It's not uncommon to have problems with The Sims 2 on Windows 7, 8, 8.5, and 10. I've had all of these versions of windows and had trouble running The Sims 2 on all of them. The Sims 2 is my favorite Sims game so naturally I searched the internet for fixes and Troubleshoot Forums. Here's what I found:
Black Flickering This is caused by your graphics card not agreeing with the game. Turn Shadows to Medium or turn them off completely.
That's the simplest fix. If you're also having any of these: Screen flickering, Black screen, graphical errors, pie menus won't load, gameplay errors, shadows still flickering, mods won't show up.
First, before doing any more fixes, remove your mods folder and all mods if you have any, just to be safe.
Second, download Graphics Rule Maker from SimsNetwork:
http://www.simsnetwork.com/simpedia/the-sims-2/editions/the-sims-2/specials/graphics-rules-maker-improve-compatibility-with
This program, (Virus free, I checked) is made to fix all the problems listed above except for the mod issue. Let it find your Sims 2 game, add your graphics card to its database, set your screen resolution, and apply the fixes. (But try to avoid using all the fixes if possible)
I personally used this and it fixed my Sims 2 game 110%. Looks better than it did before.
Now for the mods, check the in game options, there's a section to toggle the mods on and off. Check on and that should fix it, if it doesn't then its a deeper problem.
So there ya go! Enjoy The Sims 2!
Comments
I realize its some time since you posted this wonderful advice but am hoping you could provide me with a little further advice.
I only ever got chance to play sims 2 a couple of times and by the time I had more time to start playing everything was sims 3 so I have bought everything sims 3 and then learned how to add use mods/CC after the last patch.
Suddenly I have decided I really want to try sims 2 and have purchased a complete disc set and codes knowing that I may encounter some issues along the way trying to play on a newer systems but I am willing to try and came across the graphics rule maker and thought it was a great idea as I read on many blogs that newer Nvidia cards can be a problem for sims 2 however as I have a reasonable PC set up I don't want to remove sims 3 as I still want to be able to play alongside sims 2 installed so am wondering when I start setting up and installing sims 2 if i download the graphics rule maker will that effect my graphics at all when playing sims 3?
I have also read that I will require to use an older version of Net. framework and while I understand I can download extra versions I am wondering if I have to somehow switch between the 2 versions when playing differing versions of the game?
I am on windows 7 64 bit service pack 2 Graphics card is a Nvidia Geforce GTX 770
Any additional advice on what I am feeling may turn out to be a rather long learning curve would be most welcomed....
I realize its some time since you posted this wonderful advice but am hoping you could provide me with a little further advice.
I only ever got chance to play sims 2 a couple of times and by the time I had more time to start playing everything was sims 3 so I have bought everything sims 3 and then learned how to add use mods/CC after the last patch.
Suddenly I have decided I really want to try sims 2 and have purchased a complete disc set and codes knowing that I may encounter some issues along the way trying to play on a newer systems but I am willing to try and came across the graphics rule maker and thought it was a great idea as I read on many blogs that newer Nvidia cards can be a problem for sims 2 however as I have a reasonable PC set up I don't want to remove sims 3 as I still want to be able to play alongside sims 2 installed so am wondering when I start setting up and installing sims 2 if i download the graphics rule maker will that effect my graphics at all when playing sims 3?
I have also read that I will require to use an older version of Net. framework and while I understand I can download extra versions I am wondering if I have to somehow switch between the 2 versions when playing differing versions of the game?
I am on windows 7 64 bit service pack 2 Graphics card is a Nvidia Geforce GTX 770
Any additional advice on what I am feeling may turn out to be a rather long learning curve would be most welcomed....[/quote]
Hello! I run The Sims 2 disk copy, with all Expansions and most Stuff Packs. I also have most of The Sims 3 on this computer. The Graphics Rule Maker (GRM) Only affects The Sims 2 as its a direct fix for the game itself and not your computer. As for the Net. Framework, I've never heard any express problems with it on Windows 7. I can't 100% guarantee the game will work, but Windows 7 is one of the easier ones to work with.
@US_Marshall42 I did find another thread where you appeared to have problems with the new sim 2 ultimate collection, you stated you had gone back to the Disc version and since reading that post I have found many more complaints regards UC having differing file paths which of course create problems with some older sims 2 mods and CC people are used to using.
I managed to grovel to EA who have promised me the UC version if I purchase a new Sims 2 base game with an unused code which I have done and once it arrives will receive the full UC version.
I did purchase the initial base game years ago after playing for a couple of times at a friends house and loved it but I did not have the time in those days to immerse myself into the series and by the time I looked into it again Sims 3 was out so I went with that.
My original base game got lost when I moved so while I am waiting to get the whole UC series I have been trying to do a little research and honestly I feel like a baby in some ways as I am trying to apply all my knowledge of the Sims 3 game/mods and CC to Sims 2 which is obviously not completely applicable to the way Sims 2 works.
I am really excited to be giving Sims 2 a go but learning everything about the game and what mods and CC will now work with UC has made me question my sanity LOL
Hi
GRP= Graphics Rules Maker
http://www.simsnetwork.com/simpedia/the-sims-2/editions/the-sims-2/specials/graphics-rules-maker-improve-compatibility-with
Windows 10/TS2:UC
It's MeadowThayerr with 2 Rs because someone beat me to the normal way.
My Sims Website | The Kennedy Legacy ✓ | The Deepwater ISBI | The Disney Name Game
Did you add your graphics card to GRM?
An update though, the snow only flickers during the day, it appears properly at night.
It's MeadowThayerr with 2 Rs because someone beat me to the normal way.
My Sims Website | The Kennedy Legacy ✓ | The Deepwater ISBI | The Disney Name Game
Do you have Shadows turned On?
It's MeadowThayerr with 2 Rs because someone beat me to the normal way.
My Sims Website | The Kennedy Legacy ✓ | The Deepwater ISBI | The Disney Name Game
Are you playing on a digital copy or a disk? And is it the Ultimate Collection?
It's MeadowThayerr with 2 Rs because someone beat me to the normal way.
My Sims Website | The Kennedy Legacy ✓ | The Deepwater ISBI | The Disney Name Game
Ah yeah I see that you mentioned that earlier now. Hmmm. Might just be a graphical glitch then. Paintings show up with minor texture errors for me. Might be the the graphics you're using still doesn't 100% agree with the game, even with GRM.
Thank you for your input and help though.
It's MeadowThayerr with 2 Rs because someone beat me to the normal way.
My Sims Website | The Kennedy Legacy ✓ | The Deepwater ISBI | The Disney Name Game
Anytime!