Sims 4 won't load

[kamentari]

My Sims4 won't even load.  I tried to click Play on my Origin client, and as usual, the client minimizes as Sims4 loads, but it doesn't load.  The client pops up on my screen with Play ready to click again.  I tried to repair my game, check for updates (both Sims4 and Origin), and reboot my computer.  Nothing worked.  I also tried to access Sims4 by using the desktop icon; and I get the same behavior.  I have not updated or installed any mods since I last played about a week or so ago.  

[EA_Mai · Accepted solution]

Hi @kamentari,

It could be the antivirus or firewall are ok with you running Origin, but not The Sims 4. I would give adding the game to the exceptions a try.

If that doesn't work, could you go to Documents > Electronic Arts and rename 'The Sims 4' folder as 'The Sims 4 not loading'? This folder contains your user files, and by renaming it you are forcing the game to re-create clean files. Just to make sure there's nothing corrupted there

Good luck!
-Mai

[yahel_1]

Hi @kamentari

Clear Origin cache https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/origin/origin/origin-my-games-list-is-blank/

Delete temp files: open the Start Menu and type %temp%  in the Search field  or click in the Run option in the Start Menu and type %temp% in the Run field.Press Enter and a Temp folder should open. You can delete all files found in this folder, and if any files are in use, they can be skipped.

Restart your machine.

Perform a Clean Boot https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/FAQ/how-to-clean-boot-your-pc/

Run the setup file Origin with Admin rights  http://help.ea.com/en/article/how-do-i-run-a-program-or-a-game-as-an-administrator/#2 

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My Opinion is no more important or right than yours.I'm a gamer like you, trying to help you (i'm not an EA employee).

If you want to know us or/and come up with ideas to improve the Origin platform or/and talk about anything and many more besides,you could also visit the NEW section Origin General Discussion http://answers.ea.com/t5/General-Discussion/bd-p/origin-general-discussion-en

[kamentari]

Hi @yahel_1,

Thanks for the tips.  I tried everything that you suggested and it still doesn't work.  I am able to get into SimCity and other games though.  I even removed mods to see if that would fix it, but it didn't.  I'll either wait or file a bug.  Thanks!

[lyarde1175]

Same problem here, except all of my Sims games available on the Origin library have an issue. Started a week ago.

[yahel_1]

Ok @kamentari,  Hi @lyarde1175

Ensure that your Firewall and/or Antivirus are not blocking the connection. The easiest way would be adding an exception for the Origin Client and your game to the exclusion list.Add firewall/antivirus exceptions for Origin and open the needed ports http://help.ea.com/en/article/connection-issues-with-origin/#1

Add antivirus exclusions/exceptions for specific files/folders Origin/game ,or/and file extensions origin.ex/game.ex from scanning.(very important to do  )

And i think you need to check this thread to see what @EA_Mai has to said about this https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Why-won-t-my-sims-4-game-load/td-p/5646745

---

My Opinion is no more important or right than yours.I'm a gamer like you, trying to help you (i'm not an EA employee).

If you want to know us or/and come up with ideas to improve the Origin platform or/and talk about anything and many more besides,you could also visit the NEW section Origin General Discussion http://answers.ea.com/t5/General-Discussion/bd-p/origin-general-discussion-en

[kamentari]

HI @yahel_1,

I appreciate your assistance, but I believe this is an issue that lies with Origin.  In regards to your last suggestion, I don't believe that will work.  If my firewall was preventing me from opening Origin, then it would prevent it for all games.  In my case, I can see all my games, but I'm unable to load Sims 4.  Thank you and happy holidays!

[EA_Mai · Accepted solution]

Hi @kamentari,

It could be the antivirus or firewall are ok with you running Origin, but not The Sims 4. I would give adding the game to the exceptions a try.

If that doesn't work, could you go to Documents > Electronic Arts and rename 'The Sims 4' folder as 'The Sims 4 not loading'? This folder contains your user files, and by renaming it you are forcing the game to re-create clean files. Just to make sure there's nothing corrupted there

Good luck!
-Mai

[kamentari]

Thank you @EA_Mai for your 2nd suggestion!  I renamed my folder and started up Sims4 and it worked!.  Thanks so much!

Also, I want to thank @yahel_1 for taking the time to reply to me.  Much appreciated. 

[EA_Mai]

Glad to read that, @kamentari!

You can try to copy your saves from 'The Sims 4 not loading \ saves' into the new 'The Sims 4 \ saves' folder. If save files weren't the ones giving you issues, you will restore your save games this way.

If there's anything else you would like to restore (creations saved in library, screenshots,...), let me know and I'll explain which folder to find them in.

Otherwise, if you don't care about your previous save games or files, feel free to delete 'The Sims 4 not loading' folder. But keep in mind once deleted we won't be able to restore anything from before the issue started.

Have fun!
-Mai

PS. Remember you can always use the +XP button if you want to thank someone for their answer

[bradp063]

I have done all this and mine still won't work. It shows nothing wrong , yet I can not load my SIms 4 game.