Game Won't Launch/Error message that game is running

[yumekumo]

Product: The Sims 4
Platform:PC
Which language are you playing the game in? English
How often does the bug occur? Every time (100%)
What is your current game version number? 1.63.136.1010
What expansions, game packs, and stuff packs do you have installed? ALL PACKS except "My First Pet", "Spooky Stuff", "Moschino Stuff" and "Romantic Garden Stuff".
Steps: How can we find the bug ourselves? Attempting to launch game from start menu, desktop icon, or Origin Library
What happens when the bug occurs? Trying to open game, pop-up that reads: "Unable to start: The Sims 4 is already running. [ed35e0ea:29f00e76:0000000:18a1dd51]"
What do you expect to see? Game never opens; claims that it is running, but not appearing in Task Manager; see previous comment
Have you installed any customization with the game, e.g. Custom Content or Mods? Not now. I've removed them.
Did this issue appear after a specific patch or change you made to your system? Yes
Please describe the patch or change you made. Patch made on 6/11/2020; #97 loading saves

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When I try to open the game from start menu, Origin, or icon, attached pop-up appears. Checking the Task Manager and currently running programs shows the game is not active.

[puzzlezaddict · Accepted solution]

@yumekumo  The usual cause of this error is a permissions issue.  Try disabling your antivirus/firewall, and if it works, you can set exceptions for Origin.exe, TS4_x64.exe, and TS4.exe.  The same applies to Windows Defender's Controlled Folder Access: disable it to test, then set exceptions as necessary.

If that doesn't help, you can try the other steps listed here:

https://sims4.crinrict.com/eng/2015/08/game-already-running/

By the way, your Alienware Command Center software is crashing a lot.  You already have the latest version, so if you're noticing errors, it's a good idea to uninstall it, and I guess reinstall if you want to keep using it.

https://www.dell.com/support/article/en-us/sln303405/how-to-remove-and-reinstall-the-alienware-comma...

You can find the latest downloads for your laptop here:

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/g-series-17-7790-laptop/drivers

The Realtek driver also crashed, and Dell offers a newer version, so that should probably be updated too.

[jpkarlsen]

@yumekumo 

Please restart your computer and try again Note that shutdown and start again does not do the same.

[yumekumo]

Yeah, tried that 3 times, cleared the cache, and removed all extra content. Repaired the game on Origin, verified all the expansions, still no luck. Same message appears. (I'm a QA Analyst, I know the difference...)

[jpkarlsen]

@yumekumo 

This may be a problem with Origins cache. https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/faq/clear-cache-to-fix-problems-with-your-games/

[yumekumo]

I've cleared the cache twice. Same error message.

[puzzlezaddict · Accepted solution]

@yumekumo  The usual cause of this error is a permissions issue.  Try disabling your antivirus/firewall, and if it works, you can set exceptions for Origin.exe, TS4_x64.exe, and TS4.exe.  The same applies to Windows Defender's Controlled Folder Access: disable it to test, then set exceptions as necessary.

If that doesn't help, you can try the other steps listed here:

https://sims4.crinrict.com/eng/2015/08/game-already-running/

By the way, your Alienware Command Center software is crashing a lot.  You already have the latest version, so if you're noticing errors, it's a good idea to uninstall it, and I guess reinstall if you want to keep using it.

https://www.dell.com/support/article/en-us/sln303405/how-to-remove-and-reinstall-the-alienware-comma...

You can find the latest downloads for your laptop here:

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/g-series-17-7790-laptop/drivers

The Realtek driver also crashed, and Dell offers a newer version, so that should probably be updated too.

[yumekumo]

@puzzlezaddictI tried your initial steps of adding it as an exception for my security (called "Trend Micro Internet Security" idk it came with the laptop from Best Buy...) and that didn't work. HOWEVER, it reminded me that I noticed some weird protection program that I kept seeing and know I didn't install (forgot the name even though I just had it 5 minutes ago). After finding the files and uninstalling them, the game opened! I checked the save file and the CAS and everything is looking okay at the moment (fingers crossed). Thanks for the recommendations regarding my drivers and such. And thanks for helping me solve this!