Game Help:Game Problem-Test Without User Files

Game Problem - Test Without User Files

Once you have backed up your user files, it's time to load the game to test whether the problem is still there without them.

Run the Game

Start up the game by double-clicking on the icon on your Desktop, or put the disk in and let it autostart - just load it up as normal.

A new My Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2 folder and all of its subfolders and default data will be generated, so it may take quite a bit of time for it to load, and the window may stop responding. Be patient and don't worry - even on good computers this can take 15 or 20 minutes for it to generate new, clean user data folders.

Recreate the Problem

Once the game is fully loaded, try to recreate the problem you were having before.

For example, if you had problems with sims "jumping" or resetting out of the hot tub when you had a second sim try to join them, load the lot you had sims hot tubbing on and try to get one sim in, and a second sim to join.

If you had pets sinking into the floor, load the lot with the pets and see if they're still sinking.

If Create a Sim/Create a Family was crashing, try to load it and see if it works without your custom content.

... etc. Whatever was happening that was a problem before, try to set up the same situation and see if you can get the problem to happen again, and see how it goes.

No Problem

Has the problem disappeared once you removed your user files? That means that there was likely a problem with one or more of your user files.

Start by deleting your temporary cache files: Delete Cache Files.

Problem Persists

Still having the problem even with no user files in your game? That means the problem is not in your user files, but is likely somewhere in the actual game data.

If the problem has persisted, you should try to patch your game. For instructions, see: Patch.

If you have a dual core processor and you experience crashes, then you should also try the Dual Core Issues article.