Crashes since installing Pets

[Wai]

I installed Pets on Friday, since then my game has crashed several times and the problem is getting worse.  I have installed the latest version of direct X, but am unsure where I go from there.  Currently it is hardly worth playing.  I have considered unistalling Pets, but as I have Showtime arriving in the next day or so, I would prefer to solve the problem if possible.  Otherwise, I've wasted my money on two EP's I cannot use.

If anyone can help, I'd really appreciate the advice.   Thank you.

[amyrose]

Have you tried a factory reset? I had a similar problem after I installed Showtime, and the reset fixed it immediately.

[Wai]

Amyrose wrote:

Have you tried a factory reset?

I'm sorry if I seem a bit clueless, but I haven't a clue about a factory reset.  What is required?  What are the implications for my other applications?

I appreciate your reply, but I really don't know anything about factory reset, I've never even heard the term before, sorry.

[amyrose]

Here is the topic that details step-by-step what you need to do http://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,7507.0.html

Doing this shouldn't affect anything else on your computer, and please don't apologise,  it's really not necessary. I only found out what a factory reset was and how to do one a while ago myself. Hopefully it will fix your problem

[Wai]

Thank you

I've done the reset and my game is working.  I'll know soon if it's fixed the problem. 

As a matter of interest, I'm having a chuckle.  Although on the menu pic my sims are dressed exactly as I made them, you should see what they are wearing now!!! Ah well can't have everything   I'm sure a quick change of outfit to everyday will put that right.

Update

I've crashed again

Please, does anyone have any other ideas?

[Ricalynn]

Have you thought about doing a fresh install?  I mean all the way back to the base game and starting over - installing each expansion in the order they were released to make sure that isn't the problem.

[Wai]

I have    thought of that  , I wanted to avoid it if possible.  But, as no other advice seems to be forthcoming, I may have to do it.  I'll wait a couple more hours then if there are no other suggestions I will have to give it a go  .

Thank you.

[Ricalynn]

Dont forget to read the stickies in the Technical Help section.  There may be an answer there that will fix exactly what you're looking for.  I bring this up because prior to making the thread you didn't know about the factory reset which is a sticky in this section.

Also when does the game crash?  Does it crash when loading a file you had from before?  Does it crash when you start a new game?  Does it crash before you even get to the main menu?


Also - game crashing seems to be a part of the Sims 3 as well.   Especially if you have a lot of expansions and your computer has trouble keeping up with them. 

I also had a problem in the past where installing an expansion corrupted my saves so bad that I had to start all new ones no matter what I tried.  Pets was a major overhaul for the Sims because it changed spawners and randomly adds new members to households as well as the wild animals that run around.

[Wai]

Thank you for your help.

I have World Adventures, Ambitions, Outdoor Living Stuff and now Pets, that is all. I have no mods and no store or other downloads.

I started a new game after installing Pets.  It crashed several times randomly in the first couple of days, but now, it crashes about two minutes after the actual game opens.  So, my sim was actually preparing a meal when it crashed and it has now crashed four times at about the same point of preparation, the dog is out foraging, it digs up an item and is returning home.  I can't get past this point now.

I surmise that this game is definately currupted so I'm going to try starting another game with similar chaacters and the same lot to see what happens.

If this has the same problems then I think a total re-install and fresh start will be my only option.  However I am concerned that I have two competition uploads and an upload in the exchange which will be affected.

I have read all the stickies and can't see anything there which appears to address this problem other than the factory reset and updating of direct X which I have already tried.


Update

I'd like to thank everybody who read this thread, and especially those who tried to help.

My son took a look at the problem a few hours ago.  He discovered that my graphics card was only just within minimum requirements and has replaced it with a much better card which he could spare from one of his business computers.  I've been running now for several hours without problems, so hopefully I will be OK now though I am saving every 20 minutes or so just in case.

If this is the cure, then it would seem that minimum requirements might, in some cases be inadequate for this game.

Thanks again folks, your time is much appreciated.