Sims 3 - Tips for Crashing, Lag and Other Misc Tips

[MrsFlynn]

Sims 3 - Tips for Crashing, Lag and Other Misc Tips:

Updated: May 2023

I know these tips can be found in various places around our forum and web. But I thought I'd create a list that shows all of them in one place, for quicker reference.

The following tips may also help with various glitches, lagging, and the dreaded Sims 3 has stopped working error.  If you have any tips on reducing or preventing crashing glitching and lag, please pm me, so it can be added to the list.

Thank you SO much to all that have helped me put this tip list together!!

Thank you!!

MrsFlynn


The Sims 3 Performance & Bug Fix Guide
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1131162350
-- This guide works for all versions of Sims 3 (Steam, Disc, Origin/EA App and Other)

  ----

Note: This thread and the posts linked to it have been been locked as they are for informational purposes. If you have any technical questions, please create a new topic here in tech help. Give us as much details/information as possible on the issue so we can help.


Index Of Tips:

How To: Play/Start the game? / How-To: Play/Start the game without internet?

Finding Missing Expansions

How to Install/Uninstall and Save the game, Restoring the game and Installing Store Content

Sims 3 - How To Transfer Old Sims 3 Games to New Computer?

Won't Start/Launch / Stopped Working / Crashing Issues / Freezing and/or Game lag

Misc. Gameplay Issues

Misc. Tips and Advice

----

This Code Has Already been Used

Redeem Game Codes

Can't Log In to Sims 3 Store

Sims 3 - From Steam To Origin

My Sims User Folder or Install Files are Missing?

Sims 3 - System Requirements and Graphics List


Finding Missing Expansions:

Finding Sims 3 Expansions in Origin

My Games Are Missing

My Sims User or Install Files are Missing?

Expansion Packs Disappeared From Launcher

Cannot log in to Sims 3 Launcher! - Invalid Email/Password Error

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How To: Install/Uninstall and Save the game, Restoring the game and Installing Store Content:

How-To: Saving folders/files to use on a different computer or to use as backup

How-To: Sims 3 - Uninstall/Reinstall

How To: Download and Install Store Content

How-To: Backup and Restore Store Content

Sims 3 CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) Error (What & How To Fix)

Add Sims 3 to DEP - For disc and Steam only

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Won't Start/Launch / Stopped Working / Freezing and/or Game lag:

Sims 3 Won't Launch/Start / Play button is grey

Tips to Relieve Lag and Freezing

Tips for Sims 3 Has Stopped Working

Tips for General Crashing Issues

Launcher Crashes / Launcher has stopped Working

Tips for Launcher Script Errors / Clear IE's or Edge's Browser Cache

Game Won't Fully Load - Save slow loading

Go Back a Previous Save File

Game Won't Save?

Game will not play at all - Game asks redeem a code

Game won't load - stuck on black screen

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Misc. Gameplay Issues:

Reset Town, Individual Sims and/or Evict Household

Can't access files? (Possible Solution) - For missing meta.data file

User Interface (UI) is Missing

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Misc. Tips and Advice:

Check the Mods - As they may help troubled games

Check on the 3rd Party Custom Content

Delete Game Cache Files (What & Howto)

Sims 3 Factory Reset (What & Howto)

Create a New Game

Delete Older Saved Games

Make Sure Drivers Are Up To Date

Restore Sims 3 Game Options Settings

V-Sync Settings

Thumbnails Folder

WorldCaches Folder

Getting the Game to Recognize Your Graphics Card

Register Games with EA for Digital Downloads

How To: Find System Specs (DxDiag) - Windows 10, 8 and 7

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Please see the Sims 3 Boards on Answers EA (AHQ) for more help:

AHQ's Sims 3 PC Tech Help Board
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/bd-p/the-sims-3

AHQ's Sims 3 MAC Tech Help Board
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-Mac/bd-p/the-sims-3-technical-issues-mac-en

[MrsFlynn]

Lower In-game Graphics

Go to Options (...) on the Graphics tab (default tab)

To Change the in-game resolution: Go to Screen Size, and from the drop down menu, choose the screen resolution of: 1920x1080, for example.

While in this tab, uncheck Advanced Rendering and Animation Smoothing and check Enable Object Hiding.

Try lowering the in-game graphics to medium. and put High Detail Lots at 1 or 2.

Also, don't use Alt-Tab to pop out of the game. Go to the menu (...) and select Open Launcher. As your playing just keep the launcher minimized.

This should help the game run a little more smoothly, with less glitches and lag.


For those that have really high desktop screen resolutions, it may be best to try lowering the screen resolution to 1920x1080. Set in-game resolution to match it.

This is happening because because Sims 3 was not built with UI scaling. Larger the screen resolution the smaller the UI appears.

[MrsFlynn]

Turn Off Memories and In-game Store

Go to Options (...) Select the gear tab, which is the General Settings and look for the word Memories and in the drop down menu select Disable Memories.

While your in this tab, it may help to make sure Enable Shop Mode and Lessons are un-checked.

Turning off memories means less game bloat/overly large game save file.
** As bloated/overly large game saves will cause performance problems.

[MrsFlynn]

Turn Off Interactive Loading Screens

Go to Options (...) Select the gear tab, which is the General Settings, at the bottom of the menu uncheck the box labelled Interactive Loading Screens

Turning this off will help the game run a little more smoothly as well.

[MrsFlynn]

Try the Super Patch

 ** Not for use with the Origin version 1.69 **

There's been a few times the game has crashed and later found out the game needed to be updated. Tried to update through the launcher and that didn't help. Tried the super patch and FordGT90Concept patcher and it worked!!

Super Patch (1.67)
https://help.ea.com/en/help/the-sims/the-sims-3/the-sims-3-super-patcher/#pc

Run The Sims 3 Patch Downloader by FordGT90Concept
http://modthesims.info/d/409829
** It will install the patches for the earliest games that got left out of the super patch and help it work better. 

EA Customer Service may not speak about the patch from ModtheSims, due to them not being allowed to talk about 3rd party patches.

[MrsFlynn]

Delete Game Cache Files

From inside this folder \Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3, you can delete the game cache to help the game run smoother:

  - CasPartCache.package - CAS parts that appear in Create-A-Sim
  - compositorCache.package - New objects that would appear in Buy/Build mode
  - scriptCache.package - Mods or Hacks
  - simCompositorCache.package - New Sims, default skins
  - Sims3LauncherLogFile.log - Uploading/Downloading info in regards to the Exchange
  - Sims3Logs.xml - Log Files about your computer and errors that might occur.
  - socialCache.package - Simport-related and other social data, if you use the wall to integrate with your MyPage on thesims3.com site

* ~ . ~ . ~ -=>.<=-  ~ . ~ . ~ *

Also delete everything except Ccmerged.package file in the DCBackup folder. (Delete the contents of the folder, not the folder itself) -- Be sure to leave Ccmerged.package alone.

--> Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 3 > DCBackup

** Rule of thumb on these files, if they aren't very big, for example under 100KB, then it's fine not to delete them unless you feel it's necessary.

**Note** If you've got patch 1.69 make sure that the EPs/Sps you intend to play with are still checked before clicking Play. As it has been reported that clearing caches also clears the checked selections in the new EP/SP Picker function.

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Reference Links:

Delete Cache files
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/01/faq-delete-your-cache-files.html

Sims 3 Delete Cache Files
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Sims_3_Delete_Cache_Files

Sims 3 User Files Explained
https://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2011/01/faq-user-files.html

[MrsFlynn]

Clear Family and Individual Inventories

Look over and get rid of the extra stuff your sim family members may not need anymore in their personal inventories as well as the family inventory. As stuffed inventories cause lag, that eventually leads to crashing.

Also, having a large house with a lot of landscaping and a lot of furniture and decor will cause lag after awhile.

[MrsFlynn]

Move the Household

Some of the pre-made houses will cause the game to crash, specially in Isla Paradiso and in the store towns. Before giving up on your game, try moving your family to an empty lot or a cheaper house, or new town.

–Help Moving Towns: Look into Nraas Porter to help move your families?

Nraas Porter, FAQ and Tutorial:
https://www.nraas.net/community/Porter
https://www.nraas.net/community/Porter-FAQ
https://www.nraas.net/Picture-Tutorial-Porter-For-Beginners

[MrsFlynn]

Reset Town, Individual Sims and/or Evict Household
With or without using cheats.

Quick Links:
With Cheats
Evict Sims/Household
Without Cheats

This does not delete data files, such as saved game files and Sims. All it does is resets the individual Sim, household, town or Everything if you use Nraas MasterController.

If having work related issues, use the dresser to remove or reset their work outfit. 


With Cheats

In Edit Town mode - Press Shift-Ctrl-C keys together to bring up cheat console.

For the whole town - resetsim *

** Alternative for resetting town is to use

Nraas MasterController:
From City Hall > Nraas > M.C. > Town > Reset Everything.

Reset Sim:

While in live mode on pause, Press Shift-Ctrl-C keys together to bring up cheat console. Type in:

resetsim Firstname Lastname

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Evict Sims/Household

If reset Sim doesn't work, try evicting your family. This is done without cheating. This will place them on the clipboard. Then move them back into their house to see if that helps.

Saving house to Library and then replacing the house sometimes helps as well as part of evicting the household. - This also is a form of resetting the Sim and their house.

Here's how to do that:

1. Go to Edit Town, click on the family's house a pop up menu will appear to the right.

Click the Evict Button (Button with the 3 family members with an arrow above them) left bottom of the menu.

2. Click the checkmark, when told about the loss of wishes and promises of current family. - This is okay, specially when your trying to un-glitch or troubleshoot your Sim family.

3. Click Move Out (Moves household without house) - It will put them onto the clipboard to the top left of screen.

4. Click the next checkmark when asked about the deactivation of the household. - Again, this is okay when your trying to troubleshoot your glitched Sim family.

5. Save house to Library, then bulldoze the current one, and replace it with the copy from the library.

- Click on house and select Save Copy to Library (click on folder icon). You will get a message talking about current interactions will be canceled. This is okay, it's a part of troubleshooting. Click the bulldoze button to remove the house. You may be asked if this is okay. Click the checkmark to accept. Go to the Show Empty Houses tab, find your house. - should be most current house in list. Click Place Copy to replace house.

6. Click on the family on the clipboard in the upper left hand corner of the screen, and place them back into their home. You will be asked to purchase the house.

---- From here, you've got two options, you can either click on their house again and select the Switch to this Household button (Button with 2 houses and an arrow) from the menu. Or Click on the Change Active Family button from the User Interface and choose your family from there.

If you need help saving your families and lots to the library, please see the post links below.

How To: Save a household to Library

How To: Save a House/Community Lot to the Library


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Reset Sim Without Cheating

Go into Edit Town, split the sim from the household (it won't break family connections or anything, just remove wishes), then merge them back in.

If that doesn't work, go back into Edit Town, save your household and house if desired to the sims library. Create a new save, in either the same neighborhood, or a new one, placing the household in. It doesn't matter if you included their house, or copied just the family.

Again, this will make the household loose relationships/friendships outside the household along with wishes.

Create a New Game Save (How-to)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg401813#msg401813
-- See link above to save the family and their house(s) etc.

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Reference Link:

Nraas MasterController
https://www.nraas.net/community/MasterController

[MrsFlynn]

Create a New Game

If you've been playing an older game-save, doesn't matter it could be several sim days/weeks or even several real-time weeks/months, it's a good idea to save the family(s) to the library and try them out in a new game.

For example: You may have had your family in Sunset Valley in an older game. You can save them to the library, create a new game and play them in a newly created Sunset Valley.

At the Main Menu select the town you want to play from the pull down list. - Click the down arrow under Select a Town: Then click the big Checkmark button at the bottom to play.

Click image to see larger view




If you need help saving households their house or community lots, please see the links below.

How To: Save a Household
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=19060.msg356789#msg356789

How To: Save a House/Community Lots
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=19062.msg356791#msg356791

How-To: Save Sims From the SavedSims Folder.
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=31201.msg443042#msg443042

How To: Save Sims 3 Files From the Library (Exporting Files)
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20751.msg380782#msg380782

If you're wanting to start fresh, but want to back up only some of the Sims 3 files and folders, check the link below.

Saving folders/files to use on a different computer or to use as backup
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,16414.msg313134.html#msg313134

[MrsFlynn]

Sims 3 Factory Reset (What & Howto)

Updated: May. 2023

[This is different from a total-game reinstall - This sets the game back to when it was first installed with a fresh new Sims 3 folder.]

–- How-To: Create a New Sims 3 Folder - With Photos
–- Why Create a New Sims 3 Folder
–- How-To: Sims 3 Factory Reset
–- What to Do After a Factory Reset
–- What Files/Folders to Add Back In
–- Saving Issues - Lots and Game
–- Save Game Files for Backup
–- Read more about a Factory Reset, From Crinrict
–- Download a New Sims 3 Folder w/Mods Folder Included
–- Sims 3 User Files Explained by Crinrict
–- Sims 3 User Files Explained by ModtheSims


Why Do a Sims 3 Factory Reset?

It's best to create a new Sims 3 folder when you're having issues with your game, like crashing, game lag, freezing, odd gameplay issues and other irritating game headaches. It not only gives you a fresh new folder to play the game in, it also helps with troubleshooting problems with mods and custom content.

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How-To: Sims 3 Factory Reset

Go into your Electronic Arts folder [\Documents\Electronic Arts] and move the Sims 3 folder to your desktop.

 -- To do this, Right-click the Sims 3 folder, select Cut and paste it to your desktop. Optionally, you can rename your Sims 3 folder to something like Sims3Backup. Right-click the file and select Rename.

What this does is it moves the folder out of the Electronic Arts folder to the desktop for backup purposes. The Sims 3 folder can be moved to a USB key or external hard drive if you prefer.

You won't loose any of your Sims 3 files, like saved games, mods, custom content Sims, lots or game options. It's all still there in the folder on your desktop or some where safe and can be found using this path, if saved to desktop. C:\Users\Username\Desktop \The Sims 3 -- Just don't delete it from the desktop until you're done testing.

To create a new folder, launch and exit the game.

    -- If you've got the Origin/EA App version:
   
Double-click on Sims 3 to launch the game and exit at Sims 3 Main Menu. This will create a new Sims 3 folder. Then copy back the folders and files described below in What to do after creating a new Sims 3 folder.
     
    -- If you have the Disc/Steam version > You can create a new Sims 3 folder one of two ways:

    1. Open the Sims 3 launcher, and then close it again.

    2. Double-click on Sims 3 Icon. This will create a new Sims 3 folder. Then exit the game.

Go to: ----> Documents > Electronic Arts > Sims 3 to confirm you've got a new Sims 3 folder.

*Note:  When you move or rename the Sims 3 folder, the game will no longer be able to find it. When you go to play the game it will create a new folder.

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What to Do After a Factory Reset

If you're not having problems with your game, and you just wanted to create a new Sims 3 folder to start fresh, go ahead and start copying back the folders and files mentioned below in what folders/files to add back in.

However, if you're having issues with your game. Start a new save to test. Do not add any other folders or files. Other than your options.ini file - This is your game and video settings.

Does it load and play okay? Yes, then try your broken save-game again to see what happens. If you're still having problems with it do not save it.

If you find that the save does work okay, copy in the Mods/CC and other files/folders into the new Sims 3 folder. (See below for more information) Use Save As to save it with a different name.

** If you're having issues with some store or custom content not working correctly. Leave out your DCCache folder and reinstall both your store and custom content. So that the game can create new files for this content in the DCCache folder.

If you don't, you may run into the same issue of the store or custom content not working. Due to the files not being refreshed.

If having problems with custom content and mods in .package file format, see the troubleshooting tips post linked below:

Sims 3 - How-To: Fix Problems with Mods/CC
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=31759.msg506010#msg506010


Create a New Game (How-To)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg401813#msg401813

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What Files/Folders to Add Back In

 -- To copy over the folders and files, right-click on them one at a time and select copy and paste into your new Sims 3 folder.

   ✽✽  If having a problem with .Sims3Pack files staying installed, it's recommended to reinstall these files for best results.

Folders: -

- DC Backup - for this file = ccmerged.package.
- DCCache - Contains all installed Custom Content/Exchange/Store items that you installed through the Launcher.
- Downloads  - .Sims3Pack files to be installed.
- Exports - .Sims3Pack Files you export from the game via CAS or Edit Town.
- Installed Worlds - Custom or Store Towns you have installed.
- Library - Sims and lots that you've installed or saved.
- Mods - Mods and custom content
- Recorded Videos - Videos taken in-game using the V key.
- SavedSims - Saved Sims that are in the SimBin.
- Saves - Game Saves.
- Screenshots - Photos taken in-game using the C key.
- WorldCaches - Cache files for your installed custom and Store towns.

Files: -

* Options.ini - Game and Graphics Options
* userPresets.package - Saved colors, patterns and textures

If you would like to learn more about Sims 3 user files, please see the article on ModtheSims:
Game Help:TS3 User Folders Explained: https://modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:TS3_User_Folders_Explained

-----

The screenshots can be found by using this path:
C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Screenshots

The videos can be found by using this path:
C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Recorded Videos

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Saving Issues - Lots and Game:

🟌🟌 If having issues saving lots or even saving your save-game.

Save the Sims 3 User Folder to Desktop:  I like to save my Sims 3 folder to the desktop, usb drive or external hard drive and then clean out the Sims 3 folder in Documents to help with troubleshooting. Go to: (Documents\Electronic Arts > right-click on the Sims 3 folder > copy/paste to desktop, usb drive or external hard drive.

Back in my current Sims 3 folder - (C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3) I like to delete the files that are in:

- CurrentGame.Sims3: If your game has crashed, it's a good idea to delete the contents of this folder. It is a backup of a previous save. Not really current.
- DCBackup: all files - except for the ccmerged.package file. The file helps your store and other .Sims3Pack files work properly when installed via the Sims 3 Launcher.
- DCCache: Delete the missingdeps.idx file to help possibly refresh broken store content. Or when I have problem CC that just won't delete. I delete all files in this folder. **Be aware you will need to reinstall all your custom and store content that are .Sims3Pack files.
- Downloads: These files can be removed from this folder after being installed.
- Exports: The files can be removed from this folder.
- Library: After you've got Sims and lots installed into your save, you can remove these files.
- Recorded Videos: The files in this folder can be removed.
- Saved Sims: The files in this folder can be removed after added to your save file.
- Saves: Keep only a few (a handful) current saves in the folder. The rest can be removed to help game performance.
- Screenshots: Can be removed.
- SigCache: Information about activities in EADM and the Store. Files will be created again, if deleted. -  platform.bin: Probably some info about your Computer/OS -- igs.bin: Login-Data for the store.
- Thumbnails: Cached thumbnail pics. Saved here for faster loading the next time you start your game. If you have any trouble with strange thumbnails ingame, delete these. They will be recreated next time you start the game, albeit a slightly slower game when it is first loaded, after the contents of this folder had been deleted.
- Sims3LauncherLogFile.log: This file tells you what happens when you try uploading/downloading to the Exchange. It might contain some useful info if you have trouble up- or downloading. - Safe to delete when troubleshooting.
- Sims3Logs.xml: A log file of your computer specs and some settings. Safe to delete from time to time.
- UserPresets.package: This file can be deleted from time to time. Specially if Create a Style is lagging. However, please remember any textures, colors saved will be removed from CAST.
- tslus.bin:Can be delete. Related to the Sims 3 Launcher. Not sure exactly what it does, but I've deleted it and game is okay.
- Version.tag:  Can be deleted. It helps with Sims 3 Launcher issues like Downloading/Installing.

I clean out my Sims 3 folder either before I start playing or just after I'm finished playing.

If you would like to learn more about Sims 3 user files, please see the article on ModtheSims:

Game Help:TS3 User Folders Explained:
(https://modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:TS3_User_Folders_Explained)

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============
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Created: Jan. 2015
Updated: July. 2023

[MrsFlynn]

Make Sure Drivers Are Up To Date

Sometimes not having your drivers up to date will create graphics problems or make the computer act oddly. So make sure your drivers are up to date. Do this by searching for your computer's manufacturer and it's graphics card maker - (Nvidia or AMD).

Troubleshooting graphics on PC
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/pc/pc-graphics-troubleshooting

If the above doesn't help, try uninstalling your graphics driver and reinstall it. -- You may need to search on the manufacturer of your video card (Nvidia or AMD) to help find your graphics drivers.

How do I uninstall my NVIDIA display drivers?
https://www.wikihow.com/Uninstall-Nvidia-Drivers

Uninstalling AMD drivers
https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/faq/gpu-601

If you have a dual graphics card system, make sure the game runs on the card and not the chip.
https://crinrict.com/blog/2019/05/setting-up-a-gaming-profile-for-your-graphics-card.html

How-To: Get Sims 3 to Recognize a New Graphics Card
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=26753.msg446248#msg446248


**Note:** Be aware that Sims 3 game and graphics settings will be changed when graphics drivers are updated. So it's suggested to take note of what your settings are. You can do this with screenshots of the option settings and/or take note in notepad saving it as a text file. This way you can change them back after the drivers are installed. Or see post liked below to learn how to reset your Sims 3 Option.ini file.

Restore Sims 3 Game Options Settings
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg450953#msg450953

[MrsFlynn]

Freezing Then Shutting Down the Computer

This could be a sign that your desktop or laptop is overheating. You'll want to search for a program that will allow you to monitor your computer's graphics card temperature. Also if it's a laptop, a cooling mat is definitely recommended. As playing graphic intense games will overheat your computer.

[MrsFlynn]

Clean Up Your Computer

Run a Registry cleaner such as such as Ccleaner or Revo Uninstaller to cleanup the files left behind from uninstalling any games, programs or apps.

  ----

Ccleaner - Standard Edition is Free

https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download  -- PC
https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download?mac -- Mac

How to use CCleaner to fix PC issues
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-CCleaner

-- This helps clean up temporary files, internet cache files and other files that are left behind that are no longer being used.

Revo Uninstaller - Free Edition
https://www.revouninstaller.com/products/revo-uninstaller-free/

How to use Revo Uninstaller
https://www.wikihow.com/Uninstall-Using-Revo-Uninstaller

[MrsFlynn]

Getting the Game to Recognize Your Graphics Card

Get the dedicated graphics card to run instead of the built in card. In the link below, it explains step by step how to use the dedicated video card instead of the on-board graphics chip.

How-To: Get Sims 3 to Recognize a New Graphics Card
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=26753.msg446248#msg446248

An explanation on why The Sims 3 doesn't recognize new video cards
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/886411/an-explanation-on-why-the-sims-3-doesnt-recognize-new-video-cards


Here are a couple other links that may be helpful.

** For Laptops
 -- http://support.lenovo.com/en/documents/ht078706

Granted, it's for Lenovo systems, but it should be about the same for any Intel/Nvidia dual graphics system.

----
** For a desktop it's a more involved process see
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Getting_new_graphics_cards_recognized_by_the_game
for the instructions.

Getting the game to recognize your graphics card
http://sims3.crinrict.com/en/2013/06/getting-the-game-to-recognize-your-card.html
Note: This also works for the Insufficient Memory Error