http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/10.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net all
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.

[u]Sections within this FAQ[/u]
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
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[u][b]Drivers/DirectX[/b][/u]

How do I run a DxDiag to see if my drivers are out of date?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

How do I update my drivers?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=10711[/url][/i]

[u][b]Installing[/b][/u]

Can I run The Sims 3?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=21652[/url][/i]

How do I know my computer will run Sims 3?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=21954[/url][/i]

Why is my disk not being read?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=10703[/url][/i]

I am getting a 'Disc Authentication Error'.
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22234[/url][/i]

I am getting an error entering my serial number.
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22232[/url][/i]

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

My EADM list is blank!
[i][url]http://support.ea.com/cgi-bin/ea.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=14593[/url][/i]

[u][b]Patching[/b][/u]

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

I can't install the patch!
[i][url]http://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=2206[/url][/i]

[u][b]Starting[/b][/u]

How do I create a Sim?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22203[/url][/i]

[u][b]Uninstalling[/b][/u]

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

How do I back up my Sims 3 files?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22290[/url][/i]

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

How do I manually uninstall The Sims 3?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22226[/url][/i]

Removing SecuROM files from Windows Vista
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22031[/url][/i]

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

[u][b]Crashes/Freezes[/b][/u]

Why does the game crash after a full black screen?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=8703[/url][/i]

Why does the game crash or freeze at the splash screen?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=8516[/url][/i]

Why is the game crashing to the desktop after the splash screen?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=6731[/url][/i]

How do I put my game into windowed mode?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22280[/url][/i]

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

[u][b]Graphic Issues[/b][/u]

Why am I getting graphic issues?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22239[/url][/i]

My graphics in Sims 3 appear slow and choppy.
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22055[/url][/i]

Why are my textures flickering in The Sims 3?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22057[/url][/i]

My graphics seem overly boxy.
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22267[/url][/i]

How can I lower my graphics settings?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22258[/url][/i]

[u][b]Gameplay Issues/Corruption[/b][/u]

I ordered a pizza. Where is it?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22032[/url][/i]

My Sim is stuck!
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22063[/url][/i]

I get an error when I try to save my game.
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22059[/url][/i]

Why can't I use Ultra-Speed?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22239[/url][/i]

I am getting the 'Playing unauthorized copy' message.
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22266[/url][/i]

Do I need a disk to run Sims 3?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22228[/url][/i]

My Sim gets wishes incompatible with their traits.
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22035[/url][/i]

[u][b]The Sims Store[/b][/u]

What are SimPoints?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22095[/url][/i]

I can't redeem my Cash Card.
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22273[/url][/i]

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

How do I purchase items from The Sims 3 Store?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=21655[/url][/i]

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

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

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

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

[u][b]The Sims Exchange[/b][/u]

How can I upload my Sim to the Exchange?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22259[/url][/i]

I can't See the Sim I uploaded.
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22261[/url][/i]

How do I download content from The Sims 3 Exchange?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=21643[/url][/i]

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

How can I take my upload off the exchange?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=21732[/url][/i]

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

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

[u][b]Game Guides[/b][/u]

How do I use Create-A-Sim?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22203[/url][/i]

How do I change colors in Create-A-Style?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22205[/url][/i]

How do I create a Story in The Sims 3?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=21729[/url][/i]

Where can I find tutorials?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22195[/url][/i]

How do I change my Sim after I create it?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22233[/url][/i]

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

How do I disable Story Progression?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22287[/url][/i]

What is the Save Bin?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22260[/url][/i]

[u][b]Forum[/b][/u]

How do I browse the site in my language?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=21735[/url][/i]

How do I edit my profile?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=21733[/url][/i]

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

How do I create an Avatar on TheSims3.com?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=21641[/url][/i]

How do I find other members on TheSims3.com?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=21646[/url][/i]

How do I add and/or accept friends on TheSims3.com?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=21648[/url][/i]

How do I edit or delete my blog posts?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=21733[/url][/i]

[u][b]More Topics[/b][/u]

How do you open the Plumbob USB?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22202[/url][/i]

I can't find Riverview!
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22099[/url][/i]

Where can I find information on the warranty policy?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=8947[/url][/i]

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

[u][b]Macs[/b][/u]

Can I play Sims 3 on a Mac?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22252[/url][/i]

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

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

Does the Sims 3 Store support Mac users?
[i][url]https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22098[/url][/i]




[b][u]User-Derived Solutions[/u][/b]]]> http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/3714/21080.page http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/preList/3714/21080.page GMT