Solved: Whenever I try to move in my household, the screen that's supposed to have the worlds is just blank. Earlier I was having problems with error.
When I switched over to Windows 10, I was so upset that I couldn’t get the game to run smoothly. My graphics were flashing pink or blue, and I would crash every time I tried to take my Sim to a different lot.
If you’re having the same problem, it’s an easy fix! You just need to install the 4GB patch.
Increasing Available Memory
A windows update in late 2017 or early 2018 caused this bug to start happening to everyone playing The Sims 2. But the good news is it isn’t hard to fix.
The Sims 2 is an old game and it only uses 2GB of your available memory. You need a special patch for the game to access 4GB in Windows 10. When installed properly, you won’t run out of memory while you play and your game won’t crash and your graphics won’t flash pink anymore.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your game running again with no crashes and no flashing graphics.
Step 1: Inspect Your Config Log
First, I’ll show you how to make sure this is what’s causing your problem. And when we’re done, I’ll show you how to make sure it really worked.
Open up your Documents folder and navigate to the following path:
Documents > EA Games > The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection > Logs
NOTE: If you don’t have the UC, the path will be the same. It will just say “The Sims 2” only instead of “The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection.”
Find the log file that looks like the one above. It will be the name of your computer followed by -config-log.
Open the file. It will look like this:
Look for the rows that say “Memory” and “Free Memory.” If your game is only using 2GB, it will say 2048 here instead of 4096.
NOTE: I have already installed the patch in my game, so that’s why the memory shows 4096 in this screenshot.
If your log file says 2048 MB, installing the 4GB patch will fix the problem. Congratulations! Let’s fix it!
Step 2: Download the 4GB Patch
Visit the NTCORE website to download the 4GB patch.
Unzip the .exe file onto your desktop or anywhere you like. You can delete it after you install the patch, so it doesn’t really matter.
Step 3: Install the Patch
Now pay attention, because you have to install it properly or it won’t work.
Double click on the .exe file after you download and unzip it.
Your file explorer will then open up. Navigate to the following location:
Windows (C:) > Program Files (x86) > Origin Games > The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection > Fun with Pets > SP9 > TSBin
If you have the disc version of the game instead of the UC, navigate to this location:
Windows (C:) > Program Files (x86) > EA Games > The Sims 2 Mansion and Garden Stuff > TSBin
NOTE: If you don’t have Mansion and Garden Stuff, navigate to the TSBin of the most recent expansion pack you have.
Select the .exe of your game in this folder, and then click “Open.” You should get a pop-up that looks like this:
Click OK and the box will disappear.
A backup .exe file should have been created in your TSBin folder. That’s normal, so don’t worry about it. This means your game is successfully patched.
Step 4: Make Sure it Worked
Load your game and allow it to load to the neighborhood selection screen (at least). This will update your config log.
Close your game and return to your desktop.
Open up your config log from your documents folder again (as in step 1). It should now say 4096 in the memory line.
Congratulations! The Sims 2 will now run on Windows 10 and your days of crashing and flashing pink graphics are over.
Troubleshooting
If you’re still having issues after applying the patch, there are a few more things you can try. The Sims 2 is picky with modern graphics cards.
The 4GB Patch Won’t Apply (Memory Does Not Change in Log)
Recently a Patron of mine was having trouble getting the 4GB patch to apply. We tried literally everything I could think of and her memory would not change in the Config Log. I have had several comments and emails about this too.
Here’s how we fixed it and got her playing right away.
Drag the .exe file from your TS Bin to your desktop and apply the 4GB patch there. Check your log file to make sure it applied. Your memory should be updated. Then you can use the shortcut you just created on your desktop by dragging it there to play the game.
Moving the .Exe File – DISC VERSION ONLY!
If you have the disc version of the game, it might be necessary to move the .exe file to another folder. I have no idea why this is necessary for some computers and not others. If nothing else works, try this!
Make a backup of your folders before you do this in case you screw something up. I warned you. Also, please note if you have the Ultimate Collection this will not work for you!
The patch will automatically apply to the TSBin. Cut and paste the Sims2EP9.exe file into the CSBin.
The CSBin directory is shown above. If this doesn’t work for you, move the .exe file back into TSBin (or restore from backup) and try something else.
Graphics Rules Maker
Everyone using Windows 10 to play The Sims 2 should use the graphics rules maker.
Use the graphics rules maker to play The Sims 2 on Windows 10.
This program is easy to install and makes “rules” for the game to follow so that it recognizes your graphics card. This will allow you to play in 1920 x 1080 resolution and make your game look the best it possibly can. See the creator’s website for further instructions. Make sure to read everything to ensure your settings are correct.
Direct X 9.0 Error After Using Graphics Rules Maker
If you get a Direct X or Access Violation error trying to run your game after using Graphics Rules Maker, you need to download a separate fix.
There’s one version for UC and one version for discs. There are fixes available for both Nvidia and Radeon graphics cards. Read the instructions carefully before installing.
My Game Won’t Start
If you’re game doesn’t start at all after applying the patch and using the graphics rules maker, you most likely need to delete your cache files. Navigate to:
C:UsersCindyDocumentsEA GamesThe Sims™ 2 Ultimate Collection
You will see two files in this folder at the very bottom:
- Accessory.cache
- Groups.cache
Delete both of them and start your game again. Don’t worry! This is completely safe and your game will generate new cache files after you start it up.
To prevent having to do this again, see the instructions here for making your cache files read-only. You will never have to delete them again. If you don’t do this, you may have to delete the files again the next time your game doesn’t start. No big deal, but a little annoying.
If I find more information that might help, I will add it to this article in the future. If these fixes work for you (or if you have any problems), leave a comment below and let me know!
I opened up the Sims 2 PCCD Box, and input Disk 1 into the drive. I Chose English, chose my directory, and put in my registration code. The installation continued, and i proceeded to put in disks 2-4 when prompted. After the installation was completed, I chose to play the game (from the menu providing options to view the read me, play game, etc etc). I chose play game, and it told me to put in disk 1. I did, and i got that blank message window.
I went online looking for any sort of vista patch. I found the CD patch at http://thesims2.ea.com/update/ . I downloaded it, and ran it, in both the original directory of downloading, and in the directory in which the Game was installed. Both times it told me the game was up to date.
I attempted to run again and it gave me this error.
I attempted to change the compatability properties to XP and run as administrator, and it resulted in the same way.
I have tested this on my sisters computer, which is running XP, and it installs and runs without any problems at all.
Summary: I installed, and the game returns this error without any previous manipulation or playing of any sort.
Thank you for any feedback
I have done no custom content