Master Help Thread - Updated 7/29/09

Ce message a été modifié 11 fois. Dernière mise à jour à 29/07/09 22:12

Hi Simmers,

This is the FAQ/Master Help Thread. This will be the home for common questions and will be posted here with a link.

This page is divided into several sections. Use the keyboard combo control-F (CTRL-F) to use your web browser's built in search to locate what you need.

Sections within this FAQ
Drivers/DirectX
Installing
Patching
Starting
Uninstalling
Crashes/Freezes
Graphic Issues
Gameplay Issues/Corruption
The Sims Store
The Sims Exchange
Game Guides
Forum
More Topics
Macs
User-Derived Solutions
------
Drivers/DirectX

How do I run a DxDiag to see if my drivers are out of date?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21325

How do I update my drivers?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=10711

Installing

Can I run The Sims 3?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21652

How do I know my computer will run Sims 3?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21954

Why is my disk not being read?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=10703

I am getting a 'Disc Authentication Error'.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22234

I am getting an error entering my serial number.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22232

Why I don't see The Sims 3 in my EADM?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22213

My EADM list is blank!
http://support.ea.com/cgi-bin/ea.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_
faqid=14593

Patching

Where can I find The Sims 3 Patch Notes?
http://www.thesims3.com/game/patches/-1305057144

I can't install the patch!
http://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_a
dp.php?p_faqid=2206

Starting

How do I create a Sim?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22203

Uninstalling

How do I de-authorize my computer from running The Sims 3?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22198

How do I back up my Sims 3 files?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22290

How do I back up my saved games?
http://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/p
hp/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22753

How do I manually uninstall The Sims 3?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22226

Removing SecuROM files from Windows Vista
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22031

'Unable to Start Game' error message in Sims 3.
http://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/p
hp/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22660

Crashes/Freezes

Why does the game crash after a full black screen?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=8703

Why does the game crash or freeze at the splash screen?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=8516

Why is the game crashing to the desktop after the splash screen?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=6731

How do I put my game into windowed mode?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22280

How do I enable edge scrolling?
http://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/p
hp/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22399

Graphic Issues

Why am I getting graphic issues?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22239

My graphics in Sims 3 appear slow and choppy.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22055

Why are my textures flickering in The Sims 3?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22057

My graphics seem overly boxy.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22267

How can I lower my graphics settings?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22258

Gameplay Issues/Corruption

I ordered a pizza. Where is it?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22032

My Sim is stuck!
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22063

I get an error when I try to save my game.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22059

Why can't I use Ultra-Speed?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22239

I am getting the 'Playing unauthorized copy' message.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22266

Do I need a disk to run Sims 3?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22228

My Sim gets wishes incompatible with their traits.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22035

The Sims Store

What are SimPoints?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22095

I can't redeem my Cash Card.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22273

How do I get my 100 SimPoints from The Sims 3?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22085

How do I purchase items from The Sims 3 Store?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21655

I purchased an item on The Sims 3 Store, but I can't find it. Where is it?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22058

I purchased items from The Sims 3 Store. How do I get it into my game?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21656

I have purchased and downloaded an item into my game. Where is it?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22262

Can I re-download items I've purchased from The Sims 3 Store?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21657

The Sims Exchange

How can I upload my Sim to the Exchange?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22259

I can't See the Sim I uploaded.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22261

How do I download content from The Sims 3 Exchange?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21643

I downloaded items from the Exchange. How do I get them into my game?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21644

How can I take my upload off the exchange?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21732

How do I upload a lot onto the Exchange in Sims 3?
http://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/p
hp/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22865

I can't see the Sim I downloaded for Sims 3!
http://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/p
hp/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22622

Game Guides

How do I use Create-A-Sim?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22203

How do I change colors in Create-A-Style?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22205

How do I create a Story in The Sims 3?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21729

Where can I find tutorials?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22195

How do I change my Sim after I create it?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22233

How do you open the cheat console in The Sims 3?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22264

How do I disable Story Progression?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22287

What is the Save Bin?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22260

Forum

How do I browse the site in my language?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21735

How do I edit my profile?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21733

How do I edit my Avatar's traits on the Sims 3 website?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21647

How do I create an Avatar on TheSims3.com?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21641

How do I find other members on TheSims3.com?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21646

How do I add and/or accept friends on TheSims3.com?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21648

How do I edit or delete my blog posts?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=21733

More Topics

How do you open the Plumbob USB?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22202

I can't find Riverview!
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22099

Where can I find information on the warranty policy?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=8947

I have a box copy already. Can I use it for a digital copy?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22289

Macs

Can I play Sims 3 on a Mac?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22252

Why can't I use the Video feature in Sims 3 on my Mac?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22029

My graphics don't look right when I load up Create A Sim on my Mac.
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22028

Does the Sims 3 Store support Mac users?
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_
adp.php?p_faqid=22098

User-Derived Solutions