Installed Seasons and now everything is flashing pink and red...

[jonelle]

1. Processor: Name and speed (MHz/GHz)
unknown cpu type; ~1.7HGz
2. System Memory RAM (MB/GB)
1248MB RAM
3. Windows Version (98/XP etc.)
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600)
4. Free Hard Disk Space
46,766,469,120 bytes (43.5 GB)
5. Total Hard Disk Space
80,048,390,144 bytes (74.5 GB)
6. DirectX Version
DirectX 9.0; 4.09.0000.0904
7. Display Adapter (Graphic/Video Card) Name & Model Number
S3 Graphics Co., Ltd
8. Display Driver Name and Version Number & date
S3gnb.dll
6.14.0010.0025 (English)
3/2/2004 14:02:26
9. Approximate Total Video Memory
32.0 MB
10. Game Detail (eg: Sims 2 CD or DVD Version, expansion packs owned)
Sims 2 DVD Version
University
Nightlife
Open for Business
Seasons
11. Nature of problem (more details the better)
I just bought Seasons yesterday and installed it. However, when I enter the game to play, the whole neighbourhood, as well as the walls and windows of the houses, are flashing in pink and deep red, respectively. I've never skipped an expansion pack (in
this case, I skipped Pets) before, and am not sure whether the game is malfunctioning because I chose to do that this time.

As a precaution, I backed up my folders and uninstalled the Sims 2 and its expansion packs; then I reinstalled everything,
without custom content. Yet, the game's performance was still the same.

From looking at your site, I've determined that my computer is not up to speed. Can you please recommend for me which downloads are needed, or suggest some purchases? My brother had bought a graphics card (a very good one!), but when I needed to take my computer in to be repaired later, the technician tried to keep it for himself! He did something to the inside of the computer, I think with the motherboard), and when I demanded the graphics card back and installed it myself, the computer kept crashing. My brother is not here to fix it, and I'm a bit unclear about the computer. SO, long story short, I'd appreciate your help. Thank you!

[Mirelly]

My brother had bought a graphics card (a very good one!), but when I needed to take my computer in to be repaired later, the technician tried to keep it for himself! He did something to the inside of the computer, I think with the motherboard), and when I demanded the graphics card back and installed it myself, the computer kept crashing. My brother is not here to fix it, and I'm a bit unclear about the computer. SO, long story short, I'd appreciate your help. Thank you!

It's this bit that makes me check-back and go "woah!"

All things being equal, I'd say you need your brother (or someone your trust as much as him) to look into what is wrong.

You appreciate that we cannot possibly comment on systems and equipment that has been "customized".

[jonelle]

Wow, thank you so much for replying so quickly. ;) Actually, I think that my computer is back to normal (pre-customization) because it doesn't contain the new card and it performs the exact same way as it did before it was customized. In other words, it's back to pixelization, blotchy movement, and freezing up around 7am and 7pm (sim time) while the lights go on and off, lol.

Assuming that my computer is uncustomized, do you have any idea, what may be causing such turbulence, so to speak? Again, thanks for the speedy reply!:)

[Mirelly]

LOL

Yes I do have an idea.

Assuming the specs you quoted before are reasobnably accurate. You have the bare basics to run the game (the original base game: The Sims 2) Each expansion pack has demanded a little more from the hardware. The latest expansions (Pets & Seasons) have demanded the most. They also require more (fancier) hardware.

Looks like you really need that brother to sort out that graphics card thing. Sorry.

[jonelle]

Awww! :) Thanks Mirelly! It's so funny, but I procrastinate on everything except taking care of my Sims and their problems, lol. So, of course I'll be looking into this right away :D

[dangerousgem]

Points to number 6.... you really should have direct x 9.0c as well as what Mirelly said :)

[Leticron]

that certainly wasn't any licensed techie that tried to pull such a number on you. If he really did something like you expect, get a hold of the motherboard manual and check all the jumpers.

But much more likely in my mind (it's a typical thing that's often overlooked): you simply forgot to completely uninstall all the old graphics drivers before shutting down and inserting the new card.

PS: obviously that "techie" didn't do that either...othrwise you would have noticed;)

by now you should already download (don't install them yet!)the appr. drivers for the new card so they are at hand when your bro puts in you new graphics card

-le