Sims 4 Factory Reset - (What & Howto)

[MrsFlynn]

Sims 4 Factory Reset - (What & Howto)

 - Quick Links Index:
 - What is a Sims 4 Factory Reset?
 - Why Do a Sims 4 Factory Reset?
 - Before Doing a Factory Reset
 - How-To: Sims 4 Factory Reset
 - What To Do After a Factory Reset
 - Files and Folders To Add Back In
 - Start a Game Without Doing a Factory Reset
 - Save game files for Backup
 - Read more about a Factory Reset, From Crinrict
 - How-To: Copy Sims 4 game saves to another computer


What is a Sims 4 Factory Reset?

This is different from fully uninstalling/reinstalling the game. You are creating a new Sims 4 user folder in the \Documents\Electronic Arts folder. As a way of refreshing the folder.

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Why Do a Sims 4 Factory Reset?

It's best to reset your Sims 4 folder, aka Sims 4 factory reset when you're having issues with your game, like crashing, game lag, freezing, odd gameplay issues and other irritating game headaches. It gives you a fresh folder to play the game in. It also helps with troubleshooting problems with mods and custom content.

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Before Doing a Factory Reset

Before trying to reset Sims 4, you can save both your Sims and their house to the Library if you want.

How To: Saving Sims to Library
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=26325.msg439597#msg439597

How-To: Save A House/Lot To Library and Sharing it to Gallery
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=26324.msg439569#msg439569

After resetting the Sims 4 folder and moving the files and folders back, load the game to the Main Menu and go to your library to find your Sims and house.

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How-To: Sims 4 Factory Reset

(This is different from a total-game reinstall - This sets the game back to factory default, like it was newly installed.)

Move your Sims 4 folder to the desktop or some where safe, and rename it something like Sims4Backup.
The folder can be found by this path: ----> Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4

Go to the Electronic Arts folder [C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts] Right-click on the Sims 4 folder, select Cut. Paste it to the desktop. This moves the folder out to the desktop for backup.

You won't loose your files, like saved games, game options, Sims, houses, mods/cc. It's all still there in the folder on your desktop or some where safe. Just don't delete anything. - C:\Users\Username\Desktop\Sims4Backup

Go into Origin > Games Library, right click on Sims 4 and select Play. This will create a new Sims 4 folder. Then exit the game.

Go to: ----> Documents > Electronic Arts > Sims 4 to confirm you've got a new Sims 4 folder.

-- When you move or rename the Sims 4 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

From here, if you're having problems with your game start a new game Without the Mods folder, or other game saves, files or folders added. Other than your Options.ini file - This file is your game and video settings

-- Try your broken save again to see what happens. If you're still having problems with it do not save it.

However, if you find that the save does work okay, add in your Mods/CC and other files/folders.
Use Save As to save it with a different name.

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Files and Folders To Add Back In

The other files and folders not mentioned below will auto-regenerate.

Options.ini File -- The graphic/sounds/gameplay options
Saves -- Saved game files - leave out slot_00000001.save which is the autosave. It is not used anymore.
Tray -- Sims, Houses, Rooms and Community lots
Screenshots -- Photos you've taken with the C key in-game.
Recorded Videos -- Video clips you've taken with the V key in-game.
Mods -- Game mods and Custom content like clothing, hair, skins, and makeup
** Put mods back one by one to make sure they all still work.

Again, please do test your mods and custom content as they can become outdated with most new game patches.

How to Fix Problems with Mods/CC
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=25031.msg426156#msg426156

Having many saves in the Saves folder will cause issues. It is recommended to either move older saves to a folder outside of the Electronic Arts/Sims 4 folder or delete them.

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Note: This post has been locked as it's for informational purposes.