Sims 3 - Can't start new game

[klop90]

I can't start new game. Only when I delete all my save games I can start a new game.
Any idea how I can resolve this?

[brappl]

If you have a saved game with the extension .bad that could be causing the problem.  Delete the .bad file and try to start a new game.  Hope this works for you.

[Wai]

This is not quite the same, but, it is very similar to a problem I had when I installed IP.

So, If it is not a .bad file, you could try:

Doing a factory reset, it may well put it right. 

If the factory reset does not fix the problem, then (compliments to Ricalynn), make a link to bypass the launcher:

Computer > Program Files (x86) > Electronic Arts (Origin if you only download) > The Sims 3 Island Paradise > Game > Bin and then I just make a shortcut to the TS3EP10.exe file.

Use the link to start your game.  Do not connect to the internet when prompted.  Place your family and start playing.

This worked for me.  Once the game is started you can connect to the internet.  You will only need to use the bypass if you are planning to start a new game.

As your problem is slightly different, it the above may not work, but, it is worth a try.  I could not start a game at all.

[Pam]

@klop90:

Exactly what are you doing to start a new game and exactly what happens?

[klop90]

@klop90:

Exactly what are you doing to start a new game and exactly what happens?

Start a new game can I not choose. Only when I remove all my save games I can start a new game.
 

[Pam]

Start a new game can I not choose. Only when I remove all my save games I can start a new game.

I really need more information than that.  When you click on the plus sign to choose a town for a new game, what exactly happens?  What exactly do you see on the screen?  Also, how many save games do you have?

[klop90]

I have 3 save games. Start new game plus signed is greyed out.

[brappl]

I have 3 save games. Start new game plus signed is greyed out.

This little trick has been used by others, hopefully it will help you.

Go to (my)Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 and cut and paste the saves folder on your desktop (a new folder will be created when you start your game). Now start the game and create your new game. When done, you can put the other saved games back into the new saves folder the game has created.  This might get your game going again.

I would put the saves game files back one at a time and test.  You could just have a corrupted game file that is causing our "grey" outs.   

[Pam]

I have 3 save games. Start new game plus signed is greyed out.

When you hover your mouse over the grayed out area, does it say anything?  Most times if you hover over something grayed out, it will give you the reason why it's grayed out.

[klop90]

New save game folder didn´t help.
No reason start a new game is greyed out.
I uninstalled sims3 and installed sims3 but that didn´t help.

[brappl]

I really need more information than that.  When you click on the plus sign to choose a town for a new game, what exactly happens?  What exactly do you see on the screen?  Also, how many save games do you have? 

When you hover your mouse over the grayed out area, does it say anything?  Most times if you hover over something grayed out, it will give you the reason why it's grayed out.

Klop90:  could you provide the detail Pam requested?

Also, are you using Mods and have you checked to make sure you do not have any folders within your game folders that do not belong there?

[Pam]

Can you get a screenshot for us?  I'm baffled so far.  If something is grayed out, hovering over it will give you a message as to what's wrong.  I've never heard of the new game button being grayed out.  I don't think we can help you without some extremely detailed information and a screenshot.

[klop90]

How can I make a screenshot C and printscreen doesn't work.

[klop90]

In windowed mode I made a sreenshot wil post it later.

[Pam]

If you're on a Windows computer, you press PrtScn or Ctrl+PrtScn, then paste it using MS Paint and save as a .jpg file.