Can't run sims - please please help!

[marianne]

I really hope someone can help me! I've been trying to play sims since Monday, and I just can't get it to run!
It installed without any problems, and loads relatively quickly (I gather it can take a while but doesn't seem too slow for me), but I cannot get past either moving in an existing household or the create a sim loading screens.

My graphics seem ok if a little 'stuttery' when it shows the panoramic zoom to sunset valley, I'm not getting any black screens or anything.

Once I click to either move in an existing household (after buying a house), or to create my own sims, the loading screen shows for a few minutes and then just completely freezes and the music sticks like a stuck record. I can't get out of the game using ctrl-alt-delete, or using ctrl-esc, and have to just pull the plug to get back to windows.

I'm using vista on a laptop and have checked my system requirements on "can you run it" (http://cyri.systemrequirementslab.com/CYRI/analysis.aspx) and pass all criteria except the CPU/CPU speed, however I have read several reviews where people have said that this does not stop them running the game.

Can you run it says that my computer spec is:
CPU: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 540 @ 1.86GHz
CPU speed: 1.87 GHz
RAM: 1.7 GB
Free disk space: 31.9 GB
Video card:  SiS672 series
Video RAM:   312.0 MB
Pixel Shader version: 2.0

I have downloaded the Vista service packs 1 & 2 and have tried all of the following suggestions I have read:

Deleting cache files in the sims folder created after trying to run
Running in window mode
Running as an administrator
Running in XP compatability mode
Running with graphics set as low
Downloading CFF explorer and resaving the load file with "app can handle >2gb address space
Uninstalling and reinstalling several times

Does anyone have any more ideas for me? I'm so frustrated and dying to play 

[Saltypaws]

Just from what little experience I have, it looks like your CPU speed is too low and you should have at least 2 gigs of memory.  Video card doesn't sound right, but I am not that familiar with Vista, but your laptap, in my opinion, doesn't seem compatible with the game.  It looks like you have below the minimum to play.  Someone else might have some ideas, so don't just go by my post.   I know there are a few that play laptaps, so they might be able to help you.

[Pam]

Welcome to our Forum, Marianne!

I agree with Saltypaws.  It appears your CPU speed is too slow.  For Vista, you need 2.4 GHz and your computer only has 1.87 GHz.  Even though some people claim they are able to run Sims 3 with the slower CPU, that certainly doesn't mean it's the norm or can be counted on.  After all, if the game could run on 1.87 GHz, the specifications would say so.  I also don't see your video card listed in the game specifications and that could be a big problem.

[Saltypaws]

Looks like it is a small integrated one Pam.  That is probably another problem in itself.

[Pam]

Laptops are hard to run Sims 3 on in general.  We have a laptop that my husband uses and it wouldn't even install the game.  Wouldn't even read the disk!

[marianne]

Ahh thanks for your thoughts guys, how very disappointing
I guess I might as well give up!

As an aside, I had just picked up sims 3 after playing one of the playstation versions, and hadn't played on a PC since Sims 1. In your opinions, do you think I would have the same problems if I tried Sims 2 - I assume this will have lower system requirements as an older game?

[Saltypaws]

If you already have the Sims2, then maybe try it out.  I would not tell you to go out and buy it just to see if it worked.  I cannot be for sure if it will work or not.  If your laptop does not have anything else on it, it might play, but to be honest, that graphics card just doesn't sound like it would support it.  It must be frustrating for people that have laptops that want to play this game and they did say that the sims3 was suppose to be able to be played on laptops, but from alot of peoples posts, they are unable to do so.  Good luck

[marianne]

Yes the laptop thing is a bit mean! I might buy sims 2 and give it a go, seems you get get it pretty cheap 2nd hand so it won't be the end of the world if it doesn't work either.
I've just found out that sims 3 is being released for the wii and other consoles in october so I'm much happier now and will certainly be buying then - some hope for us laptop users!
Thanks for your help 

[Saltypaws]

I hope it works for you.  I was thinking about getting it for the Wii, not sure yet.