This is a common issue and sometimes can be fixed by a couple of things listed below. -- If these tips don't help, please log into answers.ea, Sims 3 Technical Help to get further assistance.
1. Turn Off In-Game Overlay and Turn Off Notifications:
Click Menu (☰) up top left > Settings > Application > In-Game Overlay
Turn Off Notifications:
Click Menu (☰) up top left > Settings > Application > Notifications for while in-game
2. Reinstall DirectX 9: - Sims 3 still uses DX9, but isn't in Windows 10 or 11. (
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Sims-3-launcher-won-t-open/m-p/10700883#M247761) * Restarting your computer maybe helpful after this step.
3. Make sure .net framework 3.5 is turned on. (
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/install/dotnet-35-windows)
4. Creating a new Sims 3 folder. This helps refresh the game and it's launcher.
– Refresh the Sims 3 Launcher by Creating a New Sims 3 Folder:
To create a new Sims 3 folder, go to: (\Documents\Electronic Arts) - right-click on the Sims 3 folder and select Rename. I usually rename it something like Sims3-old or Sims3-1. Everything is safe in your old Sims 3 folder.
Launch the game and exit it so it creates a new folder.
Open the launcher to see what it shows you.
**–Reason Why a New Sims 3 Folder is Recommended:** Corrupted or otherwise bad files in your old folder. Reinstalling any .Sims3Pack files you have so the DCCache files can be renewed and everything then shows up in game.
Add one or two .Sims3Pack file to the Downloads folder (C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Downloads)
Open the Sims 3 launcher and in the Downloads tab, select the files and click install.
To make sure things have installed correctly, look in the Install Content tab.
Start a new test save in Sunset Valley for example to see if it still has issues.
–- Testing Lots: via Edit Town mode, look at the in-game library - Empty lots, Community lots. Do they show up? Yes?
–- Testing Build/Buy: via Edit Town mode pick a lot and go into Build/Buy. Do your installed items show up?
–- Testing CAS: Load CAS and check for installed items.
Quit without saving.
If all is good, it might be something in your old folder got corrupted. You can then start copying files/folders over from your old folder into your new one. –– Be sure to check your mods and custom content to make sure they aren't causing conflict with the game.
If you need help in knowing what to add, see the post linked below:
Sims 3 - How To: Saving Folders/Files: (
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=16414.msg313134#msg313134)
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• –- More information can be found in these answers.ea threads linked below.
Sims 3 Launcher Won't Open - Reopens EA App.
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Re-Sims-3-launcher-won-t-open-and-reopens-ea-app/td-p/12563013Sims 3 Launcher takes me back to EA App.
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Sims-3-launcher-keeps-taking-me-back-to-EA-App-SOMEONE-HELP-PLS/m-p/11998823
