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Crashing Issues? My solution (sort of).
thegrump
Posts: 505 New Member
** See checklist at the bottom of this post **
<hr>
Crashing issues:
As most of the Simmers experienced when Ambitions first came out, a lot of them experienced the following:
“I can start the game up, play the game in Live mode for a while and then it crashes for no reason.”
No, this problem has nothing to do with the patch that came with Late Night.
If you remember adding TS3EP02.exe (Ambitions) as an exception to the Data-Execution Prevention (DEP) list, you would have to do it again because after installing Late Night; the program name has changed.
Yes, it is that time again; you need to add TS3EP03.exe into the DEP exception list. For more details about DEP, see this webpage: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-is-Data-Execution-Prevention
Just to clarify, The Sims 3 is not a virus or a security threat.
Important Notice: This method may not work for everyone, but it worked for a lot of people. Also, this method may cause other programs that uses memory improperly to crash as well. In that case, if you don't have a lot of experience using computers, you may want to look at other options first since this option will require the user (you) to change some global system settings.
In this case, adding files to the exception list will tell Windows not to monitor the Sims 3.
So how is it done?
Windows Vista and Windows 7
1. Click on the start button and right click "Computer"
2. Select "Properties"
3. This should bring up the "System" window and under "Tasks" (on the left side of the window, click on "Advanced system settings". Make sure you are an administrator to continue.
4. This brings up the "System Properties" window. Click on the "Advanced" tab and under Performance, click on the first "Settings..." button.
5. This brings up the "Performance Options" window, and from there, click on the "Data Execution Prevention" tab.
6. Select "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select" and click on the "Add..." button near the bottom of the page.
7. Type one of the following paths of the game in "File name:" listed below:
(32-bit users)
C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 Late Night\Game\Bin\TS3EP03.exe
(64-bit users)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 Late Night\Game\Bin\TS3EP03.exe
Close the windows and try playing the game now.
Windows XP:
1. Open the start menu and right click "My Computer" and select Properties
2. This brings up a window called "System Properties", click on the "Advanced" tab
3. Under Performance, click on "Settings"
4. This opens up the "Performance Options" window. Click on the "Data Execution Prevention" tab.
5. Select "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select" and click on the "Add..." button near the bottom of the page.
6. Type one of the following paths of the game in "File name:" listed below:
(Home Edition / Professional 32-bit users)
C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 Late Night\Game\Bin\TS3EP03.exe
(Professional 64-bit users)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 Late Night\Game\Bin\TS3EP03.exe
Close the windows and try playing the game now.
Again, this method may not work for everyone, but it worked for a lot of people.
You may want to see some other web pages or threads for more info:
http://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=37097
http://www.simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Data_Execution_Prevention
<hr>
Modifications and Custom Content:
Please be aware that some game modifications and custom content may not work with new patches and thus could be the cause of crashes. In that case, remove any incompatible content that is not from EA and wait until the mod/cc has a compatible version.
Need help with mods? Look here:
http://www.modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game%20Help:TS3%20CC%20Basics
Not sure if you have misbehaving custom content?
http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/234888.page
<hr>
Large Address Aware:
** Has been fixed by EA. **
<hr>
Checklist:
Before installing Late Night, ensure that the following programs are up-to date:
- Your video driver (You may have to go to your manufacturer’s update page to receive drivers)
- Adobe AIR: http://get.adobe.com/air/
- Microsoft .NET Client : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=9cfb2d51-5ff4-4491-b0e5-b386f32c0992&displaylang=en
- Electronic Arts Download Manager (EADM): http://eastore.ea.com/eadm
- Windows: http://update.microsoft.com/
- Direct X Runtimes: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3
<br>
- The Sims 3: http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/188505.page
- Back up your Sims 3 saves and downloads. They can be found in your Documents folder.
<hr>
Optional:
After registering the game with the website, it is highly recommended that you register the game with EADM. EADM now has the feature to store your serial numbers and allows you to have an "extra" copy of the game in case you lose your CD or your booklet (which contains the code that activates the game).
<hr>
This page may be updated as more problems and solutions appear.
(Original Post, Fast Lane): http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/262140.page
<hr>
Crashing issues:
As most of the Simmers experienced when Ambitions first came out, a lot of them experienced the following:
“I can start the game up, play the game in Live mode for a while and then it crashes for no reason.”
No, this problem has nothing to do with the patch that came with Late Night.
If you remember adding TS3EP02.exe (Ambitions) as an exception to the Data-Execution Prevention (DEP) list, you would have to do it again because after installing Late Night; the program name has changed.
Yes, it is that time again; you need to add TS3EP03.exe into the DEP exception list. For more details about DEP, see this webpage: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-is-Data-Execution-Prevention
Just to clarify, The Sims 3 is not a virus or a security threat.
Important Notice: This method may not work for everyone, but it worked for a lot of people. Also, this method may cause other programs that uses memory improperly to crash as well. In that case, if you don't have a lot of experience using computers, you may want to look at other options first since this option will require the user (you) to change some global system settings.
In this case, adding files to the exception list will tell Windows not to monitor the Sims 3.
So how is it done?
Windows Vista and Windows 7
1. Click on the start button and right click "Computer"
2. Select "Properties"
3. This should bring up the "System" window and under "Tasks" (on the left side of the window, click on "Advanced system settings". Make sure you are an administrator to continue.
4. This brings up the "System Properties" window. Click on the "Advanced" tab and under Performance, click on the first "Settings..." button.
5. This brings up the "Performance Options" window, and from there, click on the "Data Execution Prevention" tab.
6. Select "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select" and click on the "Add..." button near the bottom of the page.
7. Type one of the following paths of the game in "File name:" listed below:
(32-bit users)
C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 Late Night\Game\Bin\TS3EP03.exe
(64-bit users)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 Late Night\Game\Bin\TS3EP03.exe
Close the windows and try playing the game now.
Windows XP:
1. Open the start menu and right click "My Computer" and select Properties
2. This brings up a window called "System Properties", click on the "Advanced" tab
3. Under Performance, click on "Settings"
4. This opens up the "Performance Options" window. Click on the "Data Execution Prevention" tab.
5. Select "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select" and click on the "Add..." button near the bottom of the page.
6. Type one of the following paths of the game in "File name:" listed below:
(Home Edition / Professional 32-bit users)
C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 Late Night\Game\Bin\TS3EP03.exe
(Professional 64-bit users)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 Late Night\Game\Bin\TS3EP03.exe
Close the windows and try playing the game now.
Again, this method may not work for everyone, but it worked for a lot of people.
You may want to see some other web pages or threads for more info:
http://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=37097
http://www.simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Data_Execution_Prevention
<hr>
Modifications and Custom Content:
Please be aware that some game modifications and custom content may not work with new patches and thus could be the cause of crashes. In that case, remove any incompatible content that is not from EA and wait until the mod/cc has a compatible version.
Need help with mods? Look here:
http://www.modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game%20Help:TS3%20CC%20Basics
Not sure if you have misbehaving custom content?
http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/234888.page
<hr>
Large Address Aware:
** Has been fixed by EA. **
<hr>
Checklist:
Before installing Late Night, ensure that the following programs are up-to date:
- Your video driver (You may have to go to your manufacturer’s update page to receive drivers)
- Adobe AIR: http://get.adobe.com/air/
- Microsoft .NET Client : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=9cfb2d51-5ff4-4491-b0e5-b386f32c0992&displaylang=en
- Electronic Arts Download Manager (EADM): http://eastore.ea.com/eadm
- Windows: http://update.microsoft.com/
- Direct X Runtimes: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3
<br>
- The Sims 3: http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/188505.page
- Back up your Sims 3 saves and downloads. They can be found in your Documents folder.
<hr>
Optional:
After registering the game with the website, it is highly recommended that you register the game with EADM. EADM now has the feature to store your serial numbers and allows you to have an "extra" copy of the game in case you lose your CD or your booklet (which contains the code that activates the game).
<hr>
This page may be updated as more problems and solutions appear.
(Original Post, Fast Lane): http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/262140.page
0
Comments
Following your instructions will possibly cause people to start having problems with OTHER programs and games they have installed if they didn't have DEP turned on for all programs previously. If it is set to essential windows programs and services only the Sims game is already an exception, because it is not an essential windows program or service.
The Winters family Tree --- My Mods
The Sims 3 is not automatically an exception by default.
I have dozens of other games that I don't have exceptions to and they are running without any problems.
I see your point and it makes sense. However in my case (and several others when Ambitions first came out), the game will keep crashing if I had left it as "Turn on DEP for Essential Windows programs and Services Only".
This is my reference (the reference that I've always been using):
http://www.simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Data_Execution_Prevention
The Sims 3 IS in fact exempted if you have it set to monitor default windows programs and services only because it is NOT a windows program or service. The link you provided even alludes to it with this section:
If you had problems with DEP set to monitor only essential windows programs and services and it went away after changing it then the problem was related to some other program or service running in the background. These steps only change how DEP is interacting with the sims executables if you already had DEP set to monitor all programs.
Essentially, if your change helps some people with a problem that's great, but it is basically solving some other root issue which is neither windows nor sims 3 related.
Ultimately, I don't disagree with people following your advice if they DO have crash issues and it does solve them. But, you need a disclaimer warning people that taking those steps could potentially cause problems with OTHER software or games they play and it is not recommended if they do not have issues caused by DEP in the first place. Again, the link you provided gives instructions on how to confirm if that is the case for Sims 3 crashes. If, and only if, that confirmation is present should the steps you list be followed.
Keep in mind that these forums are full of people that know very little, if anything, about computers. Plenty of people reading your post may make the changes "just to be safe", even if they don't need to. Absent any disclaimers in your post explaining what I indicated above, it could result in headaches for many of these individuals. Hence why I say you should add that info to your post.
The Winters family Tree --- My Mods
This point made more sense and thus, I have updated it (it's in blue font). Thanks.
Old EADM:
After logging in, you should see a tab called "Activation". Click on it and enter your activation code found on the back of the Sims 3 manual.
New EADM:
After logging in, click on the gear button beside the text that says "Welcome, (e-mail address)", then click on "Redeem Game Code".
Enter the game code found at the back of your Sims 3 manuals and it should then show your game.
Windows Vista and Windows 7
1. Click on the start button and right click "Computer"
2. Select "Properties"
3. This should bring up the "System" window and under "Tasks" (on the left side of the window, click on "Advanced system settings". Make sure you are an administrator to continue.
4. This brings up the "System Properties" window. Click on the "Advanced" tab and under Performance, click on the first "Settings..." button.
5. This brings up the "Performance Options" window, and from there, click on the "Data Execution Prevention" tab.
6. Select "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select" and click on the "Add..." button near the bottom of the page.
7. Type one of the following paths of the game in "File name:" listed below:
(32-bit users)
C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 Late Night\Game\Bin\TS3EP03.exe
(64-bit users)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 Late Night\Game\Bin\TS3EP03.exe
Close the windows and try playing the game now.
How do I figure out if I am a 32 or 64 bit user??