Sims 1 (with all expansions) can run in Windows 8.1, BUT. . . SOLVED (I HOPE)

hummingbird41556

I have been playing the Original Sims games, all expansions, in Windows 8. There is only ONE problem I've been having, now that I've got different screen sizes. If I try to play Sims 1 games in a window, it appears in the middle of my screen. Initially it looks great, but then when the loading screen goes black the black rectangle remains over the windowed game! I have been playing in full screen mode, and it really isn't all that bad, but I really prefer to play in a window. If anyone knows how I can fix this in Windows 8.1, I would appreciate the assistance! Some of my favorite Sims today, in Sims 3, are based on Sims I created (and recolored) in Sims 1 game. It's kind of fun to play the older games, but really, I would really like to play it in a window, because when playing full screen, if I need to do anything else on the computer, say answer a messenger message, the game goes all crazy after being shrunk so I can do whatever else I need to do, and I have to quit and reopen.

Thanks for any help!

hihi122122

I don't entirely understand the problem you are having. Can you post a screenshot?

If you want to know how to play in windowed mode, that's an easy fix. Right-click on the shortcut, select properties, then it should be in the "shortcut" tab. There's a section that says target and the text is in quotes. At the end of that, add -w and it will play in windowed mode.

hummingbird41556

https://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=712241838823222&set=a.712241812156558.1073741828.100001122360337&type=3&theater

ugh, not sure why I can't just post the pic, but this is what I got. . .

sunman502

I had just taken a look at your problem with Sims 1 running on a Windows 8 system. And the only solution to your problem is either by updating Sims 1, or a mod of some kind. Sorry to say, that I don't see this problem getting fixed any time soon. Sorry hummingbird, I wish that I had better news for you.

hihi122122

Something that might help you is an XP emulator. Then you could play in a window. But how to fix that issue you're having? I haven't seen it before, so the only thing I can suggest is playing with the options that are provided with the compatibility mode (like the color & screen resolution options, etc.).

hummingbird41556

where do I find an XP emulator? LOL I now have a different issue. I had messed with compatibility and now I get this. . . https://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=712773875436685&set=a.712241812156558.1073741828.100001122360337&type=3&theater

Stuart92

Windows 8 doesn't even read my Sims 1 disc...does your Windows 8 machine read the disc without having to change any settings?

You can get it to work by installing XP in Virtualbox but even this is a bit glitchy, but playable.

hihi122122

I know I got one with windows 7. I'm using my phone now, but I'll look around soon. I think you checked the use 16 or 32 color mark. I can't remember, but it is something to that effect.

@stuart92 -- OP is 8.1 that might make a difference. You should try right clicking the disk in the Explorer menu and opening the disk files, then on auto run or install, run under compatibility & admin mode. If it can't even tell there are files on it, clean your disk perhaps?

Stuart92

I'm running 8.1 also. No, Windows doesn't even acknowledge there is a disc in the drive, but emulating XP in Virtualbox does read the disc. I have the same issue with a number of old games.


Edit: Okay, for some reason it's reading the disc now so never mind...I'll try and install it in 8.1 and see if I'm getting the same issues as the OP.

Stuart92

Okay I think I've solved this problem. When you launch the game and the black box appears, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and then press the back/cancel button and the black box should be gone! A bit annoying to have to do but it makes it playable.

Hope this works for you too.

hihi122122

Stuart92 wrote: »

Okay I think I've solved this problem. When you launch the game and the black box appears, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and then press the back/cancel button and the black box should be gone! A bit annoying to have to do but it makes it playable. <br />
<br />
Hope this works for you too.

That solution also works for Sims 3 -- the game gets dark when minimized.

hummingbird41556

Thank you for that suggestion Stuart92! I am reinstalling the game now. It's installing just fine. I've never had a problem with 8.1 not realizing there was a disk in the drive (lucky me) but sometimes it takes a while to get it to open that disk. LOL I'll let you know how this turns out. I just think it is strange that the problem changed, and got worse, after I started messing with compatibility mode. Installing as admin and using xp compatibility. All is well, so far. If that black box shows up again, I'll try to remember how to get rid of it. I'm usually multi-tasking when I'm playing games, so it will be nice to have it in a window again.

OOOOOH, Base game for Sims 1 is almost installed. Silly that I get this excited about that old game, but it is still my favorite of all the Sims games!

Edit: THANK YOU!!!! yeah, it takes a moment, but control/alt/del does actually get rid of the black box! Game is up, functional and in a window too! I'm happy.

Stuart92

Great! Glad it worked for you as well. :)

It runs really well once the black box is gone.

simmergirljade

My Sims 1 issue is the exact opposite of yours. I hate the black border. How do you get your game to play in fullscreen mode? I have tried the -f and ir didn't work for me.

gayars

On mine, when I click on the shortcut, it gives me an option of 800x600 and 1200 something by 700 something to choose from. Does yours give any options?

simmergirljade

Yes they are both in a framed screen, though not full screen.

Wilderwolf

If you press ctrl + alt + delete and then click out of the window that it takes you to, the black box covering the game will have disappeared.