Crashing since installing University/Upgrading to Windows 7

[Gabbryrose]

I recently upgraded from XP to Win 7 64-bit. After reinstalling all of my games I have been having random crashes to the desktop. I thought my hardware to be the culprit, so I have upgraded the memory and graphics card, but that has not improved it. Installing University has made it worse as now it crashes after 5-10 minutes of gameplay. I can create a household and place them, but after starting the game or going into Edit Town it will crash.

I have no CC and no mods. I did previously try using Overwatch and Error Trap to help with the crashing, but that didn't help either. I have since completely uninstalled and reinstalled all the games and EPs/SPs and have not put them back since. I own about 85% of the store content, but I have been unable to install it since upgrading to Win 7. (It installs, but after showing 100% the installer turns black and freezes until it is closed in the task manager. Afterwards the content is no longer installed. It will sometimes install a few pieces, but the next item that gets stuck uninstalls any that were successful.) I have tried deleting the The Sims 3 folder from My Documents and letting the launcher regenerate it, but this has made no difference to either problem.

I am not using a previous save, nor have I carried over any files from any previous saves or installations. I am running all expansions and stuff packs except diesel and 70s 80s 90s. I have confirmed that all packs and the store content patches are fully updated.  I have tried every suggestion I could find online, but nothing has helped. I did also modify the Graphic Cards file to recognize my newer graphics card, which significantly improved the graphics but did nothing for the crashing. I tried the crash log analyzer, which shows this:

[UNKNOWN] 3/16/2013 1:02:01 AM

     OS Version: 6.1.7601

       TS3 Path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe

    TS3 Version: 0.2.0.188

  Installed RAM: 8.00 GiB

    TS3 Free VM: 1.92 GiB / 4.00 GiB

     Crash Type: ACCESS_VIOLATION reading address 0x60ffff27

  Crash Address: 0x00e8b650 "C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe":0x0001:0x00a8a650

Each time it has crashed the error has been the same, just referencing different files. When I was able to get a couple of the store items to install the [UNKNOWN] part changed to [WARNING CUSTOM CONTENT] but the rest was still the same. After removing all store items and deleting the TS3 folder in My Documents again, it changes back to [UNKNOWN].

Any thoughts on how to correct this issue would be greatly appreciated!

[Gabbryrose · Accepted solution]

So disabling the antivirus didn't completely fix it, as the next day it was back to crashing. A little digging around on the internet turned up a suggestion to install directx 9 and put the directx 9 switch on the shortcut that I use to launch the game, so I gave that a try. It has run beautifully since then. I have played almost every night this week with no crashing; everything is running smoothly even with all the graphics turned up.

Ford mentioned that this probably isn't what actually fixed it, as the dx9 should have already been installed in Win 7 and TS3 uses it by default, but somehow this seems to have done it. The only other thing that has changed since then was that I replaced my sound card, but that doesn't seem like something that would fix a crashing problem. (I was having some sound issues after installing Win 7)

Either way, this problem seems to be resolved by some combination of the dx9 switch, disabling the anti-virus, and replacing the sound card.

Thanks again for all your help working through resolving this!

[crinrict]

Could you post your Computer's 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. Click Save All Information.

If you have Windows Vista/Win 7 and do not have a Run selection:

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

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.

The whole thing won't fit into one post. Split it up in multiple posts.If you install Store or CC the generic message CLA gives just changes from Unknown to Custom Content so I don't think that's it.

[Gabbryrose]

Thanks for the reply, here is the dx diag.

------------------

System Information

------------------

Time of this report: 3/16/2013, 23:25:01

       Machine name: HOUSEOFLEE-PC

   Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.130104-1431)

           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)

System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.               

       System Model: Dell DXG051                 

               BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A03

          Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.8GHz

             Memory: 8192MB RAM

Available OS Memory: 8190MB RAM

          Page File: 1723MB used, 6864MB available

        Windows Dir: C:\Windows

    DirectX Version: DirectX 11

DX Setup Parameters: Not found

   User DPI Setting: Using System DPI

 System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)

    DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled

     DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode

------------

DxDiag Notes

------------

      Display Tab 1: No problems found.

        Sound Tab 1: No problems found.

        Sound Tab 2: No problems found.

          Input Tab: No problems found.

--------------------

DirectX Debug Levels

--------------------

Direct3D:    0/4 (retail)

DirectDraw:  0/4 (retail)

DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)

DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)

DirectPlay:  0/9 (retail)

DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)

DirectShow:  0/6 (retail)

---------------

Display Devices

---------------

          Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660

       Manufacturer: NVIDIA

          Chip type: GeForce GTX 660

           DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC

         Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11C0&SUBSYS_0995196E&REV_A1

     Display Memory: 4042 MB

   Dedicated Memory: 1994 MB

      Shared Memory: 2047 MB

       Current Mode: 1600 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)

       Monitor Name: Dell IN2020M_Analog

      Monitor Model: DELL IN2020M

         Monitor Id: DELF029

        Native Mode: 1600 x 900(p) (59.978Hz)

        Output Type: HD15

        Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvd3dum,nvwgf2um,nvwgf2um

Driver File Version: 9.18.0013.1407 (English)

     Driver Version: 9.18.13.1407

        DDI Version: 11

       Driver Model: WDDM 1.1

  Driver Attributes: Final Retail

   Driver Date/Size: 2/9/2013 23:25:27, 17987192 bytes

        WHQL Logo'd: Yes

    WHQL Date Stamp:

  Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-5280-11CF-A17F-98291CC2C435}

          Vendor ID: 0x10DE

          Device ID: 0x11C0

          SubSys ID: 0x0995196E

        Revision ID: 0x00A1

 Driver Strong Name: oem60.inf:NVIDIA_SetA_Devices.NTamd64.6.1:Section062:9.18.13.1407ci\ven_10de&dev_11c0

     Rank Of Driver: 00E02001

        Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C ModeVC1_C ModeWMV9_C

   Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive

                     {F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY

                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY

                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch

                     {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive

                     {F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY

                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY

                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch

                     {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive

                     {F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY

                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY

                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch

                     {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive

                     {F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY

                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY

                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch

                     {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(S340,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(S340,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(S340,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(S340,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(S342,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(S342,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(S342,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(S342,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=

       D3D9 Overlay: Supported

            DXVA-HD: Supported

       DDraw Status: Enabled

         D3D Status: Enabled

         AGP Status: Enabled

-------------

Sound Devices

-------------

            Description: Speakers (Creative SB X-Fi)

 Default Sound Playback: Yes

 Default Voice Playback: Yes

            Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_10031102&REV_00

        Manufacturer ID: 1

             Product ID: 100

                   Type: WDM

            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys

         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1375 (English)

      Driver Attributes: Final Retail

            WHQL Logo'd: Yes

          Date and Size: 5/5/2010 22:30:10, 684376 bytes

            Other Files:

        Driver Provider: Creative

         HW Accel Level: Basic

              Cap Flags: 0xF1F

    Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000

Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0

 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0

              HW Memory: 0

       Voice Management: No

 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No

   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No

Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

            Description: SPDIF Out (Creative SB X-Fi)

 Default Sound Playback: No

 Default Voice Playback: No

            Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_10031102&REV_00

        Manufacturer ID: 1

             Product ID: 100

                   Type: WDM

            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys

         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1375 (English)

      Driver Attributes: Final Retail

            WHQL Logo'd: Yes

          Date and Size: 5/5/2010 22:30:10, 684376 bytes

            Other Files:

        Driver Provider: Creative

         HW Accel Level: Basic

              Cap Flags: 0xF1F

    Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000

Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0

 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0

              HW Memory: 0

       Voice Management: No

 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No

   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No

Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

---------------------

Sound Capture Devices

---------------------

            Description: Microphone (Creative SB X-Fi)

  Default Sound Capture: Yes

  Default Voice Capture: Yes

            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys

         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1375 (English)

      Driver Attributes: Final Retail

          Date and Size: 5/5/2010 22:30:10, 684376 bytes

              Cap Flags: 0x1

           Format Flags: 0xFFFFF

            Description: "What U Hear" (Creative SB X-Fi)

  Default Sound Capture: No

  Default Voice Capture: No

            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys

         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1375 (English)

      Driver Attributes: Final Retail

          Date and Size: 5/5/2010 22:30:10, 684376 bytes

              Cap Flags: 0x1

           Format Flags: 0xFFFFF

            Description: Line-In (Creative SB X-Fi)

  Default Sound Capture: No

  Default Voice Capture: No

            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys

         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1375 (English)

      Driver Attributes: Final Retail

          Date and Size: 5/5/2010 22:30:10, 684376 bytes

              Cap Flags: 0x1

           Format Flags: 0xFFFFF

            Description: Auxiliary (Creative SB X-Fi)

  Default Sound Capture: No

  Default Voice Capture: No

            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys

         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1375 (English)

      Driver Attributes: Final Retail

          Date and Size: 5/5/2010 22:30:10, 684376 bytes

              Cap Flags: 0x1

           Format Flags: 0xFFFFF

            Description: Digital-In (Creative SB X-Fi)

  Default Sound Capture: No

  Default Voice Capture: No

            Driver Name: ctaud2k.sys

         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.1375 (English)

      Driver Attributes: Final Retail

          Date and Size: 5/5/2010 22:30:10, 684376 bytes

              Cap Flags: 0x1

           Format Flags: 0xFFFFF

-------------------

DirectInput Devices

-------------------

      Device Name: Mouse

         Attached: 1

    Controller ID: n/a

Vendor/Product ID: n/a

        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: Keyboard

         Attached: 1

    Controller ID: n/a

Vendor/Product ID: n/a

        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: Microsoft Hardware USB Wireless Mouse

         Attached: 1

    Controller ID: 0x0

Vendor/Product ID: 0x045E, 0x008C

        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: Microsoft Hardware USB Wireless Mouse

         Attached: 1

    Controller ID: 0x0

Vendor/Product ID: 0x045E, 0x008C

        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: Logitech Cordless RumblePad 2

         Attached: 1

    Controller ID: 0x0

Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC219

        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: Logitech USB Keyboard

         Attached: 1

    Controller ID: 0x0

Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC30A

        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: Logitech USB Keyboard

         Attached: 1

    Controller ID: 0x0

Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC30A

        FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No

-----------

USB Devices

-----------

+ USB Root Hub

| Vendor/Product ID: 0x10DE, 0x005A

| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub

| Service: usbhub

|

+-+ Microsoft Hardware USB Wireless Mouse

| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x045E, 0x008C

| | Location: Port_#0007.Hub_#0001

| | Matching Device ID: usb\vid_045e&pid_008c

| | Lower Filters: dc3d

| | Service: HidUsb

| |

| +-+ HID-compliant consumer control device

| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x045E, 0x008C

| | | Matching Device ID: hid_device_up:000c_u:0001

| | |

| +-+ HID-compliant consumer control device

| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x045E, 0x008C

| | | Matching Device ID: hid_device_up:000c_u:0001

| | |

| +-+ Microsoft USB Wireless Mouse (Mouse and Keyboard Center)

| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x045E, 0x008C

| | | Matching Device ID: hid\vid_045e&pid_008c&col01

| | | Upper Filters: Point64

| | | Service: mouhid

| |

+-+ USB Input Device

| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC219

| | Location: Port_#0006.Hub_#0001

| | Matching Device ID: generic_hid_device

| | Service: HidUsb

| |

| +-+ HID-compliant game controller

| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC219

| | | Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_game

[Gabbryrose]

----------------

Gameport Devices

----------------

------------

PS/2 Devices

------------

+ HID Keyboard Device

| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC30A

| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_keyboard

| Service: kbdhid

|

+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver

| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd

| Upper Filters: kbdclass

| Service: TermDD

|

+ HID-compliant mouse

| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC30A

| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_mouse

| Service: mouhid

|

+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver

| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou

| Upper Filters: mouclass

| Service: TermDD

------------------------

Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives

------------------------

      Drive: C:

 Free Space: 286.2 GB

Total Space: 476.9 GB

File System: NTFS

      Model: WDC WD50 00AACS-00ZUB SCSI Disk Device

      Drive: D:

 Free Space: 17.3 GB

Total Space: 152.6 GB

File System: NTFS

      Model: WDC WD16 00AAJS-75B4A SCSI Disk Device

      Drive: F:

      Model: HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8487B ATA Device

     Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), , 0 bytes

      Drive: E:

      Model: SONY DVD-ROM DDU1615 ATA Device

     Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), , 0 bytes

--------------

System Devices

--------------

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_007E&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A2\3&172E68DD&0&20

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard RAM Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0076&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1\3&172E68DD&0&08

   Driver: n/a

     Name: Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005A&SUBSYS_01C31028&REV_A2\3&172E68DD&0&58

   Driver: n/a

     Name: Creative SB X-Fi

Device ID: PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_10031102&REV_00\4&26EC2DE1&0&1890

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_007E&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A2\3&172E68DD&0&10

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard RAM Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0075&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1\3&172E68DD&0&02

   Driver: n/a

     Name: NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0057&SUBSYS_01C31028&REV_A3\3&172E68DD&0&98

   Driver: n/a

     Name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_11C0&SUBSYS_0995196E&REV_A1\4&1D0C1215&0&0010

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard RAM Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_007D&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1\3&172E68DD&0&0E

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard host CPU bridge

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0071&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A3\3&172E68DD&0&00

   Driver: n/a

     Name: NVIDIA nForce Serial ATA Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0055&SUBSYS_01C31028&REV_F4\3&172E68DD&0&88

   Driver: n/a

     Name: High Definition Audio Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0E0B&SUBSYS_0995196E&REV_A1\4&1D0C1215&0&0110

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard RAM Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_007C&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1\3&172E68DD&0&0D

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard RAM Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_006F&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1\3&172E68DD&0&03

   Driver: n/a

     Name: NVIDIA nForce Serial ATA Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0054&SUBSYS_01C31028&REV_F3\3&172E68DD&0&80

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard RAM Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_007B&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1\3&172E68DD&0&0C

   Driver: n/a

     Name: NVIDIA nForce4 HyperTransport Bridge

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005E&SUBSYS_00001028&REV_A4\3&172E68DD&0&48

   Driver: n/a

     Name: Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0053&SUBSYS_CB8410DE&REV_F3\3&172E68DD&0&78

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard RAM Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_007A&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1\3&172E68DD&0&0B

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005D&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A3\3&172E68DD&0&B8

   Driver: n/a

     Name: NVIDIA nForce PCI System Management

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0052&SUBSYS_01C31028&REV_A2\3&172E68DD&0&51

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard RAM Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_00B4&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1\3&172E68DD&0&04

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard RAM Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0079&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1\3&172E68DD&0&0A

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005C&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A2\3&172E68DD&0&90

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard ISA bridge

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0050&SUBSYS_01C31028&REV_A4\3&172E68DD&0&50

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard RAM Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_007F&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1\3&172E68DD&0&01

   Driver: n/a

     Name: PCI standard RAM Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0078&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A1\3&172E68DD&0&09

   Driver: n/a

     Name: Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005B&SUBSYS_01C31028&REV_A4\3&172E68DD&0&59

   Driver: n/a

     Name: Texas Instruments 1394 OHCI Compliant Host Controller

Device ID: PCI\VEN_104C&DEV_8023&SUBSYS_01C31028&REV_00\4&26EC2DE1&0&5090

   Driver: n/a

------------------

DirectShow Filters

------------------

DirectShow Filters:

WMAudio Decoder DMO,0x00800800,1,1,WMADMOD.DLL,6.01.7601.17514

WMAPro over S/PDIF DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMADMOD.DLL,6.01.7601.17514

WMSpeech Decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMSPDMOD.DLL,6.01.7601.17514

MP3 Decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,mp3dmod.dll,6.01.7600.16385

Mpeg4s Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,mp4sdecd.dll,6.01.7600.16385

WMV Screen decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvsdecd.dll,6.01.7601.17514

WMVideo Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,wmvdecod.dll,6.01.7601.17514

Mpeg43 Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,mp43decd.dll,6.01.7600.16385

Mpeg4 Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,mpg4decd.dll,6.01.7600.16385

CT Upsampler filter,0x00100000,1,1,Upsample.ax,2.00.0005.0000

Creative Wave Writer,0x00200000,1,0,WavWrite.ax,3.01.0004.0000

DV Muxer,0x00400000,0,0,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Color Space Converter,0x00400001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

WM ASF Reader,0x00400000,0,0,qasf.dll,12.00.7601.17514

Screen Capture filter,0x00200000,0,1,wmpsrcwp.dll,12.00.7601.17514

AVI Splitter,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

VGA 16 Color Ditherer,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

SBE2MediaTypeProfile,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528

Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder,0x005fffff,2,4,msmpeg2vdec.dll,12.00.9200.16426

BPM Metadata,0x001fffff,1,1,MetaBPMu.ax,2.00.0002.0000

AC3 Parser Filter,0x00600000,1,1,mpg2splt.ax,6.06.7601.17528

CT Time-Scaling filter,0x00100000,1,1,TimeScal.ax,2.03.0009.0000

StreamBufferSink,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528

MJPEG Decompressor,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

MPEG-I Stream Splitter,0x00600000,1,2,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

SAMI (CC) Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

VBI Codec,0x00600000,1,4,VBICodec.ax,6.06.7601.17514

MPEG-2 Splitter,0x005fffff,1,0,mpg2splt.ax,6.06.7601.17528

Closed Captions Analysis Filter,0x00200000,2,5,cca.dll,6.06.7601.17514

SBE2FileScan,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528

Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Encoder,0x00200000,1,1,msmpeg2enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514

Internal Script Command Renderer,0x00800001,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

MPEG Audio Decoder,0x03680001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

DV Splitter,0x00600000,1,2,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Video Mixing Renderer 9,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

PCM to EXT,0x00200000,0,0,Pcm2Ext.ax,6.00.0002.0000

CT Karaoke filter,0x00100000,1,1,Karaoke.ax,2.00.0012.0000

Microsoft MPEG-2 Encoder,0x00200000,2,1,msmpeg2enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514

Creative AC3 Source Filter,0x00400000,0,1,AC3Srcu.ax,3.02.0001.0000

Creative PCM Raw Writer,0x00200000,1,0,RawWritu.ax,1.00.0000.0000

CT PDP filter,0x00100000,1,1,PDP.ax,1.00.0008.0000

ACM Wrapper,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Video Renderer,0x00800001,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

MPEG-2 Video Stream Analyzer,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528

Line 21 Decoder,0x00600000,1,1,qdvd.dll,6.06.7601.17835

Video Port Manager,0x00600000,2,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Video Renderer,0x00400000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

VPS Decoder,0x00200000,0,0,WSTPager.ax,6.06.7601.17514

CT SmartVolumeManagement filter,0x00100000,1,1,DSCompr.ax,1.00.0008.0000

Creative Audio Gain Filter,0x00200000,1,1,AudGain.ax,1.00.0000.0000

WM ASF Writer,0x00400000,0,0,qasf.dll,12.00.7601.17514

VBI Surface Allocator,0x00600000,1,1,vbisurf.ax,6.01.7601.17514

Creative Flac Source Filter,0x00400000,0,1,FlacSrcu.ax,1.00.0002.0000

File writer,0x00200000,1,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Creative MLP Source Filter,0x00400000,0,1,MlpSrcu.ax,3.01.0000.0000

Creative File Reader Filter,0x00400000,0,1,FilReadu.ax,1.00.0005.0000

iTV Data Sink,0x00600000,1,0,itvdata.dll,6.06.7601.17514

iTV Data Capture filter,0x00600000,1,1,itvdata.dll,6.06.7601.17514

SVM Metadata,0x001fffff,1,1,MetaSVMu.ax,2.00.0002.0000

CT HPVirtualizer filter,0x00100000,1,1,Virtual.ax,1.00.0000.0000

DVD Navigator,0x00200000,0,3,qdvd.dll,6.06.7601.17835

Overlay Mixer2,0x00200000,1,1,qdvd.dll,6.06.7601.17835

CT CMSS3 filter,0x00100000,1,1,CMSS3.ax,3.00.0013.0000

AVI Draw,0x00600064,9,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

RDP DShow Redirection Filter,0xffffffff,1,0,DShowRdpFilter.dll,

Microsoft MPEG-2 Audio Encoder,0x00200000,1,1,msmpeg2enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514

WST Pager,0x00200000,1,1,WSTPager.ax,6.06.7601.17514

MPEG-2 Demultiplexer,0x00600000,1,1,mpg2splt.ax,6.06.7601.17528

Creative Ogg Source Filter,0x00400000,0,1,OggSrcu.ax,1.00.0001.0000

DV Video Decoder,0x00800000,1,1,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Creative NVF Filter,0x00400000,0,1,NvfSrcu.ax,3.01.0001.0000

Noise Reduction,0x00100000,1,1,NoisRedu.ax,3.00.0007.0000

SampleGrabber,0x00200000,1,1,qedit.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Null Renderer,0x00200000,1,0,qedit.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Creative WMA Writer,0x00200000,1,0,WMAWrite.ax,5.00.0001.0000

MPEG-2 Sections and Tables,0x005fffff,1,0,Mpeg2Data.ax,6.06.7601.17514

Microsoft AC3 Encoder,0x00200000,1,1,msac3enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514

StreamBufferSource,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528

Smart Tee,0x00200000,1,2,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Creative WMA Source Filter,0x00400000,0,1,WmaSrc.ax,3.01.0001.0000

Overlay Mixer,0x00200000,0,0,qdvd.dll,6.06.7601.17835

AVI Decompressor,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

AVI/WAV File Source,0x00400000,0,2,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Wave Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

MIDI Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Multi-file Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

File stream renderer,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Microsoft DTV-DVD Audio Decoder,0x005fffff,1,1,msmpeg2adec.dll,6.01.7140.0000

StreamBufferSink2,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528

AVI Mux,0x00200000,1,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Line 21 Decoder 2,0x00600002,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

File Source (Async.),0x00400000,0,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

File Source (URL),0x00400000,0,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Creative CDDA Source Filter,0x00400000,0,1,CDDA.ax,3.00.0003.0000

Creative LiveRecording Filter SxS,0x00400000,0,1,LiveRecu.ax,5.00.0001.0000

Creative Internet Source Filter,0x00400000,0,1,InetSrcu.ax,1.00.0000.0000

Infinite Pin Tee Filter,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Enhanced Video Renderer,0x00200000,1,0,evr.dll,6.01.7601.17514

BDA MPEG2 Transport Information Filter,0x00200000,2,0,psisrndr.ax,6.06.7601.17669

MPEG Video Decoder,0x40000001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

WDM Streaming Tee/Splitter Devices:

Tee/Sink-to-Sink Converter,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

Video Compressors:

WMVideo8 Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvxencd.dll,6.01.7600.16385

WMVideo9 Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvencod.dll,6.01.7600.16385

MSScreen 9 encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvsencd.dll,6.01.7600.16385

DV Video Encoder,0x00200000,0,0,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514

MJPEG Compressor,0x00200000,0,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Cinepak Codec by Radius,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Intel IYUV codec,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Intel IYUV codec,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Microsoft RLE,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Microsoft Video 1,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

VP60® Simple Profile ,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

VP61® Advanced Profile,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Audio Compressors:

WM Speech Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMSPDMOE.DLL,6.01.7600.16385

WMAudio Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMADMOE.DLL,6.01.7600.16385

IMA ADPCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

PCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Microsoft ADPCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

GSM 6.10,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

CCITT A-Law,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

CCITT u-Law,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

MPEG Layer-3,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Audio Capture Sources:

Microphone (Creative SB X-Fi),0x00200000,0,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

"What U Hear" (Creative SB X-Fi,0x00200000,0,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Auxiliary (Creative SB X-Fi),0x00200000,0,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Digital-In (Creative SB X-Fi),0x00200000,0,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

Line-In (Creative SB X-Fi),0x00200000,0,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

PBDA CP Filters:

PBDA DTFilter,0x00600000,1,1,CPFilters.dll,6.06.7601.17528

PBDA ETFilter,0x00200000,0,0,CPFilters.dll,6.06.7601.17528

PBDA PTFilter,0x00200000,0,0,CPFilters.dll,6.06.7601.17528

Midi Renderers:

Default MidiOut Device,0x00800000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

SB X-Fi Synth A [CCE0],0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

SB X-Fi Synth B [CCE0],0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

WDM Streaming Capture Devices:

,0x00000000,0,0,,

SB X-Fi Audio [CCE0],0x00200000,2,2,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

WDM Streaming Rendering Devices:

SB X-Fi DMusic Synth [CCE0],0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

SPDIF Out,0x00000000,0,0,,

SB X-Fi Synth A [CCE0],0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

SB X-Fi Synth B [CCE0],0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

SB X-Fi Audio [CCE0],0x00200000,2,2,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

BDA Network Providers:

Microsoft ATSC Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514

Microsoft DVBC Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514

Microsoft DVBS Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514

Microsoft DVBT Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514

Microsoft Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514

Multi-Instance Capable VBI Codecs:

VBI Codec,0x00600000,1,4,VBICodec.ax,6.06.7601.17514

BDA Transport Information Renderers:

BDA MPEG2 Transport Information Filter,0x00600000,2,0,psisrndr.ax,6.06.7601.17669

MPEG-2 Sections and Tables,0x00600000,1,0,Mpeg2Data.ax,6.06.7601.17514

BDA CP/CA Filters:

Decrypt/Tag,0x00600000,1,1,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708

Encrypt/Tag,0x00200000,0,0,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708

PTFilter,0x00200000,0,0,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708

XDS Codec,0x00200000,0,0,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708

WDM Streaming Communication Transforms:

Tee/Sink-to-Sink Converter,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

Audio Renderers:

Speakers (Creative SB X-Fi),0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Default DirectSound Device,0x00800000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

Default WaveOut Device,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

DirectSound: SPDIF Out (Creative SB X-Fi),0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

DirectSound: Speakers (Creative SB X-Fi),0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

SPDIF Out (Creative SB X-Fi),0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.17713

---------------

EVR Power Information

---------------

Current Setting: {5C67A112-A4C9-483F-B4A7-1D473BECAFDC} (Quality)

  Quality Flags: 2576

    Enabled:

    Force throttling

    Allow half deinterlace

    Allow scaling

    Decode Power Usage: 100

  Balanced Flags: 1424

    Enabled:

    Force throttling

    Allow batching

    Force half deinterlace

    Force scaling

    Decode Power Usage: 50

  PowerFlags: 1424

    Enabled:

    Force throttling

    Allow batching

    Force half deinterlace

    Force scaling

    Decode Power Usage: 0

[Gabbryrose]

Also, though I'm not sure this is related, when I first delete the TS3 folder from My Documents I can play for a while without crashing (usually an hour or so). However, once I save it and quit the game, (using save and then quit separately, not the save and quit option), it always crashes upon exiting. Then, the next time I load the game if I try to go back to my new save it will crash within seconds of loading the game. Once I quit the game I can never return to a previous save, as they all crash immediately.

[crinrict]

You're processor might still be a tad bit underpowered but that shouldn't make the game crash that fast.

Seems something is corrupting your save files.

You are the third person with those february graphic drivers to report crashing though and I wonder if something's up with those. Try if rolling back your drivers to an earlier version helps (you can usually download older ones as well)

Also are you playing logged in ?

[Gabbryrose]

Thanks for the suggestion on the graphics drivers, I will give that a shot and see how it turns out.

I do typically play logged in, but since I've been having the crashing problem I have not been as I saw in another forum that sometimes that can make it worse. I did also try turning down the graphics settings a bit as I have them turned all the way up, but that doesn't help either. I did find another suggestion about starting the game without the launcher and I actually had a little more luck with that as that way it will let me play for about 30 minutes before it crashes again.

I did have a thought about something else that I suppose could have caused things to go wonky. When I upgraded from Win XP to Win 7 I noticed that Windows did not reformat the hard drive, but because of the upgrade path everything had to be reinstalled. However, it kept the original windows installation and just renamed the folders. This makes me wonder if there was still pieces of my original TS3 installation from Win XP left out there or in the registry when I reinstalled the games.

I did run a registry cleaner which found a number of useless sims files left behind in the registry. Do you think it would be worth uninstalling the games, cleaning out the registry again, and reinstalling everything? I have since deleted the old renamed Windows folders, but that and the registry cleanup didn't happen until after I had already installed the games. Since I have basically erased every other piece of my game I have to assume that something in the install is bad.

I'll try your suggestion about the graphics card and see if that helps. If not, I may do a complete uninstall/reinstall and see where that leaves me. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll let you know how it turns out.

[crinrict]

Another suggestion would be to turn off mirror reflections. That might help if turning down the graphic options helped.

I seldom recommend a complete uninstall unless it seems the the installation is corrupted. Can't tell you if that's the case for you but it's possible that stuff got left behind, so to answer, yes, it might be worthwhile

Following the instructions here: http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:TS3_Uninstall

[Gabbryrose]

Just a fast update. I did a complete uninstall/reinstall last night just for good measure, but it didn't stop the crashing issue.

I also played around with the older graphics drivers and had some improvement. The version just before mine, (Jan 2013) was worse, but the one before that (Dec 2012) was significantly better. It still crashed after about an hour, but that was a huge improvement since it was previously crashing as soon as I started the game. So I think you might be right about it being a driver issue. There are a few more drivers on the site, and two newer ones that are still in the BETA phase. I'm going to try those out tonight and see if one of them makes it better. I'll post another update with my findings later.

You mentioned that some other users were experiencing a problem with the Feb. graphics drivers. You might have them try the Dec one, it really was a lot better. (I think it was v. 790.11)

[crinrict]

Thanks for the update.

Did you try turning off the mirror reflections ?