SIms 4 cannot launch, missing files de4ee14f:29f00e76:00000000:4b0d852b

[Nerdmeat_TTV]

Key Info:

Windows 11

PC More than meets game requirements. 

Base Game - No Mods - No Expansions.

I've cleared the EA App cache, restarted, uninstall, reinstall, unistalled EA App, reinstalled, opened two tech support tickets and no help. Appreciate any feedback.

[puzzlezaddict]

@Nerdmeat_TTV  What antivirus do you use, and have you tried repairing or reinstalling Sims 4 with that antivirus disabled?  If that doesn't help, please post a screenshot of the full error, for reference.

You can also look through this thread for more suggestions.  Even though the error covered is a bit different, most of the troubleshooting steps would be the same.

https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/problem-with-games-set-up/m-p/12221967#M242573

The original poster had already tried playing in a new admin Windows account, so I didn't suggest that, but it would be a useful troubleshooting step for you and certainly faster than another uninstall and reinstall.  If you do try this, make the account a local one, as in, don't sign into your Microsoft account, and don't sync with any other services you normally use.

[Nerdmeat_TTV]

Ok so if the game launched on a local administration account, does that mean I just can't play the game on my regular profile on my PC?

[puzzlezaddict]

@Nerdmeat_TTV  That means that the cause of the error is something about your main account, and it may well be fixable.  The place to start is by running the takeown command on your Documents folder.  Here's how:

https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/new-install-windows-11-can-t-start-damaged-or-missing-...

To be clear, you need to run this on your main account and while you're signed into that main account.  Let me know whether this helps.

[Nerdmeat_TTV]

I tried this and it is still not running on my main account.

[puzzlezaddict]

@Nerdmeat_TTV  Do you use OneDrive, and if so, is it set to automatically sync the contents of Documents?  Here's how to check:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/choose-which-onedrive-folders-to-sync-to-your-computer-98...

If OneDrive is in fact syncing Documents, please disable that; you may need to pause syncing and/or cancel the current sync first:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/how-to-cancel-or-stop-sync-in-onedrive-4885c27e-3d89-4d69...

Before changing any OneDrive settings, make a backup copy of anything critical that's inside Documents and place it elsewhere on your computer.  You'll still be able to manually download files from OneDrive after changing the settings, but it's easier to just restore your local backup instead.  Plus, I've seen reports of OneDrive somehow losing files it was waiting to sync, so it's always best to make your own backups.

[Nerdmeat_TTV]

One Drive is not currently running. I do not have a traditional C:/ Documents folder as all of my gaming is on one SSD, operating system on another SSD, and documents, pictures and videos on my HDD.

[Nerdmeat_TTV]

I'm just so confused, because with a fresh install of the EA App and only the base game onto my G: Drive, where are the "missing" files? Why are they not put into the directory where I directed them?

[puzzlezaddict]

@Nerdmeat_TTV  Sorry for the late reply.  Did you move the Documents directory (C:\Users\your username\Documents) by opening Properties and changing the file path; or some other way; or did you not move it at all?

I do want to say that the new user account is still a viable workaround, so any time you get tired of troubleshooting this issue, you can just pick up where you left off in the new account.  But I also understand wanting to fix this account, and I'll keep trying as long as you're interested.

[Nerdmeat_TTV]

Thanks, I've been really busy this week so I haven't had time to play around it. I've found the Documents folder in my user file, but it is empty. How should I move it?