If your PC keeps showing an error message, “Why won’t my Sims 3 open?” you might be experiencing a hardware or software problem. To fix this problem, try the following: Check if your graphics card drivers are outdated; reinstall the game; or add specific files to your antivirus software’s exception/exclusion list. If none of these solutions work, try a few more common solutions to the problem:
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Fixing the error during startup in The Sims 3
Fixing the error during startup in The Sim-based video game is easy if you know how to solve the issue. This error often occurs due to a source code vulnerability in the Electronic Arts’ software. Most PC professionals will try to replace the problem file with the latest version, but that may not be enough. You can also clean up invalid file paths that might be contributing to the error. Here’s how to fix the error during startup in The Sims 3 yourself.
If you’re unable to save your progress, the error message “The Sims 3 has encountered a problem” will appear on your screen. This error is often caused by a number of problems, such as a memory leak. A memory leak is the main culprit, but there are other causes as well, such as a misconfigured software or a command loop. To fix the error, follow these steps.
Checking for outdated graphics card drivers
It is important to update your graphics card drivers on a regular basis to avoid a number of computer problems. Outdated graphics card drivers can lead to screen flickering, stuttering, and lags, random error messages, and program crashes. Furthermore, a graphics card can overwork itself and malfunction, resulting in a host of other problems. To keep your graphics card in good shape, regularly check its driver version.
First, open the Device Manager. This utility is built into Windows 10 and allows you to search for specific software updates, including graphics drivers. To open the Device Manager, open the Windows 10 Control Panel and type “device manager” into the Cortana search bar. Then, double-click the Display Adapters category. Double-click the GPU, and you’ll see whether it needs to be updated or not.
Adding files to the exception/exclusion list of antivirus software
If your computer’s virus scanner is preventing the game from opening, you should try adding the game’s installation directory to the antivirus’s exception/exclusion list. To do this, you should open the program’s settings window, and then choose the Virus & Threat Protection setting. From there, you’ll see the Virus & Threat Protection Settings. Here, you can find the Exclusions interface.
If you’re using an antivirus program, you may notice that the game is blocked from opening due to a mistake. Adding the game to the antivirus’s exception/exclusion list should solve the problem. If you can’t find the game folder, you may need to manually add it to the list. You can also try adding the game executable to the antivirus’s exclusion list.
Reinstalling the game
If the game isn’t opening, reinstalling the game might be the solution. In case the game is corrupted, reinstalling it might fix the problem. If it does not, you can try reinstalling the game through Origin. Then, follow the onscreen instructions to install it. After installation, you can test whether the game is opening and running. If so, it’s time to check your graphics card drivers and computer settings.
In case your game is corrupted, you may need to delete some of its files. To do this, start by copying your game data to another folder. Rename this folder to Sims 3 Backup. Now restart your computer. Now, move the Sims 3 folder to the desktop. If the game is not opening, delete the corresponding files in the WorldCaches folder and Thumbnails folder.