Pointing Device/Selection problem

[kayjen430]

I started having a problem with selecting my sim and thought it was a problem with my touchpad (I have a laptop). I select my sim and the usual array of options will come up momentarily but will not stay up long enough for me to make a selection.

I replaced the touchpad and that fixed the problem for about a week and then it happened again. So I went to an external mouse and still have the same problem. So now I'm thinking it is a Sims problem, not a mouse problem.

I've tried disabling all custom content, but I don't know what else to try. Help!!!

[Mirelly]

Do you have custom cursor (pointer) scheme? (Like fancy animated arrows and stuff for Windows applications?) If so disable or uninstall it and hopefully the game will respond better.

[Cygmark]

I'm having this same problem, and I found another post in which another user is also experiencing this particular issue. I'm pretty good with computers internally as well as externally and it's becoming quite frustrating that I haven't been able to divise a solution yet. If SIMs were a First-Person Shooter, I'd have done solved this problem! :P But seriously, this sucks; my girlfriend spent a lot of money on these SIMs games and I want to be able to get them functioning correctly again. I've messed with the touchpad, used a regular mouse while disabling it, fiddling with the GPU, reinstalling.. all kinds of stuff, but nothing's helped. The game runs perfectly with the mouse or touchpad except when it comes to trying to make your SIM perform a task. The menu surrounding their head will only appear for a brief moment, not long enough for you to select ANY action, and then just disappear as if I'd selected a task to initiate. If anyone can help me out here, I'd be incredibly appreciative. Thank you.

[ManagerJosh]

Did you install any patches for the game?

[Cygmark]

Did you install any patches for the game?

I haven't yet but I'm going to tonight, in hopes that it helps fix my problem. I've just got the basic DVD install of Sims 2 Deluxe with the Nightlife expansion installed and I'm not hesitant to say, after all I've gone through with this particular problem, I'm beginning to think this is an issue with Windows Vista or laptops running Windows Vista. :( *crosses fingers*

[Cygmark]

Did you install any patches for the game?

Yarrrg. I have 28k AOL dial up and I spent all night downloading Sims 2 updates.. for nothing. I have the Sims 2 Deluxe DVD with Nightlife Expansion included and when I go to update Sims 2 it tells me it's already up to date and when I try to update nightlife it tells me it's not even installed? I guess because NL is installed WITH my Sims 2 and not seperately it doesn't recognize the expansion? Or maybe this is another example of Windows Vista's incredible incompatibility with almost everything? :/ So frustrating..

My furious bits are infuriated for shizzle. Wish I could find that elusive toasty grilled cheese right about now..

[Sim2 Rox da World]

I haven't yet but I'm going to tonight, in hopes that it helps fix my problem. I've just got the basic DVD install of Sims 2 Deluxe with the Nightlife expansion installed and I'm not hesitant to say, after all I've gone through with this particular problem, I'm beginning to think this is an issue with Windows Vista or laptops running Windows Vista. :( *crosses fingers*

there are no patches from what i can see for the deluxe edition only for the base pack with no nightlife intertwined.

[Cygmark]

there are no patches from what i can see for the deluxe edition only for the base pack with no nightlife intertwined.

Ahh, I didn't think to look for that specific of an update.. I actually don't play the Sims, (my girlfriend does) and I guess that EA/Maxis release their updates a lot differently the most of the games I play. My girlfriend's just invested a lot of money into this laptop and the Sims games/expansions so I'd hate to see it go to waste. I know she absolutely adores the franchise and she hasn't been able to play for a good week, so I expect withdrawls soon. :P I'm really looking forward to a solution to this issue.. and from what I've read throughout the forums the staff seem to really know their stuff, so I'm not too concerned. Keep up the good work WorldSims. :)

[ManagerJosh]

Let me open a discussion with one of the Maxoids I know and see what I can turn up.

[ManagerJosh]

BTW Cyg, could you post up your dxdiag ?

[Mirelly]

Can you also post back an error log file by doing this:

Start the game. In the neighborhood view open the cheat dialog box and enter the debugging mode cheat code:

boolProp testingCheatsEnabled true

Now load up a house with sims in it. If there are unseen game errors, which are causing the problems then the game will become unplayable and you'll probably need to Ctrl Alt Del out and end the program with Windows Task Manager (obviously this won't affect any saved games because you won't be saving.)

Now retrieve the error log from:

Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\Logs\

Ignore the long list of "missing anims" errors and the audio errors logs

You need the most recent ObjectError_N00?_a-z.txt file

Instead of a dxdiag report you could also add the config-log.txt file (it is prefixed with the Windows name for the computer thus: [computer-name]-config-log.txt

I still think it's a custom animated cursor though ... :rolleyes:

[Cygmark]

BTW Cyg, could you post up your dxdiag ?

There ya'll go. Gave ya both what ya asked for. I have to say, from glancing at that config log, the Sims software doesn't seem to recognize much of this computer, and there are loads of inaccuracies throughout the thing. Not sure how much help it will be but I posted the DX dialog as well.

As far as the bool props thing goes, I started up the game and didn't experience any issues. I went into the Caliente house like I usually do when I fire the game up after fiddling with components, hoping it'll do some good, but the game didn't crash or lock up on me. Just still gave me the same ole same ole with the defective interaction menus. Mortimer rang the doorbell, and no one even came to greet him! I bet he's a sad feller right about now.. Anyways, I hope this helps piece this puzzle together a little bit more. Keep up the good work ya'll. :)

[Cygmark]

Can you also post back an error log file by doing this:

Start the game. In the neighborhood view open the cheat dialog box and enter the debugging mode cheat code:

boolProp testingCheatsEnabled true

Now load up a house with sims in it. If there are unseen game errors, which are causing the problems then the game will become unplayable and you'll probably need to Ctrl Alt Del out and end the program with Windows Task Manager (obviously this won't affect any saved games because you won't be saving.)

Now retrieve the error log from:

Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\Logs\

Ignore the long list of "missing anims" errors and the audio errors logs

You need the most recent ObjectError_N00?_a-z.txt file

Instead of a dxdiag report you could also add the config-log.txt file (it is prefixed with the Windows name for the computer thus: [computer-name]-config-log.txt

I still think it's a custom animated cursor though ... :rolleyes:

It is SO not my cursor, cause I've set the cursor itself to a non-animated cursor.. the basic Windows 98/SE cursor, more or less. And as far as an ObjectError log goes, I don't have any. I've got Audio errors and AppErrors.. and a few others, but no Object errors. Fun fun fun.

[Mirelly]

LOL, Cymark. I feel your pain, but I was going to keep poking until I got a definitive no. :p

But your denial suggests that a custom animated cursor scheme might be installed. (It doesn't seem likely considering your slow dial-up connection ... but I can't see any reason for the problems from the data supplied.)

New dumb question: have you tried running with custom content disabled?

It is only by plugging away with stupid suggestions and daft questions that we arrive at the answer. This is true whether the seeker is a brain surgeon or financial consultant. The art is in probing without adding to the damage. ;)

[Cygmark]

LOL, Cymark. I feel your pain, but I was going to keep poking until I got a definitive no. :p

But your denial suggests that a custom animated cursor scheme might be installed. (It doesn't seem likely considering your slow dial-up connection ... but I can't see any reason for the problems from the data supplied.)

New dumb question: have you tried running with custom content disabled?

It is only by plugging away with stupid suggestions and daft questions that we arrive at the answer. This is true whether the seeker is a brain surgeon or financial consultant. The art is in probing without adding to the damage. ;)

Rawr. I will admit I am a Sims nubcake, but I'd like to think I'm somewhat educated about computers, inside and out. I'm not much for Simulation games, but I might be if we can ever figure out what the problem is. Like I mentioned before, I saw a few other types of error logs in the folder, but just a few, and not a one that had to do with objects, like the one you suggested previously. I'm hoping one of us will get it figured out, I really am. I keep checking the forums hoping for a simple solution.. almost religiously. rofl But seriously, there's no custom cursor even INSTALLED on this laptop except for some of the ones that are included with Windows Vista, which just go along with the themes. I have this thing set for maximum performance and minimal prettiness. There is absolutely NO custom content installed on this computer, only the fresh, standalone install of Sims 2 Deluxe (Nightlife Expansion is included, and I cannot install either separately; it forces the full download and does not offer the option of installing seperately), no custom content, no custom cursor, no custom paintjob, no nothing. :( This thing is spyware free, malware free, virii free, most recent drivers, and it's fully patched to Microsoft update. I don't get it .. We'll figure it out. Between you and Josh I feel pretty comfortable saying the problem will be solved.

[Mirelly]

Oh we'll keep poking it until it hollers, "stop".

Meanwhile try disabling custom content ... or bettr still drag the downloads folder from docs\ea _games\the_sims-2\downloads\ to the desktop (make sure it is moved and not just copied).

[Cygmark]

There's nothing in that folder, but I did as I was told, in hopes it'll do some good. :) And after nosing around through the Vista control panel for a while, I came upon some error logs that originated around the time this problem started occuring. Don't know if this'll be of much help, but hey it's worth a shot.

[Mirelly]

Oooh that's interesting. I don't understand what that error log is saying but thank to Google we now know that Grabmi.exe is a tool used by Windows as part of its program compatibility protocol.

Now here's the difficulty. I'm running on Vista Premium (32 bit) with no trouble or need for setting or forcing program compatibility mode. You appear to be on Vista Basic which is sort of like XP deluxe so compatibility problems ought not to exist. I suspect that something got accidentally done to confuse things and now it's all on the wonk. :rolleyes:

My feeling is to suggest a clean reinstall of the game. (By all means keep a copy of the saved games folder before starting.)

After running the uninstall it would be advisable to run regedit to double check that all traces have been wiped from the registry. There's a guide in the FAQs to this, although that guide is for XP ... I doubt it is a lot different in Vista ... I've performed a SecuROMectomy on mine without bothering to consult any guides. :silli:

When you reinstall try to avoid running any program compatibility options ... and keep your fingers crossed.

[Cygmark]

Oooh that's interesting. I don't understand what that error log is saying but thank to Google we now know that Grabmi.exe is a tool used by Windows as part of its program compatibility protocol.

Now here's the difficulty. I'm running on Vista Premium (32 bit) with no trouble or need for setting or forcing program compatibility mode. You appear to be on Vista Basic which is sort of like XP deluxe so compatibility problems ought not to exist. I suspect that something got accidentally done to confuse things and now it's all on the wonk. :rolleyes:

My feeling is to suggest a clean reinstall of the game. (By all means keep a copy of the saved games folder before starting.)

After running the uninstall it would be advisable to run regedit to double check that all traces have been wiped from the registry. There's a guide in the FAQs to this, although that guide is for XP ... I doubt it is a lot different in Vista ... I've performed a SecuROMectomy on mine without bothering to consult any guides. :silli:

When you reinstall try to avoid running any program compatibility options ... and keep your fingers crossed.

Wow.. I had a feeling the registry had something to do with this. I'm not entirely sure on how to edit the registry but I'll go search for that FAQ you mentioned. I REALLY hope this works, and I've good a very funny feeling this is the answer I've been looking for. Let's find out. Thanks again; I'll keep you posted!

[Cygmark]

Nope.. didn't work. :( You are gonna LOVE this. My game runs.. WITHOUT registries. It won't let me uninstall it (aside from manually deleting the folders from my HD) but it will RUN the game, and PLAY the game. My interactions menus are STILL messed up but my game runs without registries and the uninstall.exes no longer work!

This is so much fun. :/

[Mirelly]

Um ...

I hope I haven't led you into a deep mire of quicksand. It sounds like you have done stuff out of order.

Uninstalling should have been done before any registry editing ...

If the registry entries are gone and the Program File folders deleted, then inserting the game disc should should trigger the set up install routine.

I am inclined, at this stage, to recommend that you make a back ups of all important data on that machine and then use the manufacturer's disc to restore the machine to its original condition. (Or reinstall Windows, if you have that option).

In the long run I feel this more thorough approach is the one I would choose over what is rapidly becoming a muddy sea of Hobson's Choices.

After restoring the machine perform the following tasks in the order described:
Install your anti-virus software
Run Windows Update
Get the latest drivers for your graphics card
Set a System Restore Point
Install TS2 and see how it works

[Cygmark]

Nah, you didn't lead me to do anything I didn't want to. My registry was fine, because I made a backup prior to messing with it. I did what you told me to do; I reinstalled Vista from the factory restore disc, I haven't installed any updates aside from my updated video and sound drivers. But guess what? Sims 2 Deluxe STILL DOESN'T WORK! :( I lost a lot of applications and save files risking that format.. I got most of them back now but Sims 2 still gives me the same problems and issues as before. Sigh.

Any suggestions? 'Cause I'm at a loss.

PS - I didn't install any Windows Updates because 1. I'm on 28k dial up and 2. We hadn't experienced this issue with the Sims until I patched to Windows Update.

[ManagerJosh]

Does setting the game to compatibility mode fix anything?

[Mirelly]

I replaced the touchpad and that fixed the problem for about a week and then it happened again. So I went to an external mouse and still have the same problem. So now I'm thinking it is a Sims problem, not a mouse problem.

It's time to return to the original problem.

I hate to say this, but it looks to me like the problem lies with that touchpad ... or rather with the underlying connectivity of it.

TS2 is rather irritating in the way it uses the mouse. I use a cordless laser mouse hooked in via a USB and I frequently get annoyed at the antsy way I sometimes have to wait a fraction of a second for a mouse click to be actioned on screen. I have no problem when the optical mouse needs recharging and I change over to the PS2 Microsoft mouse (also cordless). I also have a Wacom tablet plugged into another USB socket, so I have 3 pointing devices all installed and active at the same time. TS2 is the only application that gives me the erratic mouse behaviour with the optical mouse.

So ... I am betting that your laptop is the problem. Specifically that touchpad and the way it is installed. It seems safe to say that, since the game will not now work despite a system restore to an operating system condition that matches the last known configuration that did work ... until the aforementioned touchpad breakdown and replacement.

Maybe it is time to put that laptop on ebay and go shopping :(

[Cygmark]

I did try to set the compadibility mode and it doesn't do crap. It doesn't do crap for most of the games I play, to be entirely honest. It might be the touchpad, but why is it when I disable the touchpad entirely and use only the USB mouse the problem continues? I don't have this problem with any of the First Person Shooter games I play, I don't understand why I would have it with the SIMs. I've even played RPGs on this computer and not had any issues until recently. I just don't understand..

But now that I know what the problem is almost for a certainty, perhaps I can locate a more functional driver. This isn't my laptop, it's my girlfriends. I tried to tell her to take me shopping with her when she bought it, but she didn't wanna listen. And now who's paying the price? Yours truely!

Ugh.. Wish me luck.

[ManagerJosh]

https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/674/9206/0/www2.ati.com/gamesite/7-12_vista32_dd_ccc_wdm_enu_55816.exe

Try those drivers too.

[Mirelly]

It might be the touchpad, but why is it when I disable the touchpad entirely and use only the USB mouse the problem continues?

Yeah but it is still physically there and connected and the insides of a laptop are scrunched up. As for the way TS2 uses the mouse ... who can say? I can only say that I have very minor (but definitely noticeable) lag issues which occur only with a USB mouse and TS2. Someone once told me (jokingly) that mouse drivers were written by spaced-out old hippies because they were the only people on the planet whose minds were wide enough to cope with the math ....

[Cygmark]

I uninstalled the Synaptics Driver from installed programs menu and I can still use the touchpad as well as the USB mouse. I've also noticed minor frame skipping in TS2 (what you refered to as latency) but I would think that has more to do with your CPU/GPU/RAM than your HIDs' drivers? I honestly don't know, but I know TS2 runs again and runs correctly so I'm completely happy.

You now have the answer to this problem. Although I did not enjoy the 2 weeks of frustration trying to figure this out, I did enjoy taking part in solving this issue. The sad part is, I NOTICED something screwy with the touchpad right before this crap started happening, so I should've been able to solve this problem before even bringing it to your attention. Slightly embarassing for me, to be honest. But I'm really happy this is all over and done and TS2 is working correctly again. Thanks for all ya'lls help and advice. :)

Keep up the good work!

[Mirelly]

Ah. I am so glad for you. I'm also happy to find that I was completely wrong but in the right kind of way :boggled:

Windows can be such a pain about device drivers, allowing you to install a suite of stuff that actually conflicts with the generic OS driver already installed. I generally leave the installation discs in the packaging and only get them out if the device I just installed isn't doing what I expected.

Tell your girlfriend she owes you one unforgettable experience. ;)

[Judhudson]

Glad you figured it out!

As for your frames skipping for you, experiment with the low/medium settings for the graphics in your game. And make sure nothing else is running at the same time to keep the memory usuage down.

[Cygmark]

Ah. I am so glad for you. I'm also happy to find that I was completely wrong but in the right kind of way :boggled:

Windows can be such a pain about device drivers, allowing you to install a suite of stuff that actually conflicts with the generic OS driver already installed. I generally leave the installation discs in the packaging and only get them out if the device I just installed isn't doing what I expected.

Tell your girlfriend she owes you one unforgettable experience. ;)

Hehe, you weren't ENTIRELY incorrect because if it weren't for your persistance in leading me back to the touchpad, we'd have never figured this out. And honestly, for once in my life, I'm not going to blame Microsoft for this.. I'm going to blame DELL for the HORRIBLE drivers they included with this piece of crap. Both the sound card AND the touchpad are trash on this thing and there's practically no end-user support for either. I'm done with Vista, I'm done with laptops, I'm done with touchpads. Back to my XP desktop until income tax time, then I'll come back to Vista if I can coax my desktop into running Crysis. :)

Again, thank you all so much for your help, especially you Mirelly. :D

Glad you figured it out!

As for your frames skipping for you, experiment with the low/medium settings for the graphics in your game. And make sure nothing else is running at the same time to keep the memory usuage down.

I know chief. My girlfriend doesn't, and trying to teach her how to run the task manager isn't worth my time or frustration. This laptop isn't amazing in terms of performance; it's fair at best. The game's chugging because of the demand of resources it requires to run and the USB mouse I have isn't the greatest. There's a couple reasons it chugs, available system resources being one of the reasons. I'm not worried about it anymore; it runs and it didn't run before so my girl's happy and I'm happier that I'm not wracking my brain anymore.

[Tifton]

Hi,

Please bare (sp?) with me as I am not very bright when it comes to computers...I have the same problem your girlfriend had. I tried uninstalling the synaptics driver from the add/remove programs on the control panel. Didn't work (maybe I only uninstalled the software?). Is there some other place to look for this driver? I haven't been able to play for about a month now because of the blue screen of death and now this with the mouse. I'm sorry your girlfriend had this problem, but am glad at the same time that I'm not the only one this is happening to.

[jwheel90]

I'm getting this problem too. We need to get Maxis and say, "Fix this, dammit!".