[Solved] Freezing & Crashing

[lol]

[Winsyrstrife]

Some things to check for starters:

-what kind of video card are you using? You can check this in Windows using dxdiag:

http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/d/dxdiag.htm

You can save the information to a text file and paste the information here, but for right now, only the information in the display tab is needed. Specifically, the device name, total memory, driver version and date.

-check for available video card driver updates

Correct me if I'm wrong; this is new installation of Sims 3, no custom content, no mods, no DLC?

[Stratolicious]

I am also having trouble with the same deal. I dont think its a hardware problem, as I had my PC custom built to exceed expectations. I have an Intel HD graphics card installed so I dont believe its a video problem.

[yifus]

My IT pro boyfriend just updated our computer/was checking things out. Still is freezing every 30 seconds...absolutely un-playable.

[Winsyrstrife]

St. Reverb, are you sure you're using an Intel HD graphics? Those are integrated graphics devices, which use memory allocated from your systems total available physical memory. Intel HD graphics processors will run The Sims 3 (the 4000 series performs well), but you may need to make some concessions regarding some of the video performance options (i.e. lower quality, lower resolution, disabled reflections, etc.) especially if you're trying to "crank it."

If your game is crashing, there should be error logs within your Sims 3 folder (your computer name will be in the filename). These logs may provide you with some info as to what is causing the game crash.

Freezing in The Sims 3 is a common issue. route failure (Sims stuck) is a likely culprit. As Sims go about their way in your neighborhood, their routed destination will often fail (for one reason or another). At that point, the game will lag significantly due to the route failure, as the game tries to process a way out for the Sim.

resetsim works for stuck Sims.

1) Ctrl+Shift+C
2) type in: resetsim "nameofsim"

Use caution with "resetsim *" (resets all Sims in neighborhood). This will disrupt any activity the Sim is currently engaged in. Repeated applications of this can cause long term negative effects.

Some additional steps to try:

-check for video card driver updates, if available (many have reported improvements after updating Intel HD Graphics drivers)

-delete your cache files:
http://www.modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Sims_3_Delete_Cache_Files

-modify Windows' Data Execution Prevention settings:
http://www.modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Data_Execution_Prevention

-(last resort) move the contents of your existing "Sims 3" folder to another folder location (folder created on the desktop preferably). PLEASE NOTE: This will start you from scratch, so to speak, meaning the process will wipe out any existing saves, Sims, mods or installed store content / custom content (if you have any of that). The "Sims 3" folder contents will be re-created at next game start. The store / custom content will need to re-installed or downloaded from the store. You can backup the Downloads folder to retain any store items.

the "Sims 3" folder is found at (default):

Documents/Electronic Arts/

[lol]

Well, the crashes usually only occur AFTER the freezing in create a sim, i'll switch to the desktop, and back to sims 3, i'll wait for a few minutes, because usually, it has a black screen after switching back, wait a few minutes.. Then if it loads back up, about 5 to 3 minutes after it loads back up, it crashes with only "the sims 3 has stopped working" error message.

[lol]

Everything OUT of create a sim seems to be fine, like, it doesnt freeze on city choosing, and stuff.

[Blood&Diamonds]

Do you have any custom content? A lot of times freezing/lag/crashing can be because of CC or mods that aren't compatible with an expansion you're using or the latest patch. Try uninstalling all CC and see if that helps.

[lol]

I only have the supernatural expansion pack, and the original sims 3.

[lol]

Windowed mode seems to have fixed the problem.