Problem

• My game crashes to the desktop without a warning
• I get the message Sims 3 has stopped working

Info

When your game crashes, it usually leaves files (xcpt*.txt & *.mdmp) your user directory. You can analyze those with the Crash Log Analyzer by FordGT90Concept or simply delete. If the game does not write such files, the crash pinpoints to a hardware issue

Cause & Workarounds

There are many causes to this issue and so are the solutions. You can try the following suggestions. Make sure to save your game often under a different name and keep Backups of your stuff.

• Game Help:Late Night Crash
• Incompatible Mods: Replace with new version or remove.
• Disable Custom Content
• Bypass the launcher and start the game through the ts3w.exe
• BAD CC: Crash
• Game Help:BasementPool Crash (same probably applies for the platform tool)
• Corrupt save games can cause crashes. Try saving your Sims to the bin and move them to a new hood.
• Seasons has an issue with building walls and second stories to your house. The game crashes on saving. EA is working on that.
• Server Connections Issue (SimPort, social features)
• Play in windowed mode
• If you have only DirectX 10 or 11 on your system, try installing DirectX 9 as well
• For Vista / Win 7 / Win 8 Users: Right-click on the shortcut/exe file, choose properties – compatibility and change the following setting (these are translation, the actual option might be called differently)
  • Run in Windows XP (ServicePack 2) compatibility mode
  • Turn off visual design
  • Turn off desktop-design
  • Run as administrator
• Large savegames require lots of RAM. Upgrade to a 64-bit operating system and 4-6 GB of RAM.
• If you are using MasterController but not StoryProgression, make sure to NOT install MC Progression (that part has to do with StoryProgression)
• Turn off all background programs
• Defective hardware
• clean out your computer (especially the ventilator)
• insufficient hardware

Further Reading

• Game Help:Crash workarounds