Sims 3 not working on Windows 10

[eibbaekalb]

I have had the Sims 3 for a couple years now, and just recently updated to Windows 10 on my computer. Shortly after I launch the game, maybe 5 minutes into Create a Sim/Household, the game crashes and gives me message "The Sims 3 has stopped working" or no message at all. I have tried to change the compatibility mode to Windows Vista, 7, 8. Neither of them work. I have also deleted/uninstalled the game from my computer, re-installed, and no luck. Looking for any options, 

Thanks in advance!

[Mikimuster3]

@eibbaekalb Welcome to Answer HQ!

The solution to your problem could be quite tricky(so many possible reasons for that error), but I would start here: https://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-3/FAQ-Game-Crashes-CTD/m-p/656/highlight/true#M24

[puzzlezaddict]

@eibbaekalb  Compatibility mode is unnecessary for TS3—it runs just fine in Windows 10, once a few issues have been addressed.  But the install of Windows 10 itself may have corrupted your game files in some way.  If you still have a game folder in Documents, delete or remove it, and you'll get a new one the next time you launch TS3.  See if CAS works any better with this clean folder; try testing in a well-made EA world like Sunset Valley or Twinbrook.

If you still get crashes with a clean folder, please run a dxdiag and attach the results to a post here (use the Browse button).  Please also list the packs you have installed.

https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/pc/how-to-gather-dxdiag-information/

[eibbaekalb]

Here's the DxDiag report - I tried deleting the game folder but it didn't improve the game. It still crashed after a couple minutes. 

I have Installed Pets, Late Night, Showtime, and High End Loft. 

[puzzlezaddict]

@eibbaekalb Your error reporting lists a file called MSVCR80.dll, which, according to someone who knows a lot more than I do about these things (@holger1405), is part of a C runtime library; a corrupt version will definitely crash the game.  These errors might be left over from when you were running TS3 in various compatibility modes, but the file works in Windows 10 as well.  You can read more about it and download a fresh copy here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26347

You'll need to uninstall the old one first:  From the Start screen, select Control Panel > Programs and Features > Uninstall a Program.  Then download and install the new version.

Even after you address this issue, though, you'll likely still have a lot of trouble playing TS3 on your computer.  It has only 4 GB RAM and an integrated card; the Pets EP really does need a strong dedicated card to run properly.  Rendering the animals puts a lot of stress on weaker cards, and that alone could cause crashes.  Your other packs are easier on weaker hardware, although they would still run better on a dedicated card.

Pets will also call for a lot of RAM, and CAS needs more than regular gameplay.  So your computer might run out of memory after only a short play session, especially if you're running any other apps alongside TS3.  For best results, play only after restarting your computer, which frees up as much RAM as possible.  Disconnect your computer from the internet before launching the game (you can put Origin in offline mode first).  Turn off memories and the hidden object interactive loading screens.  Keep CAS and Edit Town sessions short.  Turn your graphics options down, especially water and high detail lots—I keep those at mirrors only and 2, respectively.  Play with small families in less populated worlds; if you want to use Bridgeport, download ellacharmed's fixed version from Mod the Sims.  (The unmodified EA version has routing and elevator issues that will tax your system.)

But ultimately, I wouldn't expect this computer to handle the Pets EP very well, if at all.  You may be stuck uninstalling Pets and playing with the other packs, unfortunately.  The game just doesn't run well on weaker systems, and there's not much that can be done about it.

[eibbaekalb]

Thank you for all of the information - I’ll try those recommendations and see if it helps.