2014-01-10 12:14 AM - edited 2014-01-10 12:24 AM
I have been having the same problem so I tried vladymiria's solution - it didn't work
After that I just went into "the sims 3" folder (not the copy folder)
> Computer > OS ( C: ) > Program Files > Origin Games > The Sims 3 > Game > Bin
Found the TS3.ex_ and simply changed that to TS3.exe (it prompts telling you if you change the file name it may not work correctly, do you still want to change?) Say yes....of course. The icon changes - double click and it worked.
I won't have a chance to play until tomorrow so I don't know if there are any glitches, I'll let you know.
2014-01-10 12:23 AM
I also have to add, it took a few seconds to start up - I didn't think it worked at first but after about 10 seconds it started.
August 2014
I was just about to give up and tried your solution. Thank you! This worked for me. For me it was under Libraries/Documents/Electronic Arts. Now it lets me go to the launcher to update the game.
February 2015
my file was already named TS3.exe and I am getting the same error message.
March 2015 - last edited March 2015
i had this same problem, no solutions worked. then i discovered the problem is in the registry! the base game entry in the registry is pointing to the wrong location! i also recommend you note down the location that it thinks its in becuz your update files will probably be there and you'll have to move them manually!
i think the update patcher does this if your game is installed anywhere other than the default location which is C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\Sims 3 if i remember correctly
incase you dont know or forgot
April 2015
The same thing happened to me, and this really helped!
@bcanimus wrote:This is a frustrating issue, but I suggest that before you spend hours un-installing re-installing and messing around with your registry and such try clearing the game cache files first.
1) Go into your main boot drive and go into the Users folder - find the folder matching your account name and go in.
2) Once inside go into: Electronic Arts / The Sims 3 / DDCache
3) Delete missingdeps.idx
Then finally, cross your fingers, and try running the launcher after this. Good luck!
July 2015
Mine was under Libraries/Documents/Electronic Arts but then when I click on the sims 3 game there is nothing in the folder.
Any ideas? What do I do?
August 2015
i tried that and it still says it does not work
September 2015
worked for me! thanks so much
September 2015 - last edited September 2015
Thank you, smileyface33366, this worked for me