Game won't launch: initialization error at start up

[ObeyLucifer]

The game won't launch and I'm getting the error-

Initialization error at start up:

[135dec40:29f00e76:00000083:b032c32e]

I looked online first to see if anyone was having the same problem and another person had a similar looking error but it's outdated and the fixes can't be done/don't apply to the steam version of the Sims 4. I recently updated to Windows 11, It might be a possible cause because I haven't been able to play the game since updating too. Not to mention I have a lot of mods in my game and I added some a few days ago that might prevent the game from starting but I removed the new mods too and I'm still getting the same message.

I also feel like I should include that I've been messing with and moving files around relating to my Documents/Mods folder because I wanted to move it to my SD card instead but I soon realized that's not possible with my very limited knowledge of computers. I'm afraid I messed with things I shouldn't have and I'll have to factory reset my computer again. I want to avoid the nuclear option of uninstalling the game unless I've tried every fix that could possibly be done before uninstalling as a last ditch effort.

[larry_roberts]

Here is some help I have collected (hope it will be of some help to someone):

To clear cache in Sims 4, you need to123:

Go to Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/ on your PC or Mac.
Delete the localthumbscache.package file from this folder.
Enter the cache folder and delete all files that end in .cache, .jpeg, or .dat, but do not delete the folder itself.
Go back to the Sims 4 folder and enter the cachestr folder. Delete all files inside this folder.

https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/CURRENT-ISSUE-Sims-4-DLC-shows-as-installed-won-t-load-in-game/td-p/12416260

https://www.getdroidtips.com/fix-the-sims-4-save-not-loading/#:~:text=To%20do%20that%3A%201%20Open%20the%20Origin%20client,not%20loading%20issue%20has%20been%20fixed%20or%20not.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1222670/discussions/0/3843305689142253517/

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1222670/discussions/0/3828666806668477369/

https://bestgamingtips.com/fix-link2ea-error/

https://help.ea.com/en/help/pc/link-ea-and-steam/

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1222670/discussions/0/3828665650634829307/


https://steamcommunity.com/app/1222670/discussions/0/3780246249200269220/

https://appuals.com/ea-desktop-app-wont-launch/#:~:text=Run%20EA%20App%20as%20an%20Administrator%201%20Go,7%20You%20can%20launch%20the%20EA%20App%20again.

https://help.ea.com/en/help/faq/clear-cache-to-fix-problems-with-your-games/

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1222670/discussions/0/6492543723424623336/


https://help.ea.com/en-gb/help/account/im-locked-out-of-my-ea-account/


https://help.ea.com/en/help/ea/ea-app/download-install-update-ea-app/


https://windowsreport.com/sims-4-wont-start-fix/#:~:text=How%20do%20I%20fix%20Sims%204%20when%20it,...%206%206.%20Reset%20your%20user%20files%20

https://downdetector.com/status/the-sims-4/

https://bestgamingtips.com/fix-sims-4-expansion-packs-not-showing-up-in-game/


You can launch the EA App, click on the 3 lines top left hand corner and repair app or get help

If you right click on Sims 4 in EA app you can manage and repair (this is a slow process)

If you right click on Sims 4 in steam library, then properties, then local files you can verify files to repair

bigjoe2791:
to everyone who have a game that dont start
i did fix my game in this way

1 right click on EA app - pick open fileplace
so that you get down in where the app is
2 find the EA app updater - and run it
wait for it to finish
then it will open on your sceen - login in again
when you have done that - close it
3 start the sims 4 from the sims 4 icon on your sceen

this is what i did to make my sims 4 working again
and it did work for me
i can only hope it works for all that have the same problem
good luck to everyone that try it the same way

[Jack Schitt]

Try:
Verifying integrity of game files
https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/0C48-FCBD-DA71-93EB

Reinstalling the EA app
https://www.ea.com/ea-app

Set exceptions / exclusions for both the game and the EA app in all of your security features (anti-virus, firewall, Windows Defender/firewall) to insure they aren't interrupting. Here's instructions on how to do that in Win11:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-an-exclusion-to-windows-security-811816c0-4dfd-af4a-47e4-c301afe13b26

Google how to set an exception or exclusion with the anti-virus software you have.