I've googled for hours and couldn't find the answer to this problem so this is where I've been led by it all. I get the I/O Device error in these exact steps:
1. This is the first time this game has been downloaded on this computer. I pop it into the CD thingy.
2. I press autorun and enter my code, and agree to the terms and all of that.
3. It's downloading and the bar moves about 2 millimeters up, then pauses on
C:\...\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Caches\Sunset Valley.objectCache
4. Eventually, a notification comes up saying: Something about "a I/O Device error."
I got this game in the store. It's a 1 disk game and I previously downloaded it on my upstairs computer. Our video card was messed up (I just fixed it earlier though) so I uninstalled it. That's the only times it was ever installed. Both of my computers have Vista. The other comp with the messed up video card has problems also.
(Computer with the previously messed up video card (I'll call it computer 2 for less typing):
This comp might have an easier solution so I'll post it too.
1. When I pop in the CD autorun doesn't come up (Probably not a big deal). I go to computer and double click DVD. Half the time it goes not responding. If I try to open the CD's file, there's nothing in it.
2. In a case that I somehow got it to attempt to download, nothing comes up but something about a Win32 application. It doesn't have it or something. Tips would be nice.
It would be nice to get help for either of these problems from either no links or official gaming sites. I don't trust downloading from non-official sites.
Now some guy told me there's trouble reading the TS3 disk and that I need a new drive. First of all I don't know which computer he is talking about and second I wanted to know if this would help.
Comments
On the PC that is generating I/O errors, it sounds like your anti-virus program or similar is interfering with the setup installer. For troubleshooting assistance please refer to the following EA Support article:
http://support.electronicarts.co.uk/cgi-bin/eauk_new.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=23837
On the PC that is generating Win32 error messages, it is possible there are background tasks or processes interfering with the setup installer (firewall, anti-virus, scheduled OS maintenance, etc.). If that is the case, you can try disabling them. Instructions can be found in the following EA Support article:
http://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=10700
The following may also be of help:
Doing this will eliminate most of what might be interfering with the installer running properly on a software level. After you are done installing the game, repeat the above procedure, this time using the Enable All buttons to turn services and startup items back on. Another alternative is to boot Windows in Safe Mode and install the game while in that state.
As for issues with disc detection on your PC downstairs, first ensure that the game disc is not damaged or dirty. Cleaning the disc and the DVD drive with a cleaning kit may help. For your specific issue, please refer to the following EA Support article:
https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=10703
If the above does not work, you can give this a try next:
If your issue is still not resolved, verify that the software drivers for the DVD drive are in fact functioning properly and that the DVD drive controller is set to DMA Mode. You can also try replacing the DVD drive unit with a newer model either purchased or borrowed as Bob suggested. The Sims 3 disc (and its subsequent expansions) apparently has issues with certain optical drives due to the way it was stamped at manufacturing.
-Big Guy-
Thank you!!!
:thumbup:
As a last resort and if you have not tried it already, you can alternatively use your Supernatural disc serial code to redeem a digital download version of the game from the EA Store at no cost to you. This is made possible through the Origin download manager client. After you have registered the game on the Sims3.com website, the product will automatically be redeemed in Origin. The latest version of the Origin client can be downloaded from the following link:
http://www.dm.origin.com/download
Once the Origin download manager is installed and running, log into it using your Sims3.com login credentials. From the My Games tab you should find your digital game ready to download and install. Installing via digital download will hopefully proceed without any I/O errors.
<facepalm>