Cannot get past selecting a neighborhood. Ok, I have attempted to reinstall The Sims 2 several times, and this problem has persisted. I am running no expansion packs, and no downloaded "extras." This is my first attempt at playing The Sims 2, so this is a very fresh install. I am running on an AMD Athlon XP 2200 1.66 ghz processor, 1024 mb ram, with a GeForce 6200 with 256mb of ram. Operating System is Windows XP Professional SP2. Game version is fully updated The Sims 2 CD-Rom. All drivers are up to date, windows is currently fully updated as well. I have attempted running The Sims 2 in both normal and compatibility mode (Windows 98/Me). The game loads up fine, and I can even run the tutorials with no problem, however whenever I try to select a Neighborhood to start a new game I recieve a general crash error, "The program has crashed. Application will now be closed." This happens about 5 seconds into the loading screen after selecting a neighborhood. It happens with all three default neighborhoods, and on the create neighborhood wizard (after selecting default landscape). After several attempted reinstalls, and upgrading several drivers, I began to think that perhaps my CD-Rom drive was the problem. To test this I created an Image of the Sims 2 Disc 1 and mounted it on a virtual drive. This also resulted in the same error. (Note: I am NOT recieving the "CD Emulation software" error, this is a generic crash error). If anyone has any ideas I would much appreciate the input, I'm a bit stuck as to where to go from here. The Error: dxdiag: **Edit: Saw this posted under a similar thread: Checked the event log, no record of the Sims 2 crashing. Also attempted this suggestion: No change.
The official support site was my first stop, but unfortunately it was not much help. I have considered the possibility that perhaps my neighborhood files are corrupted on the install CD itself. If this is the case, does EA provide the default neighborhoods as a download anywhere on the website?
Most recent troubleshooting attempt: On a hunch that my CDs were perhaps damaged, I borrowed the Sims 2 CDs from my brother to attempt another install. Even with a full fresh install using completely different CDs I am still encountering the same error. I really have no idea what else I can try.
I hate to bring this up again but I'm having the exact same problem and I have similar specifications it's really frustrating because I've reinstalled at least five times already. I recently got a new computer. The game worked fine on my old one (though a bit laggy but that's not relevant), and now it won't get past the neighborhood screen. Anyone know what to do? I've searched the forums and I still can't find anything
Ooooh! Necromancy: the dreaded art of waking up sleeping threads. I was indisposed when this was running. Vairy interestink. Melissa, check that ea support link (ea support) and perform the full manual uninstall as described toward the end. The reinstall the game and see if you got it running properly. NOTE: Be sure you have the serial numbers for every game pack before you uninstall, they cannot be replaced instantly, or easily, and intsalling without them is not an option. 2ND NOTE: Say goodbye to any saved games you have. They may well be the cause of the problem, assuming you have any. 3RD NOTE: If this doesn't fix it, please run dxdiag and post the results. Look in the FAQs for how to do it.
I've already tried that a few times (the manual uninstall, that is). Hm, I think I should've added that the whole computer is not new, just the hard drive. I've ran Sims 2 on another hard drive on the same computer though. I didn't have any saved games because I can't get the game to work AT ALL on here.
