This is the this first time ever downloading the Sims 3 on my Mac and I'm not sure why I am getting issues!
I go to click the icon to open the launcher but it just keeps saying "Unknown error occurred" and then it shuts down. I cannot even open the launcher. I have tried going into the file to make it bypass the launcher but then it gives me a new error. I dont know what to do!
I have even played sims 4 on my computer so I dont know why sims 4 works and sims 3 doesn't! Please help!
I just want to play and have no idea why it wouldn't work on my computer. My computer runs very well and never has issues like this.
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Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac14,2
Processor Name: Intel Core i5
Processor Speed: 3.2 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 4
L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 8 GB
Boot ROM Version: 137.0.0.0.0
SMC Version (system): 2.15f7
The first thing to do, even if you've tried it already, is a clean uninstall of all TS3-related files, just to cover all bases. Make sure you get the hidden library files, or the game won't launch, regardless of what else you do. Here's how to find those files:
https://bluebellflora.com/how-to-do-a-clean-uninstall-and-reinstall-on-a-mac/
Next, install the base game only, no packs, and run the Super Patch (digital download version) to manually patch to 1.67. The launcher won't do a good job of patching on its own, and running the Super Patch wouldn't hurt anyway.
https://bluebellflora.com/sims-3-manual-super-patch-for-mac-1-67/
The immediate issues is that your graphics card isn't in TS3's database, so you'll need to edit the game's .sgr files to add it. I can help with this, but I need the device ID of your card—there are three different ones that came with your model iMac. Here's how to find the device ID:
https://bluebellflora.com/2018/07/24/sims-3-mac-players-i-need-your-help/#Information
Once I have that, I can PM you the proper text to add to the files, and instructions on how to do it.
Chipset Model: NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M
Type: GPU
Bus: PCIe
PCIe Lane Width: x16
VRAM (Total): 1 GB
Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0fea
Revision ID: 0x00a2
ROM Revision: 3782
Metal: Supported, feature set macOS GPUFamily1 v4
Displays:
iMac:
Display Type: LCD
Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD/WQHD - Wide Quad High Definition)
UI Looks like: 2560 x 1440
Framebuffer Depth: 24-Bit Color (ARGB8888)
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Rotation: Supported
Automatically Adjust Brightness: No
Connection Type: DisplayPort
Anyway, there are four packs that don't install correctly: Ambitions, Late Night, Fast Lane, and Outdoor Living. You'll need to apply two workarounds for these packs. The first is easy—create an alias for each pack that doesn't already have on in Applications, alongside the alias for the base game.
https://bluebellflora.com/sims-3-packs-not-showing-as-installed/
The second workaround is to copy a folder for each affected pack into the folder for your newest pack by the date EA released it. (So that would be Into the Future if you have it, and if not, Movie Stuff, or Isla Paradiso, etc.) This video shows you where to find the folders and how to copy them to their proper destination:
https://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-Mac/CURRENT-ISSUE-Sims-3-Unknown-Error-in-El-Capitan-Sierra-High/m-p/5725514#M5926
If you're not sure what goes where, just list the packs you'd like to install, and I can give more specific instructions.
If you've uninstalled anything, it's probably best to start from scratch and get the patched base game running. That way, if you run into a problem, you can sort through it without needing to deal with the packs at the same time.