Sims 3 Mac Error Message? HELP

[rbauerlein95]

Hello!

I recently got a new Macbook (old one died) and was able to download Origin as well as the Sims 3. Upon launch, I receive an 'unknown error' message, without even opening the launcher. 

I have tried a bunch of different troubleshooting methods with EA advisors with the same 'error' result. 

My old Macbook was a 2015 or -16 Macbook Pro and ran the game perfectly fine, though I'm not sure what OS it was using and cannot check. 

New Macbook is a 2018 Macbook Pro running on High Sierra, 10.13.6, EA advisors did not believe that was the issue. 

I have tried:

1. Uninstalling and reinstalling both Origin and the Sims 3 in addition to expansions. Base game shows the 'unknown error' message and will not launch even before downloading expansions. 

2. Installing the Sims 3, going to applications>the sims 3> deleting the 'preferences' folder 

3. Repaired the startup disc

4. Downloaded Origin + games onto another user, same result

5. Tried this: https://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-Mac/CURRENT-ISSUE-Sims-3-Unknown-Error-in-El-Capitan-Sierra-High/...

6. Removed the 'Late Night' expansion (as for some that was the issue). 

7. Re-tried the linked help without the 'Late Night' expansion

All of these have had the same result, no launcher and just the 'unknown error' message. Does ANYONE have any solutions? Even the EA advisors seemed stumped and directed me here, I don't want to lose all my progress and these games were not super cheap. 

[puzzlezaddict]

@rbauerlein95  In case you don't know, your progress, or rather your saved games, are stored in your TS3 game folder in Documents.  So as long as you have a backup of that folder, you can always add your saves in later.

Since you've reinstalled a couple of times, it's a good idea to do a clean uninstall before proceeding, in case you missed anything.  Leftover files can prevent you from launching the game going forward.

https://bluebellflora.com/how-to-do-a-clean-uninstall-and-reinstall-on-a-mac/

Then you can reinstall just the base game and run the Super Patch (digital download version).

https://bluebellflora.com/sims-3-manual-super-patch-for-mac-1-67/

The unknown error has several causes, but if the patched base game doesn't launch, you're likely getting the one caused by TS3 not recognizing your computer's graphics card.  The way to fix this is to edit your .sgr files to force recognition.

https://bluebellflora.com/fix-for-incompatible-graphics-for-the-sims-3-on-mac/

If you're not comfortable doing this step, you can provide the information described in this link, and we'll help you with the edits:

https://bluebellflora.com/2018/07/24/sims-3-mac-players-i-need-your-help/#Information

Once you can get the base game to launch, there are more steps necessary to properly install certain packs (Ambitions, Late Night, Fast Lane, and Outdoor Living).  But this is relatively simple; you've already seen the video for moving files around.

https://bluebellflora.com/sims-3-packs-not-showing-as-installed/

https://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-Mac/CURRENT-ISSUE-Sims-3-Unknown-Error-in-El-Capitan-Sierra-High/...