Game Help:Data Execution Prevention/TS3W

As of 1.21 and newer, The Sims 3, all expansions, and all stuff packs use the same executable: TS3W.exe in The Sims 3 directory. This is the only executable that must be added to the DEP list to take care of DEP crashes.

Windows XP, Server 2003

1. Open System Properties.
   • Go to Start.
   • Then Settings.
   • Then Control Panel.
   • Then open System.
2. Click on the Advanced tab.
3. Click on the Settings button for Performance.
4. Click on the Data Execution Prevention tab.
5. Check "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select:"
6. Click on Add and browse to TS3W.exe under...
   • 32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin
   • 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin
7. Click OK.
8. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Windows Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008

1. Open System Properties.
   

   
   • Go to Start.
   • Then Control Panel.
   • Then open System.
   • Click Advanced System Settings. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
     
2. Under Performance, click Settings.
   

   
   
   
3. Click the Data Execution Prevention tab, and then click Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select.
   

   
   
   
4. Click on Add and browse to TS3W.exe under C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin
   

   
   
   
5. Click OK.
6. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
   

In case of trouble

1. Open the Command Prompt with administrative rights.
   • Open Start.
   • Open Programs.
   • Open Acessories.
   • Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
2. Type the following and hit enter: bcdedit /deletevalue nx
3. Close the command prompt and restart your computer.