I'm already in a conversation with this player on MTS about the overall flakiness of the Launcher. Not sure I can really be much help here on either the world won't install nor the CAW installer question. Except to maybe suggest cleaning the registry on the Windows VM before trying to install or reinstall CAW, not manually I mean by using CCleaner.
Tried that. A bit too used too the mac side with moving into trash then emptying to delete(/uninstall)… oopsie.
still, have looked for potential possible left over file bits...
Hi. My wife has recently started Sims 3 (Steam version) with various expansions, and there are so many issues going on with the game that I don't even know where to start researching this stuff. Our computers are fairly new, running Windows 8 with tons of RAM and decent graphics cards, and I'm a fairly advanced PC user, so if it was something with our computers, I'd know.
Is there something like a "best practices" thread somewhere that explains how to best run Sims 3 with Expansions that prevents issues like save file corruption, loading times increasing to ridiculous amounts, characters disappearing, etc.?
I have read about some Mods that are supposed to help, and we tried a couple that were recommended (one was called Master something - it's been a while, sorry), but it hasn't helped specifically with the save file corruption, and we're sick of having to restore a backup every couple of days.
@semmelbroesel - Afraid I'm going to have to ask you to humor us and, if you could, provide us with some specs on these new computers. You may (or may not) be amazed at what we are told are way over the top, nothing to worry about specs that turn out to be under requirements, just borderline, or a graphics card that should be fine but needs a little help in getting there. Processor, RAM, graphics, hard drive, or you could give us a dxdiag or the first 40 lines of DeviceConfig from the TS3 user game folder if you want to be more inclusive.
As for mods, you will see some listed on that page. Having MasterController in place doesn't actually accomplish anything for or do anything to your game just by virtue of its being there, it's more of a control center of commands, although using it to run a Reset Everything from City Hall every few sim weeks is not a bad idea as part of regular game file maintenance. The mods known to be protective and fight against corruption are Overwatch, ErrorTrap, Register, and Traffic. Plus Traveler if you travel your sims to foreign worlds or intend to.
Let us know, either here or back on NRaas, if you have any questions about what we've put together there.
First, I super appreciate the existence of this thread. Second, I am so so sorry for the novel that follows. Third, I would really love to learn to understand what the minidumps tell us, so if anyone knows where I could learn more about that, I would appreciate it a lot!
I've been researching all day and my head is a little swimmy so please forgive me if I'm confusing or babbling or.. something of that nature. And I'm not sure what information should come first, so ... here goes.
The problem I am looking to solve most immediately is this:
While loading my most recent save, the game crashes and I get an error: "The Sims 3 has stopped." Windows tries (and fails) to find a solution.
Sometimes the game loads all the way and I get to see my cranky sims for about 2 seconds before it crashes but usually it doesn't make it that far.
The minidump contained this Exception info that stood out to me but I don't really fully understand it:
[Exception info]
date: 2017-03-25
time: 00.10.41
type: ACCESS_VIOLATION writing address 0xf6af1000
address: 0x00ae4701 "D:\solanaceae\Program Files\Origin\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3.exe":0x0001:0x006e3701
That appears to be telling me (from my limited understanding) that the game is crashing because it can't write to X location BECAUSE TS3.exe is writing to that location. ..which seems kind of circular to me but maybe I understand less than I realize. In any case, the full minidump text is listed at the bottom.
Things I've done (or noticed based on my research):
-Tested other saves/new games: I seem to be able to load older saves (I've tried two or three of my many saves and played for a couple of minutes) and start new games successfully. (I realized I have A LOT of save files, could that be part of the problem?)
I am aware this could be a case of a corrupt save file and I might just be SOL but I really really don't want to assume that's the case. I hope it's okay I'm posting for help anyway. I have done some things to try to solve this and some other things that were just easy to do along the way (like limiting my FPS). Anywhoseit, moving on.
-Done everything on the Master Help Thread that I thought might be remotely related (except uninstall/reinstall, this takes me hours to do because I have crap for internet so I'm putting it off as long as I can)
-Have NOT reset to factory settings because every time I do this, I confuse myself and it turns into a very long tangly mess to unmake (I'm a special kind of disorganized) and since other saves and new games aren't having the problem as far as I can tell, I didn't think this would really help. but I am happy to try it if it is suggested!
-Updated every driver I can find (and restarted computer)
-Deleted cache and temp files (for the game, for IE, for my computer in general)
-Disk cleanup & defrag (or tried, it said everything was fine)
-added my .exe files to DAP.. I think.. I couldn't find any .exe files for the EP/SPs, since patches for EPs are now included in basegame patches, do the EPs have .exes? TS3 is a way more complicated game than I'm used to fiddling around with.
-Double checked system requirements (even though I got this computer specifically for TS3) I've put the most number of hours into this save so... maybe it is becoming too demanding? Does it work that way?.. speaking of long hours...:
-My .nhd files for that save are approaching 200,000kb and I have no idea if that could cause this type of issue. I posted a question about that on another thread so please feel free to ignore if you think it is unrelated to the crashing problem.
-Tried loading into the game without any other programs running
-My game is installed on my secondary drive (D) but it still saves to documents on my primary, (C) (a smallish SSD with ~120GB total) I don't think this has caused any issues?
I am on a PC running Windows 10 (although I noticed the mdmp shows windows vista?). My game is through Origin, patched to 1.69. I have the following EPs and SPs:
Ambitions
Generations
Island Paradise
Late Night
Pets
Seasons
Showtime
Supernatural
World Adventures
70s80s90s Stuff
Diesel Stuff
Fast Lane Stuff
High-End Loft Stuff
Katy Perry Sweet Treats
Master Suite Stuff
Outdoor Living Stuff
Town Life Stuff
The save in question is running (or was) all of them. 'Cause I like to punish my computer I guess.. >.>
Other saves that didn't have this problem as well as new games are also running all of them so I don't think that's the issue.
I have oodles of store content and some exchange content but no mods of any kind (I don't think?)
A week or so ago, I did notice the sudden appearance of some interesting eyes in CAS that look like mods but I don't remember installing them... But I am good at forgetting. I dunno. (Do exchange items/sims/lots count as CC? I save a lot of patterns and re-colored furniture/clothing etc in-game, could that be a problem)?
So (through pastebin) here's the minidump text for my most recently failed attempt to load the save:
@Solanaceae2 - Addressed on the other thread to which you had started posting.
Thank you so much! I didn't expect so much of an answer on the other thread or I would not have made two posts. Which is not to say I didn't think I'd get a useful answer, just that I didn't think it would address so many things. Anyway, just wanted to acknowledge that here as well. Thanks again.
The page you sent me is actually what I found in my previous searches, but there was so much information there that I got overwhelmed and didn't read it all... I will look into the mods you suggested. Hopefully I can figure out how to install them - there is so much conflicting information out there about that, too...
Here's the dxdiag, slightly abbreviated (took out some extra driver data) since the forum wouldn't let me post it all:
The page you sent me is actually what I found in my previous searches, but there was so much information there that I got overwhelmed and didn't read it all... I will look into the mods you suggested. Hopefully I can figure out how to install them - there is so much conflicting information out there about that, too...
Here's the dxdiag, slightly abbreviated (took out some extra driver data) since the forum wouldn't let me post it all:
You're right, the specs on that computer are fine. But I note that the drivers on your Nvidia card are from over two years ago. The 660Ti is a perfectly capable card, but it's not new. There may still be updates available. Paging @phoebebebe13.
Arguably much more important, if you haven't addressed this already, the 660Ti needs to have its frame rate capped or it will run wild, generating fps that your monitor cannot possibly interpret. Your monitor is 60 Hz, so the limit should be 60 fps. TS3, unlike newer games, does not have a built-in frame rate limiter. You can see the frame rates you are actually getting in-game with Ctrl + Shift + C to bring up the cheats console, type fps on (enter). The rate displayed should never wander far above 60. Left uncapped, wild frame rates will cause graphics glitches, screen tears, lag, crashes, and can ultimately burn out your graphics card and damage the system board. To make the fps display go away, cheats console again and fps off (enter).
You also have dual graphics and need to make sure that the game is using Nvidia and not Intel. Using the Nvidia Control Panel and vertical sync should accomplish both at the same time. Be sure to use TS3.exe for Patch 1.69 and TS3w.exe (with the "w") for 1.67 and below. Here is an illustration on how to do this with the Control Panel. If things do not lock in this way, alternative methods are to use Nvidia Inspector or Rivatuner Statistics Server. http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/14991412#Comment_14991412
On mod installation, there really shouldn't be any controversies over that. Here is an illustrated guide to setting up the Framework to work with package based files, and includes a downloadable zipped file of a Mods folder with the required pieces in place and two sample mods for testing. The entire Mods folder, once unzipped, can just be placed into your TS3 user game folder in Documents. http://modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Installing_Sims_3_Package_Files/Setup_and_Files
Anything you find that suggests totally different methods for working with package files, and mods are always package files, might be from before mid-2010. Things did change with the release of Ambitions and Patch 1.12, but that's pretty much ancient history now.
Yes the tips page is dense with information. I would suggest "tackling" one column at a time. Obviously some of the information and suggestions there are not going to be relevant to everyone -- low-end graphics cards, Macs, running low on drive space, etc. wouldn't apply for you. TS3 is a huge beast to tame and get working well even on proper hardware, but it's not impossible. And it's a lot of fun when things come together and work closer to as they should.
I don't remember what version she has, but she has the Steam version, and I read somewhere about an update coming out on Origin only. Do you by any chance know if the Steam version is on the newest update?
I don't remember what version she has, but she has the Steam version, and I read somewhere about an update coming out on Origin only. Do you by any chance know if the Steam version is on the newest update?
The update mentioned would be Patch 1.69. It is only for users who have Origin for Windows installs. For Steam players, the latest patch remains 1.67. There is no gameplay file difference between the two whatsoever except for the internal build numbers, the only purpose of the 1.69 patch is to change the way in which the game starts up and to tie it more tightly to Origin. In other words, she isn't missing anything.
Mods and content designed on either patch level will work on the other. The only exception is Core Mods, and there are only five of them in common usage. NRaas ErrorTrap is one, but we have versions for both patch levels and will continue to support both patches as newer versions of ErrorTrap are produced. http://nraas.wikispaces.com/Patch+1.69
@igazor Do you know how I can clean the rest of CAW stuff (folders, files) if I accidentally deleted the folder? Because installer is still saying there's a version already installed.
@igazor Do you know how I can clean the rest of CAW stuff (folders, files) if I accidentally deleted the folder? Because installer is still saying there's a version already installed.
Little known secret, I have never installed or tried to use CAW. I think I know how to spell it, though...
I'm going to guess maybe CCleaner to clean the registry after what would have been an incomplete uninstall before trying to install it again? https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
Little know secret, I have never installed or tried to use CAW. I think I know how to spell it, though...
I'm going to guess maybe CCleaner to clean the registry after what would have been an incomplete uninstall before trying to install it again?
www.piriform.com/ccleaner
Unfortunately that didn't help, if we look back a couple of posts.
I did try using the VM's XP search to find any more of possible CAW bits, it didn't find anything. But, bit hard to find some files if one doesn't know the specific names.
Guess I might just have to manually poke in the registry if there's no other ideas. I did unplug my external drive in the event that it had a copy somewhere when I launched VM to test/check that, world tool still says there's a version. So, wasn't that.
I do have another idea, but it might not be that either...
I have a weird problem with my saves and I was hoping you could help: I cannot play my saved games anymore, and any new games I save ARE INVISIBLE !
I tried using the back-up file, but my game isn't recognizing anything; no downloads, no saved sims, no saved games... But all the files are still there! (C:/documents/electronic arts/sims 3)
I can only play new games I create, but I can't find their saved location anywhere on my computer! I've tried searching my whole computer for .sims files and the names of my neighborhoods, but it can't find anything!
I have a weird problem with my saves and I was hoping you could help: I cannot play my saved games anymore, and any new games I save ARE INVISIBLE !
I tried using the back-up file, but my game isn't recognizing anything; no downloads, no saved sims, no saved games... But all the files are still there! (C:/documents/electronic arts/sims 3)
I can only play new games I create, but I can't find their saved location anywhere on my computer! I've tried searching my whole computer for .sims files and the names of my neighborhoods, but it can't find anything!
Could someone please help me?
If they are invisible they are bad saves
Documents folder, electronic arts folder, sims 3 folder. In the sims 3 folder is the saves folder. You need to delete any saves with the word bad on the end of them
It's best to use save as option . When you use save it overwrite the old save. If you use save as it will give you a new clean save and you just rename the file. Example with save as if your playing say Moolight falls you can rename them Moonlight Falls 1, 2 3 etc as you use save as so you know which is your newest save. Using save as you can also go back to a previous save if the game messes up. You should not keep more than 10 saves in your launcher at a time. Too many saves in the launcher can cause problems
I don't think @Witneus means "invisible" in quite the same way as we usually do -- that is, not as formally classified hidden files as Windows would call it. I think they mean that their newly created saves are going through and working, but they have no idea where they are now being saved and older saves/content are all being ignored.
This is becoming a common problem. It means you have a second, unwanted TS3 game folder on your computer and the game is now reading/using that one instead. The most common place for this to happen is inside of OneDrive's Documents folder, if you have OneDrive switched on. A bit more rare, but we have also heard of new game folders spawning in the Documents directory of another user on the same computer -- this would tend to not be findable by a file name search as you aren't typically be supposed to see into another user's documents. Even if that "other user" is actually you.
Sorry, but if the game is reading and using only these newer saves, that other game folder has to be there someplace.
Little know secret, I have never installed or tried to use CAW. I think I know how to spell it, though...
I'm going to guess maybe CCleaner to clean the registry after what would have been an incomplete uninstall before trying to install it again?
www.piriform.com/ccleaner
Unfortunately that didn't help, if we look back a couple of posts.
I did try using the VM's XP search to find any more of possible CAW bits, it didn't find anything. But, bit hard to find some files if one doesn't know the specific names.
Guess I might just have to manually poke in the registry if there's no other ideas. I did unplug my external drive in the event that it had a copy somewhere when I launched VM to test/check that, world tool still says there's a version. So, wasn't that.
I do have another idea, but it might not be that either...
Check the Virtual Store there could be a hidden folder for CAW there
If on Win7/Vista Go to your Documents or Libraries look at the upper left corner for Organize click on it look for Folder and Search Options click it look for the View tab click it and tick Show hidden files and folders and then follow this pathway
C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore and see if there is anything in there
I'm just a little bit crazy LOL
Okay actually I'm totally and completely nuts LOL
I don't think @Witneus means "invisible" in quite the same way as we usually do -- that is, not as formally classified hidden files as Windows would call it. I think they mean that their newly created saves are going through and working, but they have no idea where they are now being saved and older saves/content are all being ignored.
This is becoming a common problem. It means you have a second, unwanted TS3 game folder on your computer and the game is now reading/using that one instead. The most common place for this to happen is inside of OneDrive's Documents folder, if you have OneDrive switched on. A bit more rare, but we have also heard of new game folders spawning in the Documents directory of another user on the same computer -- this would tend to not be findable by a file name search as you aren't typically be supposed to see into another user's documents. Even if that "other user" is actually you.
Sorry, but if the game is reading and using only these newer saves, that other game folder has to be there someplace.
I'm glad I don't have windows 10.
I guess wait for them to answer to find out if it's the one drive problem. If they are talking about the pictures (invisible) missing from their saves in the launcher than those saves are bad.
I will be doing a lot of packing and moving today and may not be on the forum until tomorrow of Saturday.
Hello Simmers!
I need some help... I'm thinking of buying a gaming laptop (basically to play the Sims 3) Something that can handle the game with all the SP's EP's Worlds and store stuff, I only use some of NRaas mods and no other type.
I looked around for the best laptop to play sims and ASUS ROG G750JM-DS71 was recommended. But the post was from 2014 so I looked into this laptop and I found another version which seems to me to be more up to date.. sadly I forgot to take the details but it was an ASUS ROG G752....etc could try to find it again, I did take a note of the graphics card: NVidia Pascal GTX1060.
Would this laptop meet my requirements? I did not check the CPU which is important.. right? (yes it's your lucky day.. computer dummy posting question!)
Hello Simmers!
I need some help... I'm thinking of buying a gaming laptop (basically to play the Sims 3) Something that can handle the game with all the SP's EP's Worlds and store stuff, I only use some of NRaas mods and no other type.
I looked around for the best laptop to play sims and ASUS ROG G750JM-DS71 was recommended. But the post was from 2014 so I looked into this laptop and I found another version which seems to me to be more up to date.. sadly I forgot to take the details but it was an ASUS ROG G752....etc could try to find it again, I did take a note of the graphics card: NVidia Pascal GTX1060.
Would this laptop meet my requirements? I did not check the CPU which is important.. right? (yes it's your lucky day.. computer dummy posting question!)
Yes it would meet requirements. If the model your looking at comes with a GTX 1060 it will also have a new i7 skylake quad core processor which is fine. Does it have two hard drives? If so how much hard drive space is on the ssd hard drive? If under 250 gb you will need to install the game on the second hard drive. Ideal would be to have a laptop with a 500 gb ssd and a 1tb hdd hard drive. Even 250 gb gets used up quickly. This game loads much quicker on an ssd hard drive
You may also be able to go with a custom laptop. What is your budget and country?
Country: England, budget I would prefer it no more than £1500.00
I think it definitely has 1tb hdd drive but not sure about the two hard drives.. something to look into.
Thank you so much phoebebebe13, and have you got any suggestions for something else? so far this is the only one that seems to have caught my attention, as it has a big screen and I like that, no need for a magnifying glass to see my sims. He he.
Comments
Tried that. A bit too used too the mac side with moving into trash then emptying to delete(/uninstall)… oopsie.
still, have looked for potential possible left over file bits...
Is there something like a "best practices" thread somewhere that explains how to best run Sims 3 with Expansions that prevents issues like save file corruption, loading times increasing to ridiculous amounts, characters disappearing, etc.?
I have read about some Mods that are supposed to help, and we tried a couple that were recommended (one was called Master something - it's been a while, sorry), but it hasn't helped specifically with the save file corruption, and we're sick of having to restore a backup every couple of days.
Any advice?
Thanks!
As for this comprehensive list of best practices, I like to think what we have compiled at NRaas, back where you got this MasterSomething thing, comes pretty close.
http://nraas.wikispaces.com/Tips+For+Better+Game+Performance
As for mods, you will see some listed on that page. Having MasterController in place doesn't actually accomplish anything for or do anything to your game just by virtue of its being there, it's more of a control center of commands, although using it to run a Reset Everything from City Hall every few sim weeks is not a bad idea as part of regular game file maintenance. The mods known to be protective and fight against corruption are Overwatch, ErrorTrap, Register, and Traffic. Plus Traveler if you travel your sims to foreign worlds or intend to.
Let us know, either here or back on NRaas, if you have any questions about what we've put together there.
NRaas has moved!
Our new site is at http://nraas.net
I've been researching all day and my head is a little swimmy so please forgive me if I'm confusing or babbling or.. something of that nature. And I'm not sure what information should come first, so ... here goes.
The problem I am looking to solve most immediately is this:
While loading my most recent save, the game crashes and I get an error: "The Sims 3 has stopped." Windows tries (and fails) to find a solution.
Sometimes the game loads all the way and I get to see my cranky sims for about 2 seconds before it crashes but usually it doesn't make it that far.
The minidump contained this Exception info that stood out to me but I don't really fully understand it:
[Exception info]
date: 2017-03-25
time: 00.10.41
type: ACCESS_VIOLATION writing address 0xf6af1000
address: 0x00ae4701 "D:\solanaceae\Program Files\Origin\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3.exe":0x0001:0x006e3701
That appears to be telling me (from my limited understanding) that the game is crashing because it can't write to X location BECAUSE TS3.exe is writing to that location. ..which seems kind of circular to me but maybe I understand less than I realize. In any case, the full minidump text is listed at the bottom.
Things I've done (or noticed based on my research):
-Tested other saves/new games: I seem to be able to load older saves (I've tried two or three of my many saves and played for a couple of minutes) and start new games successfully. (I realized I have A LOT of save files, could that be part of the problem?)
I am aware this could be a case of a corrupt save file and I might just be SOL but I really really don't want to assume that's the case. I hope it's okay I'm posting for help anyway. I have done some things to try to solve this and some other things that were just easy to do along the way (like limiting my FPS). Anywhoseit, moving on.
-Done everything on the Master Help Thread that I thought might be remotely related (except uninstall/reinstall, this takes me hours to do because I have crap for internet so I'm putting it off as long as I can)
-Have NOT reset to factory settings because every time I do this, I confuse myself and it turns into a very long tangly mess to unmake (I'm a special kind of disorganized) and since other saves and new games aren't having the problem as far as I can tell, I didn't think this would really help. but I am happy to try it if it is suggested!
-Updated every driver I can find (and restarted computer)
-Deleted cache and temp files (for the game, for IE, for my computer in general)
-Disk cleanup & defrag (or tried, it said everything was fine)
-added my .exe files to DAP.. I think.. I couldn't find any .exe files for the EP/SPs, since patches for EPs are now included in basegame patches, do the EPs have .exes? TS3 is a way more complicated game than I'm used to fiddling around with.
-Double checked system requirements (even though I got this computer specifically for TS3) I've put the most number of hours into this save so... maybe it is becoming too demanding? Does it work that way?.. speaking of long hours...:
-My .nhd files for that save are approaching 200,000kb and I have no idea if that could cause this type of issue. I posted a question about that on another thread so please feel free to ignore if you think it is unrelated to the crashing problem.
-Tried loading into the game without any other programs running
-My game is installed on my secondary drive (D) but it still saves to documents on my primary, (C) (a smallish SSD with ~120GB total) I don't think this has caused any issues?
I am on a PC running Windows 10 (although I noticed the mdmp shows windows vista?). My game is through Origin, patched to 1.69. I have the following EPs and SPs:
Ambitions
Generations
Island Paradise
Late Night
Pets
Seasons
Showtime
Supernatural
World Adventures
70s80s90s Stuff
Diesel Stuff
Fast Lane Stuff
High-End Loft Stuff
Katy Perry Sweet Treats
Master Suite Stuff
Outdoor Living Stuff
Town Life Stuff
The save in question is running (or was) all of them. 'Cause I like to punish my computer I guess.. >.>
Other saves that didn't have this problem as well as new games are also running all of them so I don't think that's the issue.
I have oodles of store content and some exchange content but no mods of any kind (I don't think?)
A week or so ago, I did notice the sudden appearance of some interesting eyes in CAS that look like mods but I don't remember installing them... But I am good at forgetting. I dunno. (Do exchange items/sims/lots count as CC? I save a lot of patterns and re-colored furniture/clothing etc in-game, could that be a problem)?
So (through pastebin) here's the minidump text for my most recently failed attempt to load the save:
minidump
and dxdiag just in case
dxdiag
I hope I did that right. I've never used pastebin before.
Anyway. Thank you for everything. Sorry for the super long post. Have a good night.
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/15640228/#Comment_15640228
NRaas has moved!
Our new site is at http://nraas.net
Thank you so much! I didn't expect so much of an answer on the other thread or I would not have made two posts. Which is not to say I didn't think I'd get a useful answer, just that I didn't think it would address so many things. Anyway, just wanted to acknowledge that here as well. Thanks again.
The page you sent me is actually what I found in my previous searches, but there was so much information there that I got overwhelmed and didn't read it all... I will look into the mods you suggested. Hopefully I can figure out how to install them - there is so much conflicting information out there about that, too...
Here's the dxdiag, slightly abbreviated (took out some extra driver data) since the forum wouldn't let me post it all:
------------------ System Information ------------------ Time of this report: 3/27/2017, 08:26:47 Machine name: [...] Operating System: Windows 8 64-bit (6.2, Build 9200) (9200.win8_gdr.130531-1504) Language: English (Regional Setting: English) System Manufacturer: To Be Filled By O.E.M. System Model: To Be Filled By O.E.M. BIOS: BIOS Date: 10/31/12 21:41:41 Ver: 04.06.05 Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (8 CPUs), ~3.5GHz Memory: 32768MB RAM Available OS Memory: 32650MB RAM Page File: 35915MB used, 6974MB available Windows Dir: C:\Windows DirectX Version: DirectX 11 DX Setup Parameters: Not found User DPI Setting: Using System DPI System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent) DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled DxDiag Version: 6.02.9200.16384 64bit Unicode ------------ DxDiag Notes ------------ Display Tab 1: No problems found. Sound Tab 1: No problems found. Sound Tab 2: No problems found. Input Tab: No problems found. -------------------- DirectX Debug Levels -------------------- Direct3D: 0/4 (retail) DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail) DirectInput: 0/5 (retail) DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail) DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail) DirectSound: 0/5 (retail) DirectShow: 0/6 (retail) --------------- Display Devices --------------- Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti Manufacturer: NVIDIA Chip type: GeForce GTX 660 Ti DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC Device Type: Full Device Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_1183&SUBSYS_28431462&REV_A1 Display Memory: 4038 MB Dedicated Memory: 1989 MB Shared Memory: 2048 MB Current Mode: 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) (60Hz) Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor Monitor Model: K222HQL Monitor Id: ACR03E1 Native Mode: 1920 x 1080(p) (60.000Hz) Output Type: DVI Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvd3dum,nvwgf2um,nvwgf2um Driver File Version: 9.18.0013.4752 (English) Driver Version: 9.18.13.4752 DDI Version: 11 Feature Levels: 11.0,10.1,10.0,9.3,9.2,9.1 Driver Model: WDDM 1.2 Graphics Preemption: DMA Compute Preemption: DMA Driver Attributes: Final Retail Driver Date/Size: 2/5/2015 16:01:44, 17253848 bytes WHQL Logo'd: Yes WHQL Date Stamp: Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-52C3-11CF-4265-4E081CC2C435} Vendor ID: 0x10DE Device ID: 0x1183 SubSys ID: 0x28431462 Revision ID: 0x00A1 Driver Strong Name: oem31.inf:0f066de34a948e92:Section036:9.18.13.4752:pci\ven_10de&dev_1183 Rank Of Driver: 00E02001 Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C ModeVC1_C ModeWMV9_C DXVA2 Modes: DXVA2_ModeMPEG2_IDCT DXVA2_ModeMPEG2_VLD DXVA2_ModeVC1_VLD DXVA2_ModeVC1_IDCT DXVA2_ModeWMV9_IDCT DXVA2_ModeH264_VLD_NoFGT [.....] D3D9 Overlay: Supported DXVA-HD: Supported DDraw Status: Enabled D3D Status: Enabled AGP Status: Enabled ------------- Sound Devices ------------- Description: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio) Default Sound Playback: Yes Default Voice Playback: Yes Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0899&SUBSYS_18491898&REV_1000 Manufacturer ID: 1 Product ID: 100 Type: WDM Driver Name: RTKVHD64.sys Driver Version: 6.00.0001.6699 (English) Driver Attributes: Final Retail WHQL Logo'd: Yes Date and Size: 8/7/2012 18:51:00, 4102928 bytes Other Files: Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp. HW Accel Level: Basic Cap Flags: 0xF1F Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000 Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0 HW Memory: 0 Voice Management: No EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No Description: Realtek Digital Output (Realtek High Definition Audio) Default Sound Playback: No Default Voice Playback: No Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0899&SUBSYS_18491898&REV_1000 Manufacturer ID: 1 Product ID: 100 Type: WDM Driver Name: RTKVHD64.sys Driver Version: 6.00.0001.6699 (English) Driver Attributes: Final Retail WHQL Logo'd: Yes Date and Size: 8/7/2012 18:51:00, 4102928 bytes Other Files: Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp. HW Accel Level: Basic Cap Flags: 0xF1F Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000 Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0 HW Memory: 0 Voice Management: No EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No --------------------- Sound Capture Devices --------------------- Description: Microphone (Realtek High Definition Audio) Default Sound Capture: Yes Default Voice Capture: Yes Driver Name: RTKVHD64.sys Driver Version: 6.00.0001.6699 (English) Driver Attributes: Final Retail Date and Size: 8/7/2012 18:51:00, 4102928 bytes Cap Flags: 0x1 Format Flags: 0xFFFFF Description: FrontMic (Realtek High Definition Audio) Default Sound Capture: No Default Voice Capture: No Driver Name: RTKVHD64.sys Driver Version: 6.00.0001.6699 (English) Driver Attributes: Final Retail Date and Size: 8/7/2012 18:51:00, 4102928 bytes Cap Flags: 0x1 Format Flags: 0xFFFFF ------------------- DirectInput Devices ------------------- Device Name: Mouse Attached: 1 Controller ID: n/a Vendor/Product ID: n/a FF Driver: n/a Device Name: Keyboard Attached: 1 Controller ID: n/a Vendor/Product ID: n/a FF Driver: n/a Device Name: USB Receiver Attached: 1 Controller ID: 0x0 Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B FF Driver: n/a Device Name: USB Receiver Attached: 1 Controller ID: 0x0 Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B FF Driver: n/a Device Name: USB Receiver Attached: 1 Controller ID: 0x0 Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B FF Driver: n/a Device Name: USB Receiver Attached: 1 Controller ID: 0x0 Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B FF Driver: n/a Device Name: USB Receiver Attached: 1 Controller ID: 0x0 Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B FF Driver: n/a Device Name: USB Receiver Attached: 1 Controller ID: 0x0 Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B FF Driver: n/a Poll w/ Interrupt: No ----------- USB Devices ----------- + USB Root Hub | Vendor/Product ID: 0x8086, 0x1E2D | Matching Device ID: USB\ROOT_HUB20 | Service: usbhub | Driver: usbhub.sys, 6/30/2013 20:42:09, 623448 bytes | Driver: usbd.sys, 6/30/2013 20:42:09, 21848 bytes | +-+ Generic USB Hub | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x8087, 0x0024 | | Location: Port_#0001.Hub_#0001 | | Matching Device ID: USB\Class_09 | | Service: usbhub | | Driver: usbhub.sys, 6/30/2013 20:42:09, 623448 bytes | | Driver: usbd.sys, 6/30/2013 20:42:09, 21848 bytes ---------------- Gameport Devices ---------------- ------------ PS/2 Devices ------------ + HID Keyboard Device | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B | Matching Device ID: HID_DEVICE_SYSTEM_KEYBOARD | Service: kbdhid | Driver: kbdhid.sys, 7/25/2012 21:28:49, 29184 bytes | Driver: kbdclass.sys, 7/26/2012 00:00:52, 48368 bytes | + Logitech USB WheelMouse | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC00C | Matching Device ID: HID\VID_046D&PID_C00C | Service: mouhid | Driver: mouhid.sys, 3/1/2013 21:15:53, 26112 bytes | Driver: mouclass.sys, 7/26/2012 00:00:55, 45808 bytes | + HID-compliant mouse | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC52B | Matching Device ID: HID_DEVICE_SYSTEM_MOUSE | Service: mouhid | Driver: mouhid.sys, 3/1/2013 21:15:53, 26112 bytes | Driver: mouclass.sys, 7/26/2012 00:00:55, 45808 bytes ------------------------ Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives ------------------------ Drive: C: Free Space: 419.5 GB Total Space: 572.0 GB File System: NTFS Model: WDC WD6000HLHX-01JJPV0 Drive: D: Free Space: 2455.3 GB Total Space: 2861.5 GB File System: NTFS Model: ST3000DM001-1CH166 Drive: U: Free Space: 2368.1 GB Total Space: 2861.5 GB File System: NTFS Model: ST3000DM001-1CH166 Drive: V: Free Space: 10.0 GB Total Space: 20.5 GB File System: exFAT Model: ASRock RAM Disk SCSI Disk Device Drive: G: Model: ZWVQ DERG9YBSTQB SCSI CdRom Device Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 6.02.9200.16384 (English), 7/25/2012 21:26:36, 174080 bytes Drive: E: Model: ATAPI iHAS224 B Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 6.02.9200.16384 (English), 7/25/2012 21:26:36, 174080 bytes -------------- System Devices -------------- Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 1E2D Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E2D&SUBSYS_1E2D1849&REV_04\3&11583659&0&D0 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbehci.sys, 6.02.9200.16654 (English), 6/30/2013 20:42:09, 79192 bytes Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 6.02.9200.16654 (English), 6/30/2013 20:42:09, 498008 bytes Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 6.02.9200.16654 (English), 6/30/2013 20:42:09, 623448 bytes Name: AAUANN1M IDE Controller Device ID: PCI\VEN_1103&DEV_2340&SUBSYS_F96AA11D&REV_01\4&5D18F2DF&0 Driver: n/a Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 1E26 Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E26&SUBSYS_1E261849&REV_04\3&11583659&0&E8 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbehci.sys, 6.02.9200.16654 (English), 6/30/2013 20:42:09, 79192 bytes Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 6.02.9200.16654 (English), 6/30/2013 20:42:09, 498008 bytes Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 6.02.9200.16654 (English), 6/30/2013 20:42:09, 623448 bytes Name: High Definition Audio Controller Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E20&SUBSYS_18981849&REV_04\3&11583659&0&D8 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\hdaudbus.sys, 6.02.9200.16420 (English), 9/20/2012 01:08:44, 71168 bytes Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family SMBus Host Controller - 1E22 Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E22&SUBSYS_1E221849&REV_04\3&11583659&0&FB Driver: n/a Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 5 - 1E18 Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E18&SUBSYS_1E181849&REV_C4\3&11583659&0&E4 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.02.9200.16384 (English), 7/26/2012 00:00:55, 234224 bytes Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 4 - 1E16 Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E16&SUBSYS_1E161849&REV_C4\3&11583659&0&E3 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.02.9200.16384 (English), 7/26/2012 00:00:55, 234224 bytes Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 1 - 1E10 Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E10&SUBSYS_1E101849&REV_C4\3&11583659&0&E0 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.02.9200.16384 (English), 7/26/2012 00:00:55, 234224 bytes Name: Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000 Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0162&SUBSYS_01621849&REV_09\3&11583659&0&10 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\igdkmd64.sys, 10.18.0010.3412 (English), 1/25/2014 02:22:44, 4221440 bytes [.....] Name: Xeon(R) processor E3-1200 v2/3rd Gen Core processor PCI Express Root Port - 0151 Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0151&SUBSYS_01511849&REV_09\3&11583659&0&08 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.02.9200.16384 (English), 7/26/2012 00:00:55, 234224 bytes Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family SATA AHCI Controller Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E02&SUBSYS_1E021849&REV_04\3&11583659&0&FA Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\iaStorA.sys, 11.07.0000.1013 (English), 11/19/2012 12:10:38, 652344 bytes Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge Device ID: PCI\VEN_1B21&DEV_1080&SUBSYS_10801849&REV_03\4&C7A4F95&0&00E5 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.02.9200.16384 (English), 7/26/2012 00:00:55, 234224 bytes Name: High Definition Audio Controller Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0E0A&SUBSYS_28431462&REV_A1\4&15001D53&0&0108 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\hdaudbus.sys, 6.02.9200.16420 (English), 9/20/2012 01:08:44, 71168 bytes Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 8 - 1E1E Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E1E&SUBSYS_1E1E1849&REV_C4\3&11583659&0&E7 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.02.9200.16384 (English), 7/26/2012 00:00:55, 234224 bytes Name: Broadcom NetLink (TM) Gigabit Ethernet Device ID: PCI\VEN_14E4&DEV_16B1&SUBSYS_96B11849&REV_10\4&2B8260C3&0&00E4 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\k57nd60a.sys, 15.04.0000.0009 (English), 8/25/2012 22:11:34, 433976 bytes Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 6 - 1E1A Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E1A&SUBSYS_1E1A1849&REV_C4\3&11583659&0&E5 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.02.9200.16384 (English), 7/26/2012 00:00:55, 234224 bytes Name: Intel(R) Z77 Express Chipset LPC Controller - 1E44 Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E44&SUBSYS_1E441849&REV_04\3&11583659&0&F8 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\msisadrv.sys, 6.02.9200.16384 (English), 7/26/2012 00:00:55, 17136 bytes Name: ASMedia XHCI Controller Device ID: PCI\VEN_1B21&DEV_1042&SUBSYS_10421849&REV_00\4&37A73C8A&0&00E7 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\asmtxhci.sys, 1.16.0002.0000 (English), 8/20/2012 10:38:12, 416072 bytes Name: Asmedia 106x SATA Controller Device ID: PCI\VEN_1B21&DEV_0612&SUBSYS_06121849&REV_01\4&33B94F4C&0&00E3 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\asahci64.sys, 1.03.0008.0000 (English), 7/18/2012 11:29:46, 49048 bytes Driver: C:\Windows\system32\ahcipp64.dll, 1.00.0000.0001 (English), 7/8/2011 21:29:04, 48736 bytes Name: Intel(R) Management Engine Interface Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E3A&SUBSYS_1E3A1849&REV_04\3&11583659&0&B0 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\HECIx64.sys, 9.00.0000.1287 (English), 1/11/2013 21:02:34, 64624 bytes Name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_1183&SUBSYS_28431462&REV_A1\4&15001D53&0&0008 Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\Drs\dbInstaller.exe, 9.18.0013.4752 (English), 2/5/2015 16:01:44, 447304 bytes [.....] Name: Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller - 0100 (Microsoft) Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E31&SUBSYS_1E311849&REV_04\3&11583659&0&A0 Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\UCX01000.SYS, 6.02.9200.16656 (English), 7/1/2013 20:41:47, 213336 bytes Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\USBXHCI.SYS, 6.02.9200.16654 (English), 7/1/2013 20:41:47, 337752 bytes Name: Xeon(R) processor E3-1200 v2/3rd Gen Core processor DRAM Controller - 0150 Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0150&SUBSYS_01501849&REV_09\3&11583659&0&00 Driver: n/aArguably much more important, if you haven't addressed this already, the 660Ti needs to have its frame rate capped or it will run wild, generating fps that your monitor cannot possibly interpret. Your monitor is 60 Hz, so the limit should be 60 fps. TS3, unlike newer games, does not have a built-in frame rate limiter. You can see the frame rates you are actually getting in-game with Ctrl + Shift + C to bring up the cheats console, type fps on (enter). The rate displayed should never wander far above 60. Left uncapped, wild frame rates will cause graphics glitches, screen tears, lag, crashes, and can ultimately burn out your graphics card and damage the system board. To make the fps display go away, cheats console again and fps off (enter).
You also have dual graphics and need to make sure that the game is using Nvidia and not Intel. Using the Nvidia Control Panel and vertical sync should accomplish both at the same time. Be sure to use TS3.exe for Patch 1.69 and TS3w.exe (with the "w") for 1.67 and below. Here is an illustration on how to do this with the Control Panel. If things do not lock in this way, alternative methods are to use Nvidia Inspector or Rivatuner Statistics Server.
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/14991412#Comment_14991412
On mod installation, there really shouldn't be any controversies over that. Here is an illustrated guide to setting up the Framework to work with package based files, and includes a downloadable zipped file of a Mods folder with the required pieces in place and two sample mods for testing. The entire Mods folder, once unzipped, can just be placed into your TS3 user game folder in Documents.
http://modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Installing_Sims_3_Package_Files/Setup_and_Files
Anything you find that suggests totally different methods for working with package files, and mods are always package files, might be from before mid-2010. Things did change with the release of Ambitions and Patch 1.12, but that's pretty much ancient history now.
Yes the tips page is dense with information. I would suggest "tackling" one column at a time. Obviously some of the information and suggestions there are not going to be relevant to everyone -- low-end graphics cards, Macs, running low on drive space, etc. wouldn't apply for you. TS3 is a huge beast to tame and get working well even on proper hardware, but it's not impossible. And it's a lot of fun when things come together and work closer to as they should.
NRaas has moved!
Our new site is at http://nraas.net
I'll try to implement as many of your suggestions as I can.
Thanks so much!
I don't remember what version she has, but she has the Steam version, and I read somewhere about an update coming out on Origin only. Do you by any chance know if the Steam version is on the newest update?
Mods and content designed on either patch level will work on the other. The only exception is Core Mods, and there are only five of them in common usage. NRaas ErrorTrap is one, but we have versions for both patch levels and will continue to support both patches as newer versions of ErrorTrap are produced.
http://nraas.wikispaces.com/Patch+1.69
NRaas has moved!
Our new site is at http://nraas.net
I'm going to guess maybe CCleaner to clean the registry after what would have been an incomplete uninstall before trying to install it again?
https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
NRaas has moved!
Our new site is at http://nraas.net
Unfortunately that didn't help, if we look back a couple of posts.
I did try using the VM's XP search to find any more of possible CAW bits, it didn't find anything. But, bit hard to find some files if one doesn't know the specific names.
Guess I might just have to manually poke in the registry if there's no other ideas. I did unplug my external drive in the event that it had a copy somewhere when I launched VM to test/check that, world tool still says there's a version. So, wasn't that.
I do have another idea, but it might not be that either...
I have a weird problem with my saves and I was hoping you could help: I cannot play my saved games anymore, and any new games I save ARE INVISIBLE !
I tried using the back-up file, but my game isn't recognizing anything; no downloads, no saved sims, no saved games... But all the files are still there! (C:/documents/electronic arts/sims 3)
I can only play new games I create, but I can't find their saved location anywhere on my computer! I've tried searching my whole computer for .sims files and the names of my neighborhoods, but it can't find anything!
Could someone please help me?
If they are invisible they are bad saves
Documents folder, electronic arts folder, sims 3 folder. In the sims 3 folder is the saves folder. You need to delete any saves with the word bad on the end of them
It's best to use save as option . When you use save it overwrite the old save. If you use save as it will give you a new clean save and you just rename the file. Example with save as if your playing say Moolight falls you can rename them Moonlight Falls 1, 2 3 etc as you use save as so you know which is your newest save. Using save as you can also go back to a previous save if the game messes up. You should not keep more than 10 saves in your launcher at a time. Too many saves in the launcher can cause problems
This is becoming a common problem. It means you have a second, unwanted TS3 game folder on your computer and the game is now reading/using that one instead. The most common place for this to happen is inside of OneDrive's Documents folder, if you have OneDrive switched on. A bit more rare, but we have also heard of new game folders spawning in the Documents directory of another user on the same computer -- this would tend to not be findable by a file name search as you aren't typically be supposed to see into another user's documents. Even if that "other user" is actually you.
Sorry, but if the game is reading and using only these newer saves, that other game folder has to be there someplace.
NRaas has moved!
Our new site is at http://nraas.net
Check the Virtual Store there could be a hidden folder for CAW there
If on Win7/Vista Go to your Documents or Libraries look at the upper left corner for Organize click on it look for Folder and Search Options click it look for the View tab click it and tick Show hidden files and folders and then follow this pathway
C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore and see if there is anything in there
Okay actually I'm totally and completely nuts LOL
I'm glad I don't have windows 10.
I guess wait for them to answer to find out if it's the one drive problem. If they are talking about the pictures (invisible) missing from their saves in the launcher than those saves are bad.
I will be doing a lot of packing and moving today and may not be on the forum until tomorrow of Saturday.
I need some help... I'm thinking of buying a gaming laptop (basically to play the Sims 3) Something that can handle the game with all the SP's EP's Worlds and store stuff, I only use some of NRaas mods and no other type.
I looked around for the best laptop to play sims and ASUS ROG G750JM-DS71 was recommended. But the post was from 2014 so I looked into this laptop and I found another version which seems to me to be more up to date.. sadly I forgot to take the details but it was an ASUS ROG G752....etc could try to find it again, I did take a note of the graphics card: NVidia Pascal GTX1060.
Would this laptop meet my requirements? I did not check the CPU which is important.. right? (yes it's your lucky day.. computer dummy posting question!)
Yes it would meet requirements. If the model your looking at comes with a GTX 1060 it will also have a new i7 skylake quad core processor which is fine. Does it have two hard drives? If so how much hard drive space is on the ssd hard drive? If under 250 gb you will need to install the game on the second hard drive. Ideal would be to have a laptop with a 500 gb ssd and a 1tb hdd hard drive. Even 250 gb gets used up quickly. This game loads much quicker on an ssd hard drive
You may also be able to go with a custom laptop. What is your budget and country?
I think it definitely has 1tb hdd drive but not sure about the two hard drives.. something to look into.
Thank you so much phoebebebe13, and have you got any suggestions for something else? so far this is the only one that seems to have caught my attention, as it has a big screen and I like that, no need for a magnifying glass to see my sims. He he.