Sims 3. Cant launch game from launcher or from TS3.exe.

[red2121sharon]

I am unable to start the game no matter how I try. I have not even seen the opening title yet. I have tried just about everthing I can to get the game to start.
My problem is:
If I click the sims3 icon I get this message "sims3 launcher has stopped working"
If I click the sims3 in the download manager I get this message "sims3 launcher has stopped working"
If I click the TS3.exe in game/bin I get this message "sims3 has stopped working".
I have installed and uninstalled more times than I can count.
I have telephoned EA twice and have an ongoing question with them.
They have checked my spec and were happy with it and have sent them two detailed reports about my system.

I am running Windows Vista Home Premium with service packs 1 and 2.
I have even tried running it in compatibility mode. I tried them all out of desperation.
Also tried creating a new user account.

Something is preventing the game from starting and I am now at a loss at what to try next.

My Spec is here. Can anybody shed some light on this problem for me?

Many Thanks for taking the time to read this.

System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 6/11/2009, 19:52:01
Machine name: LAPTOP
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6002) Service Pack 2 (6002.lh_sp2rtm.090410-1830)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Acer, inc.
System Model: Aspire 5920G
BIOS: ZD1 v1.3708 3G08
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T7300 @ 2.00GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 1692MB used, 2635MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 6.00.6001.18000 32bit Unicode
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 8600M GS
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0425&SUBSYS_01211025&REV_A1
Display Memory: 1013 MB
Dedicated Memory: 245 MB
Shared Memory: 767 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll,nvwgf2um.dll
Driver Version: 7.15.0011.7590 (English)
DDI Version: 10
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 6/5/2008 18:50:48, 5869568 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp:
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4765-11CF-336E-2A2101C2CA35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x0425
SubSys ID: 0x01211025
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Revision ID: 0x00A1

[Lillebror]

The Sims 3 required computer specifications are:

PC / Desktop

• XP (Service Pack 2)
• Pentium IV 2.0 GHz / Athlon XP 2000+
• 1 GB Memory
• Graphics
• GeForce FX 5900 / Radeon 9500
• Graphics Ram
• 128 MB

• Vista (Service Pack 1)
• Pentium IV 2.4 GHz / Athlon XP 2400+
• 1.5 GB Memory
• GeForce FX 5900 / Radeon 9500
• 128 MB Graphics RAM

Laptop

• XP (Service Pack 2)
• Processor Pentium IV 2.4 GHz / Athlon XP 2400+
• 1.5 GB Memory
• GeForce Go 6200 / Radeon mobile 9600
• 128 MB Graphics RAM

• Vista (Service Pack 1)
• Pentium IV 2.4 GHz / Athlon XP 2400+
• 2.0 GB Memory
• GeForce Go 6200 / Radeon mobile 9600
• 128 MB Graphics RAM

So, it should work fine with your computer specifications. However have you tried updating your graphic drivers and can see if the problem still persists? I noticed that you have installed directx 10 version, so try reverting back to directx 9 or directx 9 c if possible.

[red2121sharon]

Hi, Thankyou so much for your response.
I went to Nvidia site to update my graphics driver but it was so confusing. I had no idea which one to choose, it may as well be written in Chinese.
So I went to Acer, my laptop manufacturer and updated it from there.
As for direct x, I already had 9 on my system when I installed the game for the first time. After I couldn't run it I installed directx 10 from the cd because I assumed it wouldn't do it automatically.
Does the game automatically install directx 10? If so, how do I revert back to 9?
If I went to Nvidia, which update would I choose?

[red2121sharon]

I have had an ongoing question with EA about this problem since 4th June and I have tried everything that they suggested. Today they send me this.

"We are still working to resolve your issue for you, however at this time we do not have any new information or suggestions for you to try. We appreciate your patience and one of our representatives will contact you as soon as we have new information."

So if anybody can help I will love ya forever xxx

[rtsew]

HI. Instead of deleting the entire sims3 file, locate the DCCache folder. Inside of it was a file called missingdeps.idx. I deleted it and my game started and updated itself upon start. It now works.

[imposthost]

If you are using Vista try clicking on SIM3 icon and adjust compatibility settings to be XP (Pack2) and then use TS3.exe.

Worked for me

[adau2]

HI. Instead of deleting the entire sims3 file, locate the DCCache folder. Inside of it was a file called missingdeps.idx. I deleted it and my game started and updated itself upon start. It now works.

Where is DCCaches folder with the file in??
I've seen in all sims 3 folders but can not find it...

[Hitman22]

Where is DCCaches folder with the file in??
I've seen in all sims 3 folders but can not find it...

The which you are looking for exist in the game older itself. Just navigate to the "Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\DCCache" where you will get the exact file that you can use to make the changes. So go through the same and let me know whether it is working for you or not.

[xblossomis9x]

==System==

* Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Basic (6.0, Build 6002) Service Pack 2 (6002.vistasp2_gdr.101014-0432)
* System Manufacturer: INTEL_
* System Model: DG33TL__
* Processor: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU E1400 @ 2.00GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
* Memory: 2020MB RAM
* Page File: 2001MB used, 2280MB available
* DirectX Version: DirectX 11

==Display==

* Name: Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
* Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
* Chip Type: Intel(R) GMA 3100
* Approx. Total Memory: 286 MB

* Main Driver: igdumd64.dll
* Version: 7.15.0010.1637 (English)
* Driver Date: 1/16/2009


==Sound==

* Description: speakers (SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC (for 64-bit Windows))
* Driver Name: stwrt64.sys
* Driver Version: 6.10.5405.0000 (English)
* Date: 9/26/2007


==Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives==

* Drive: C:
* Free Space: 23.5 GB
* Total Space: 238.5 GB
* File System: NTFS
* Model: WDC WD2500AAJS-00VWA0




can somebody please check if anything is wrong with my specs because i cant play the sims 3 at all
thanks!

[RockOn]

What error you are getting when you are trying to play the game? If you are getting any error message while playing the game then post the error message here. Also advise you to update the graphic driver into the system of yours and then see whether the problem is there or not. Your system configuration seems to be fine.

[xblossomis9x]

When I try to start the game, it tells me that the launcher has stopped working

[Mario2]

When I try to start the game, it tells me that the launcher has stopped working

Have you tried to clear your thumbs from the cache, clear your browser cache and windows temporary files? Follow the below method to clear the temp files in windows xp:

1.Click on the Start button.
2.Click Run.
3.Type temp into the available text field and click OK.
4.In the new window that opens, click on Edit at the top and choose Select All.
5.Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
6.When prompted if you are sure, choose Yes to All.

[xblossomis9x]

i have done that and it still doesnt work!

[Hitman22]

i have done that and it still doesnt work!

From what I have read so far, I am come to know that the sims 3 launcher is a big issue for most of the players. So if you only want to play the game disregarding the custom content in the gameplay then you have to go to C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin (default install path) and run only the file TS3.exe. This will run the game without the launcher and should get you in. If this fails try right clicking your shortcut and click run as admin.

[garnet500]

From what I have read so far, I am come to know that the sims 3 launcher is a big issue for most of the players. So if you only want to play the game disregarding the custom content in the gameplay then you have to go to C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin (default install path) and run only the file TS3.exe. This will run the game without the launcher and should get you in. If this fails try right clicking your shortcut and click run as admin.

I've read so many forums with that kind of question but what if TS3.exe exists under the name TS3.EX_ and doesn't work either? My launcher opens with no problem but when I click on the blue triangle, I keep on waiting for ever and for nothing because the game doesn't even open.