Unknown error when trying to start game

[Ricalynn]

#1: I'm on a Mac
#2 The problem:  I was using my launcher to clear out some files.  I was deleting sims, lots and stuff that I don't use.  In the middle of deleting a CC file that I didn't remember having, I got an unknown error.   The launcher crashed and now it won't load at all when I click it on my dock.  I don't know where to look to see where the error log would be or anything.

Anyone have any ideas?  I don't want to do a reinstall unless I can find no other way.  But I will if I have to.

[Phyre]

Do you remember which CC file crashed your launcher? It may be that the file was corrupt. There are ways to uninstall it with the program attached to the launcher, without actually opening the launcher itself. Then you can see if your game recovers, or if you have to reinstall regardless.

[Lilygirl]

You can find your Sims 3 folder in Finder under Documents/Electronic Arts/Sims 3. I'm assuming that there is a folder inside the Sims 3 folder that houses all your CC (may or may not be the Downloads folder). I don't know what it would be called as I don't have any CC or mods. From there you should be able to right click on it and Send to Trash. Personally, I always delete anything I no longer want (Downloads, Exports, Screenshots, etc.) from here instead of through the launcher. They will then no longer appear in the launcher. Then I would do a computer restart and see if the launcher loads from the Dock.

If not there is a way of running the game while bypassing the launcher. Let me know if you need more details.

EDIT: The error log should be listed near the bottom in your Sims 3 folder. Not sure what it would be called though.

[Ricalynn]

@Phyre -- it was a tub.  I've decided to reinstall everything at this point. 
And how do you uninstall with the program attached without opening the launcher?

@lilygirl -- I found the error log and when I googled the error it seemed that it was rare and most people had to reinstall anyway so I'm just going to do that and hope it doesn't give me another error.   It might be good to know how to do that launcher bypass though.

[Lilygirl]

My husband just left for a supper run! I'll be sure to ask him when he gets back in a few minutes. I've learned a lot about my Mac but I've never had to play TS3 without the launcher so I want to check with him before I give you advice I'm not 100% sure on. I know how to do this on the Vista PC but can't seem to find the right folder/spot on the Mac. I'll be back.

EDIT: And it's pretty fast to uninstall/install on a Mac compared to any Windows OS.

[Phyre]

@ Ricalynn - Check your PM folder, I sent you instructions there.

I'm not sure if simply deleted the file would work. The Download folder is mostly used to make your CC visible in the launcher (or to save CC). Sims3Packs that are installed have to be uninstalled, and it seems that your launcher bounced there. I do not know however if there was a problem with initializing the uninstallation, or the uninstallation itself. If it's the second I'm not even sure the bypass would work, since you are still trying to uninstall the CC with the launcher.

[Ricalynn]

Thanks for the info Phyre

And thanks lilygirl.  It's actually taking a while for the install but I wonder if part of that is I'm impatient.  I really wanted to get an update in for my two dynasties today. 

We have a bad storm coming close, too.  Oh well.  TSM still works!

[Lilygirl]

Apparently, running TS3 without the launcher is a bit of a headache on a Mac. According to our research, the Windows equivalent file on the Mac that bypasses the launcher to run the game is written as a Windows file, which a Mac can't run. The conversion guy must have been on vacation! Anyway, apparently you need to download a free program called Wine which bridges the language barrier between the Windows file and the Mac computer. A reinstall and computer restart should fix things for you, Ricalynn but, should you need this info after all, let me know and I'll get my husband to figure out the specific steps for you.

Good luck with the reinstall.