot of our games. Have you been affected? I'll put pictures of the issues in the second post. ETA: One of the reasons for this post is I recently saw someone who was complaining about their graphics on FB get jumped on by a lot of players saying how awesome Sims 3 graphics are. I think they thought it was an old 'sims 3 graphics are horrible' rant but it wasn't. Just want everyone to be aware that this is happening so we can be supportive to those who are affected and let them know what's going on. Yes, sims 3 graphics are the best! But not when they're borked. ETA2: For those who don't hang out in the techie section, these are the things I've tried: First thing was Nvidia, had long chats with them 2 nights in a row. No help. Finally told me to go back to the developer. Tried reporting to Windows. No comment. Tried rolling back graphics driver. No help. Tried a total reset thinking Windows would be restored to the original condition when I purchased the computer. That doesn't work anymore. Windows now restores the updates along with your system restore. No way I can find around that. Puzzlezaddict did some testing here if you want to look at that thread in the techie section. Posted over at NRaas. The techies over there think it is definitely a Windows update, and also that it is affecting more recent games than Sims 3, even some of their Xbox games. Because of this they think Windows will eventually fix it. That's where we are now.
