Game Help:Game Problem-Patch

Game Problem - Patch

If you're sure the problem is not within your user folders because you've tested and the problem persists even with completely fresh user files and no custom content, then the problem is likely somewhere in the game's actual data.

The first step to try to resolve something like that is to patch your game, installing updates from the game's manufacturer, to fix bugs and other issues.

Read Up On Patching

Who needs to patch, what they need to patch, and which patches to get is kind of complicated. Because of that, we have a separate document on patching here: Game Help:Patching Your Game. Make sure you read everything there to see which patches you need, and download the right ones.

Install the Patches

After you've made sure you have the right patches and downloaded them, install them by double-clicking on the files. An installer will run and update your game. Run all of the patches you need, so you install all of the updates you require.

Load the Game

After fully patching, load the game and test whether the problem persists that way.

No Problem

Did patching fix it? Great! You don't need to continue with this guide - just put back your user files and you should be able to play now.

Open your My Documents\EA Games\ folder. You should have two subfolders in it - The Sims 2 and The Sims 2 Backup. The Sims 2 was created when we renamed the original and just has the default files. We don't need this folder anymore, so right-click on it and choose Delete to send it to your computer's Recycle Bin.

Now you need to restore your original user data. Right-click on The Sims 2 Backup and choose rename. Rename that folder to The Sims 2 so it's back the way it was before. Make sure you spell it right, put the spaces in, and capitalize it correctly or the game won't recognize your files.

Problem Persists

If the problem still exists, despite taking out your user files and patching your game, then you may want to go through the Game Help Section to see if you can track down your problem more precisely and find a fix. There are tons of FAQs and info available there.

If you are unable to locate a FAQ that fits your problem, or you have tried the steps in the applicable FAQ and it hasn't helped, you may post in our Game Help Forums with a full description of the issue. Make sure to read the notice that displays before you can post so you know what information you need to provide to help us help you.

Reinstall?

Many problems are caused by corruption with the game's data files (the system files used by the game). If this is the case, to fix your game, you will have to fully uninstall and reinstall the game. For information on uninstalling, see: Game Help:Uninstall and for information on reinstalling, see: Game Help:Install. You should back up your user files first!

Reinstalling is usually the last thing you should try, after exhausting all other options.