Sims 4 Error: Already RunningThis error usually means that the computer seems to think It's already running Sims 4, even if it's not. Here are some tips to help with this error:
1. Fully exit out of the game and Origin. - If exiting Origin isn't working, open Task manager (Ctrl-Shift-Esc) search for a file called ts4.exe. Click on it and select end process.
2. Shut down the computer by clicking the Start button > Shut Down. Then turn it back on and try launching Origin and the game.
3. Try resetting the Sims 4 folder - aka Sims 4 Factory Reset
Rename your current Sims 4 folder to Sims4Backup. Launch the game and create a new save to test. - Without anything added back, especially the Mods folder.
If it's not working, don't save. However, if everything is playing okay then start putting the files back from the backup folder. (list of files and folders below).
- Options.ini (User game settings)
- Tray Folder (Sims/Houses/Commercial lots and rooms)
- Screenshots/Videos/Custom music
- Rest of the save games, if any.
* (leave out slot_00000001.save which is the autosave. It is not used anymore.)
- Custom content like clothing, hair, skins, and makeup
- Mods (Put these back one by one to make sure they all still work)
Read more about a Sims 4 factory Reset with the link below:
Sims 4 Factory Reset - (What & Howto)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=29292.msg401669#msg4016694. Repair Game
In Origin > Games Library, right-click on Sims 4 and select Repair. - It does not make any changes to the saved game files. Meaning that your saved games are safe, they won't be deleted. If you'd like you can copy the Sims 4 folder to the desktop or a USB key.
5. Clear Origin Cache
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/faq/clear-cache-to-fix-problems-with-your-games/6. Try uninstalling/reinstalling Origin.
You won't loose any Sims 4 user files, as the game install files as well as Origin install files get placed into their own install folder, separate from the documents folder. However, if concerned about this, copy the Sims 4 folder from the Documents folder to the desktop or USB key.
Manually Uninstall Origin
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/origin/origin/manually-uninstalling-origin/Install Origin
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/origin/origin/install-origin/7. Run Ccleaner and it's registry cleaner to clear up any temporary, internet cache and other files that are left behind that are not being used. Specially useful after uninstall/reinstall of Origin or the game.
Ccleaner - Free version works well for this.
https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download How to use CCleaner to fix PC issues
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-CCleanerHow to use CCleaner to fix PC issues
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/pc/how-to-use-ccleaner-to-fix-pc-issues/8. Make sure that Origin does not automatically open when starting Windows.
In Origin - Application Settings - Start-up options - turn this off. It's on by default and can cause issues, if you have multiple Windows user accounts.
Origin Startup Options
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=21898.msg483788#msg4837889. Make sure Origin is Running as Administrator
Right-click on the Origin desktop icon and select Run as Administrator.
10. Make sure your anti-virus software isn't blocking or excluding Origin or Sims 4. Do a web search on how to do this for your specific anti-virus software. As there are many different anti-virus programs.
11. Try clean booting your computer.
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/FAQ/how-to-clean-boot-your-pc/12. If none of the above work, please reference Crinrict's article linked below or post about the issue over at AHQ's Sims 4 Tech Help Board -
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/bd-p/The-Sims-4Game already running (Crinrict's Article)
https://sims4.crinrict.com/eng/2015/08/game-already-running/Note: This post has been locked as it's for informational purposes.
