Quick LinksInstallation and Reinstallation ProcessesGame Files: Recovery, Fixing and Back-Ups Computers and Components Performance Issues Miscellaneous Technical Help
Installation and Reinstallation Processes (Links to Threads)
If you are having issues with the installation or reinstallation of the game see the threads below. These threads were originally stickied but due to the large amount of stickied threads taking up nearly a page they have now been unstickied but you can find the links to all of those under the four new thread headings.
Start From the Beginning - Uninstall and ReinstallThe first step for major issues, a fresh install can be the solution to an issue.
How To: Re-Install Sims Store ItemsHaving trouble with Store Items or want to reinstall them, follow this tutorial.
Complete Re-install on a MacHow to do a complete reinstall of the Sims 3 for Mac Users.
Factory Reset: Fix Your Game with 1/4 the Time of a ReinstallThe effect of a reinstall for 1/4 of the time. A quick but effective way to refresh and recreate the game files for the game.
How to Manually Uninstall All Sims 3 Games/Order to Re-installLinks to the EA Help Website on uninstalling manually and reinstalling the games in order.
Installing and Playing the Sims 3 if Your CD Doesn't WorkIf your CD is not working and you are unable to play/install the game, try the method in this thread.
Downloads DashboardIf you experience issues with the Purcahse History page on the official website see this topic, another method to download store content.
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Game Files: Recovery, Fixing and Back-Ups
If you are looking for help with save files, then the following threads should help you. These threads were originally stickied but due to the large amount of stickied threads taking up nearly a page they have now been unstickied but you can find the links to all of those under the four new thread headings.
Fixing/Recovering Saved Game - Saved Game Not in Game Launcher or CorruptedHaving issues with corrupted game files? Carl gives a solution to fixing and recovering your lost files.
Can't access files? (Possible Solution) - For missing meta.data file Can't access files? This is a possible solution if you find your missing your meta.data file.
How to make a backup of your Sims 3 game dataHow to make a back-up of your game date to prevent loss of save files should something go wrong.
How To: Save Sims 3 Files From the Library (Exporting Files) How to save the files that are in your in-game library.
How To: Saving folders/files to use on a different computer or to use as backupHow To: Saving folders/files to use on a different computer or to use as backup
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Computers and Components
If you are looking for help with your computer and its components, such as Graphics Cards, then the following threads should help you. These threads were originally stickied but due to the large amount of stickied threads taking up nearly a page they have now been unstickied but you can find the links to all of those under the four new thread headings.
Buying a Desktop or Laptop for The Sims 3A Guide for what to consider when purchasing a new computer for The Sims 3, to find what is best and what you will need.
Graphics CardInformation about Graphics Cards that work with The Sims 3 and are supported or not supported.
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Performance Issues (Links to Threads)
If your game is not running as smoothly as it should be or you want to find tips for improving the performance of your game see the threads below. These threads were originally stickied but due to the large amount of stickied threads taking up nearly a page they have now been unstickied but you can find the links to all of those under the four new thread headings.
What to do if Your Game Slows Down (Clean Up Your Game)This threads tells you tricks to increase performance by removing "cache" files, it lists which ones are safe to delete and how to do so.
Deleting Cache FilesThis thread contains instructions by Grimsoul on how to automatically have your cache files deleted.
Game Crashing? Here's what to do.Seabody gives advice on which steps to take if your experience crashing, explaining through each step.
Clean Inside of Computer to Help PerformanceCleaning inside your physical computer tower or laptop is also very beneficial, as ZapKid explains. Clearing out dust can keep your machine healthy and running properly.
Downloadable App to Help Game Run better An app that allows the game to access more of your memory and to make the game run faster.
How to Fix Pausing Every Few SecondsBack to top
Miscellaneous Technical Help
If you are having issues not covered by the other categories try this thread to see if your issue is in here, there are also other miscellaneous help threads listed. These threads were originally stickied but due to the large amount of stickied threads taking up nearly a page they have now been unstickied but you can find the links to all of those under the four new thread headings.
Update DirectX (Windows) Before Installing Late NightA link to update DirectX for Late Night.
How-To: Backup and Restore The Sims 3 From Origin DownloaderA Help thread to get past re-downloading The Sims 3 games from Origin for a reinstall.
Creating Links on the ForumPam explains how to create links on the forum and also how to embed the links into text.
How to Start the Game Without the LauncherA tutorial on how to start the game without the launcher.
Patch Your Pre-Generation GamesIf you are having trouble installing Generations, see this thread.
How to recover a lost serial number for Sims 3 gamesWhat to do if you have lost your Serial Code.
Register Games at Sims3.com for Digital CopiesRegister Games at Sims3.com for Digital Copies of the Sims 3 games.
Game Update to Fix Save Problems (Code 16)A Patch that fixed save issues from a previous patch.
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If you know of another thread that has very useful information to improve performance please contact a staff member to ask them to add the thread to this list.
