EA has a new place for people in need. It's for all EA games (including Sims 2) and it has some great new features and no LIAM.

Come on over and join at http://answers.ea.com/

The tips below still stand.



Please do not post game-related questions in here. They won't be answered. Make your own thread, following the tips below.

Only write in this thread if you have threads I should add or if you think I should add something to it.



I'm spending a lot of time in the technical section trying to help people out. I find myself having to get back to people a lot to ask more questions or post the same stuff over and over. This is frustrating for me and the person that needs help cause the thread is bound to get lost in the depth of the forum and because of that, after an initial helping attempt, the thread ceases to get more posts unless the user is actually online the same time I am.

I know that the search function is a pain and you usually find only very old posts but there are so many people with the same issues, that it you are bound to find your issue on the first three pages of this forum. Also, Google search is a lot better. Use Google to find threads in this forum, not the board search.

Speaking only for me, if I feel a person has already tried and looked around, I'm much more inclined to help than if they want spoon feeding the info that is already there.

So here are a few guidelines that would make the life of helpers and help-seeking people a lot easier.

1. Go through the first 3 pages of this forum to see, if anyone posted the same or a similar issue. If so, try the answers given there which means: READ all posts before making your statement. You can then either add to that thread or make a new one if you feel your issue is slightly different. Include info that you've already read and tried the suggestions in the other thread.

2. Check the most common sources like EA Help Center, The MTS Sim Wiki, Carl's Sims 3 Guide or my blog for answers.

3. Don't necromance old threads. This means, don't post in threads that are older than half a year. Start a new thread with your issue. That's better. Only exception is threads that have gotten continuous posting ever since it was created.

4. If you start a thread on an issue, make sure you bookmark it (bottom of a thread, little heart with the link: Bookmark it next to it) and only use that thread. Do not make multiple threads on the same issue. For any helping person it's a lot easier if they have all the info in one thread. Be aware that bumping is not a thing that EA likes. Make sure to only bump once in a while and if you do, try adding extra info and not writing the actual word.

5. Describe your issue in detail but don't make the post too long. If you have error messages, post them and don't just write: I got an error. Include as much info as you see necessary and describe what you already tried (saying I tried everything is also not very helpful. Everything can include any number of things). It's always good to include a note about any changes you made when your problem started.

6. Don't use text language. Be courteous to who ever would like to help you and make full sentences. Use punctuation and paragraphs. It makes your post a lot more readable and especially for us foreign users, that helps a lot.

7. The title of your thread should reflect your issue. I need help does not tell me what is wrong and might get skipped over. Everyone needs help here. Also don't use CAPS.

8. If your issue is graphic, sound or computer related, make sure to include your DxDiag (instructions in post N°2). ALWAYS post your OS. Especially if you are on a Mac.

9. Include information about your patch level (the base game patch is important) and the EPs you have. To find out your base game version, open your launcher and hover over the little base game icon in the lower left part of the launcher. The number looks like this 1.xx. Also state if you are using Mods and/or custom content (including patterns) and which neighborhood you're playing (custom or EA)

10. If your issue gets solved, let us know. If you found a solution somewhere else, post about it. People with the same issue will be glad to know. Also put a solved in your title so helpers know that they no longer need to look at that thread. You can edit the title of your thread by editing the first post and simply changing the title.

11. Please don't rant in your post. I get that you are upset but the people helping here have no association with EA and reading posts that consist of angry smilies and cursing usually make me skip those posts. Don't know about the other helpers but describing your issue in a calm and informative matter goes a long way.


If anyone has something to add, please let me know and I'll add it to this thread. Also let me know, if I should add any threads to the third post (only technical please)

How to post DxDiag

To gather a DxDiag on your computer, please follow the steps below:

If you have Microsoft Windows XP:

1. Click the Start button on the Windows Taskbar.
2. Select Run
3. Type dxdiag in the available text field.
4. Click OK
5. Wait till program opens
6. Click Save All Information.

If you have Windows Vista/Win 7

1. Click On Start
2. Type dxdiag into Search Box
3. Wait till Program opens
4. Click Save All Information.

If you have Microsoft Windows 8:

1. Make sure you are on the tiled screen
2. Type DxDiag and hit enter
3. Program should open
4. Click Save All Information.

Note: It is best to save the DxDiag file to the desktop or another easy located location so it can be quickly referenced when contacting Customer Support.

Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements for this game can be found here: http://www.thesims3.com/game/systemreq

Those were made when the base game came out and never got adjusted. They are already very low.

I would recommend to get at least 4 GB of RAM, a 64 bit operating system and minimum of an i3. Make sure you have a full grown graphic card and not an integrated chip. This game needs 128 MB of dedicated memory on the card or you will run into issues, especially if you have pets.

Here's a list of supported graphic cards: New Supported Graphics Card List

Troubleshooting steps

Before posting, there are a few things you can try (include in your report what you've tried)

1. Start a new game and check if you have the same issue.
2. If you have an idea what might be the cause, make a copy of your savegame for safekeeping (either use save as or copy from the main menu) and try out stuff on that copy
3. Reset your game to factory settings
4. Know your user files and what is safe to delete and what not
5. Delete your Cache Files
6. Backup your user data

Lost DVD/Registration Code/Serial Code

1. If you lost your DVD but still have the Registration Code you can download the game through Origin. You need to go to Origin and activate it there with your Code and then you can get the download Version
2. If you lost your DVD and the Registration Code but still have the game on your computer, here's instructions how to retrieve the code from your Computer (PC Only): How to recover a lost serial number for Sims 3 games
3. If you lost everything and don't have it installed anymore, you need to contact Customer Support. They should be able to give you your code or a new one, providing you can proof that you bought the game (registered at this site, proof of purchase, etc).

How to contact EA Customer Support

Go to this page: Contact Us. You're best bet is probably calling them if you are in the US. Other options are Live Chat or Email. Not all options are available on all Browsers/at all times.

Who are the helpers here ?

Note: This is true for the US forum and does not necessarily apply to other countries.

Most people that help out in this forum are not associated with EA. There are a few moderators whose names you'll find in this thread: Your Friendly Forum Moderators!.

Anyone with SimGuru in front of their name is an EA Employee, you'll find some info about them here: Who are SimGurus?

Everyone else is a user like you.

Helpful Links

TheSims3.com issues
Bad CC - Instructions on how to find it and how to get rid of it (including list)
For the love of G O D.....please read this....BEFORE UPDATING!
How-To-Install CC/Mods "The New Way" Guide
How to Merge CC Files to Decrease Lag and Make the Game run faster Guide
Sims 3 Stutter on Quad Core - fix found
Bizarre cause of lag/freeze issue
!! Attention LL owners and EVERYONE ELSE - spawner alert !!
High quality grass WITHOUT Advanced Rendering
How to Fool Your Game Into Giving You Full Clubs
"Reset my password" *Resets password* *Enters password* "Password is invalid"
Lowering/Limited FPS
How to recover a lost serial number for Sims 3 games
Gift Gathering: FAQ/Q&A
FYI Guide: How to find your stuff. (Posts, Threads, Bookmarks)
For Those Experiencing Crashing And Have Windows: Please Read
Bronwin2's Guide to Installing Patches, Expansions and Stuff Packs
Guide to shutting of background tasks and speed up your pc or laptop

Threads for collecting info on common issues

Blank or Missing Sim Icons, Missing UIs, Missing Interactions and Clones
the offical sims 3 pets crashing thread
Are you freezing since Showtime or Patch? Let's make this the official thread
Can't upload to the Exchange Issue
Shadows on sim blocky and flickering?
Sims 3 and Windows 8 - An Analysis

A few solutions

Create A Sim Crash IT'S WORKING NOW!!! COME LOOK IF YOU HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM!!!!
For ppl with graphic issues after amd 12.4 update. There is a hotfix!
Graphics problem? Weird trees
HELP Sims not being able to travel
Lights not working
Not receiving tips for playing guitar + solution
Sims' Romantic Interactions Won't Go Past Okay: Solution
Sim can't fish

Common Issues

A serious error has occurred while loading
Serious Error Occured
Lags & Invisible, Frozen & Stuck Sims --> Post here if you have the issue
Read this! Cyclic Redundancy Check

The Sims 3 Store

Bugged Store Content Discussion - List of Bugged Content and Potential Solutions
Store Update - In the Works
Store Stuff uninstalling itself
Tree of Prosperity- Premium Content Guide *Report any Bugs if any*

Mac

The best thing you can do to help out with the desperate situation in the Mac forum is to post your issues here: Please post your details and problems here - we need to help each other. Make sure to answer the questions in the first post.

Latest Mac help threads & guides
How to install CC on Macs. Includes all step from Mods Folder to installing actual CC
How to cleanly uninstall and reinstall
Finding patch numbers
How to find the serial keys of your game, EPs and SPs using Terminal
Understanding how The Sims 3 runs on a Mac
Get rid of MacKeeper if you have it, and some useful maintenance tips

Graphics glitches, Lion 10.7.2, the Intel 3000 HD Graphics card and patch 1.25 - GURUS
FIXING Exception Raised Error AND MAYBE OTHER PROBLEMS TOO
Please Help Us Gurus! *Exception Raised Error and Game Crashes*
Screenshots not saving - updated showing Live Chat referring me to here for a Guru's response
After installing pets, Unknown error
Game Crashes to Desktop with Showtime / Cider ISSUE CONTINUED!!!!
My game keeps freezing (Mac)

----

Are you a helper on here and want to talk to fellow helpers ? Pick their brains and see if anyone else has found a great solution to the every occurring problems ?

Post here: http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/645218.page

Glossary

CC = Custom Content = 3rd Party Content
Mods = Package file that chances the games behavior. 3rd Party

DEP = Data Execution Prevention

EP = Expension Pack
SP = Stuff Pack or Story Progression
PC = Personal Computer or Premium Content

OS = Operating System
PSU = Power Supply Unit
GPU = Graphic Processor Unit

MC = MasterController, Mod by Twallan
OW = Overwatch, Mod by Twallan
ET = ErrorTrap, Mod by Twallan
MTS = ModTheSims: CC Site
TSR = TheSimsResource: A CC Site

BG = Base Game
WA = World Adventure
HELS = High End Loft Stuff
AMB = Ambitions
FL = Fast Lane Stuff
LN = Late Night
OLS = Outdoor Living Stuff
GEN = Generations
TLS = Town Life Stuff
ST = Showtime
MS = Master Suite

A word on Mods/Hacks

It's ok to use them, I do too (I even recommend some of them), but please please, educate yourself about them. Don't just pop something in. There are many mods that conflict with each other and there are many mods that will be outdated with every patch (that's how it works). You can use Delphy's Dashboard Tool to check if too mods conflict with each other.

Some of the mods need to be uninstalled in a special way but it will always tell you in the mod description if that is the case. So PLEASE read them and DO what it says.

Information on Mods can be found here: FAQ: Mods/Hacks
Instructions how to uninstall a mod can be found here: FAQ: How do I uninstall a Mod/Hack ?

I am having a problem in my game where the husbands and wives lose their relationships? Are there any suggestions on how to fix this problem?

Ever since I installed the latest patch 1.34 one of the Sims in my family freezes. They still record their wants and needs but are stuck! How do I fix this please. I've had to move my family twice and leave the stuck Sim behind but at this rate I'll run out of family members...so frustrating as I really liked the female Sim in this game.

Please do not post questions in this thread. If you have something to add that will need to go in here, it's ok, but I'm not answering questions here and no one else will see it. So to get answers, make your own thread (and actually following the tips in this thread would be nice.

Hey guys. I'm desperate, I NEED HELP. Please!!! If someone can help me, please do. Anyway. I don't really know this thing with forums and everything, but I thought some of you might be able to help me. Okey, so... I just bought a new sims 3. I have two already, but I just bought another on. I installed it and everything but then when I'm about to play it says that the cd is not in, because they want the "pet" cd. (wich I had from before) So I can't play it. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. Please help me!!!

They said not to post questions here. It's very impolite to ignore people.

Hi not a question about the game so i'm not ignoring you but has my new thread been deleted?

Never mind i've found it, i could have sworn i posted it in technical lol!

They like to move things ... Always bookmark your thread.

Crin,

Can you consider adding my FYI Guide: How to find your stuff. (Posts, Threads, Bookmarks) to the helpful links?
This way people will know how to find the threads they create.

This forum moves fast as do others and hopefully this will prevent them from creating another thread with with the same issue. I don't want to look at the same issue from the same person more than once.

Sure hun. Added.