2 weeks ago - last edited 2 weeks ago
Hello @puzzlezaddict! I've got a new PC, a Lenovo idepad gaming 3. I looked a bit on internet before to see if running the Sims 3 with it was okay, and didn't see any issue from others, but on mine I can't, everytime I try launching it (be it through the EA App or on the desk itself) it takes me back to the EA App. I tried with the aldera patch (I think that was the name) but it tells me there's an issue, so I tried with a powershell I saw on a post and it didn't help either. When trying with the direct X 9, it didn't do anything. I tried deinstalling and reinstalling the sims 3, restarting my computer after installing the directx 9, but to no avail. I'll attach my dxdiag (sorry it's in French). I saw you helping lots of other players, and I hope you can help me to, as this game is really dear to me
2 weeks ago - last edited 2 weeks ago
@emiliegh974 Thanks for the dxdiag. Try uninstalling and reinstalling .NET Framework 3.5, which Sims 3 uses along with DX9. Hit Windows key-R, enter "appwiz.cpl" without quotes in the run box, and click "Turn Windows features on or off." .NET 3.5 will be near the top of the list. Click the filled-in box to uninstall, restart your computer, and repeat the process, clicking the now-empty box to reinstall. Restart again and try to play.
If you get an error message when trying to install .NET 3.5, please post a screenshot.
By the way, your computer doesn''t need the Alder Lake patch. If you want to undo the effects, simply repair the game (EA App > Sims 3 > Manage > Repair).
2 weeks ago
@puzzlezaddict Hi! I tried what you told me and got an error message when I wanted to reinstall the .NET Framework 3.5 (it's attached, again it's in French, sorry).
I also repaired the game from the Alder Lake Patch, thank you for that!
2 weeks ago
@emiliegh974 Please run a couple of basic checks of your Windows system files, and try again to uninstall/reinstall .NET Framework 3.5.
Restart your computer, hit Windows key-i, select Update & Security, and click the box to check for updates. If any install, restart again afterwards.
If that doesn't help, the next step would be a repair install:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/16397-repair-install-windows-10-place-upgrade.html
This shouldn't delete any of your data, but if you get to step 13 and are NOT asked to keep personal files and apps, back out and start over.
I do think the issue with .NET 3.5 is causing the Sims 3 problem, since Sims 3 needs the framework to be intact and usable.
2 weeks ago
@puzzlezaddict hello! It worked! I'm attaching a screenshot of the message I got like you asked me too (again, in French).
Thank you so much for helping me, I don't know how you know all that but it helped a lot and I can't thank you enough for this.
2 weeks ago
@emiliegh974 Great, thanks for letting me know. Since sfc did its job, you don't need to worry about that part, but it wouldn't hurt to run it (and DISM first) every few months as basic maintenance.
I know all this because this the problem is maybe not common, but not rare either, at least for Sims 3. The first time I saw the error in a help thread, I asked for advice, and someone with serious Windows skills explained how to fix it. And now I recognize the problem and remember.