Sims 3 & problems

[Padfoot]

So my parents told me when I got my laptop that it wasn't the *best* for gaming, but assured and reassured me that it would play Sims 3, possibly not smoothly, but it would play without major issues. So my friend and I finally install it and we installed it, played it and my computer shut down right after I clicked, "Create A Sim." My first instinct was that it was the video card, but my friend said that it should be fine. I have an Acer Inspire with intel core & windows 7... Anyone know what the problem might be?

[Joey]

Hi Padfoot. I need you to give me more info on your PC. Below is what I need you to do.
- RIGHT-click the “Computer” icon on your desktop. Then select properties. The new Windows popup will give you the following info that I need…
-- Processor (I need the full model. Copy everything it says for Processor.)
-- Installed memory RAM (How much does it say? How many GB?)
-- System type (This will tell you if you have Windows 7 32 or 64-bit. I need to know this.)
Then close that Window. I need one more laptop spec from your Acer.

-- RIGHT-click the “Computer” icon again and select, “Manage”. A new Window will popup.
-- Go to Device Manager > Display adapters and tell me what video card it says you have.
Here is a pic if what I mean http://minus.com/mh6PKsi88#1o

[Padfoot]

Thanks for the quick response:
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3 CPU    M380 @ 2.53GHz  2.53GHz
Installed memory RAM: 6.00 GB (5.68 GB usable)
System type: 64-bit operating system
Video card: Intel(R) HD Graphics

hope that's what you're looking for

[Joey]

Thanks for posting your specs. Yes, you listed every important PC spec I need :-)
Your PC is definitely compatible but since you have the Intel HD graphics card you will not be able to play with the graphics settings too high. The Intel HD isn’t a true gaming card but it will run Sims 3.


Do the following in order to help optimize your laptop for Sims 3…

#1 – Fully update Windows 7, then restart your PC and checked if there are any new updates. (Sims 3 needs certain Windows updates to run without problems. Just update everything.)
If you need it I created a tutorial on this subject: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Update-Windows-7-Microsoft-Windows-Update

#2 – Download the latest Intel HD driver for your Acer Inspire, Intel HD graphics card here: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=20392&ProdId=3231&lang=eng&OSVersion=Windows%207%20(64-bit)*&DownloadType=Drivers

#3 – Unzip the file you just downloaded and leave it alone. You will get back to this folder in a bit.

#4 – You need to manually Uninstall your current Intel HD graphics card drivers. This is how to do it…
- Go to your Windows “Computer” icon (or you could just hit the Start button and go to the “Computer” category / link).
- RIGHT-click “Computer” then select “Manage” from the popup
- Follow the instructions in the image below to uninstall the graphics drivers via the Device Manager.
http://i.minus.com/ibaosjJB4PSHwT.png
- If for some reason the computer asks you to restart, Do Not restart your PC

#5 – Now go back to the Intel driver folder you just unzipped. In there will be a file named something like “READ ME”. Open that file with Notepad or WordPad. Follow the instructions on how to install the driver (Hint: It is almost the same as uninstalling a driver)

#6 – After you installed the new Intel HD drivers you must restart your PC so everything will work.

#7 – Download and Install the Free version of “Game Booster”: ttp://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html
In case you need it I just finished creating a video tutorial on how to install and optimize Game Booster. The video is at the end of the article: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Get-Less-Lag-Higher-Frame-Rates-running-PC-Games-Game-Booster

#8 – Make sure the laptop is plugged into the A/C power adapter. If it is unplugged the Intel Core i3 CPU cannot burst up in Turbo mode. This is bad for gaming and will decrease frame rates (it sometimes makes a compatible laptop fall into the non-compatible category).

#9 – Place the laptop on a flat surface like a table or desk before and during gameplay; preferably in a cool area. The last thing you want to do is play with the laptop on your lap. Laptop overheating will also prevent the Intel Core i3 CPU from NOT bursting into Turbo mode.

#10 – Run Game Booster, then Run The Sims3 (but DO NOT play it yet).

#11 - Go into the graphics settings and set the resolution to the max of your laptop. Then set everything else to very low (drag the slider bars to the Left).
Save / Apply settings.

#12 – Play The Sims 3. Enjoy :-)

[Padfoot]

On vacation right now on my sisters computer, but I will definitely try all this when I get home and let you know! Thank you !

[Padfoot]

So it took me awhile cause I'm a total blonde, but I figured out how to get everything to work up till the game booster. I clicked download, it took me to the g-forums site, I hit download there and hit 'save file' and nothing happened. Searched on my computer for it, tried it a few more times but still nothing... so I'm stumped once again xD

[Joey]

Here is an alternate site to download the free app Game Booster from: http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=5952

Click on 1 of the links that says, "Download@MajorGeeks"

[Padfoot]

So...it was all working a-okay...till now it's started restarting again :/

[Joey]

Hi Padfoot.
What changed from the last day it was working good to now? Install a new app? Did anything differently? Maybe let someone use your PC and they went on sites you are not sure about?

[Padfoot]

That's the thing - nothings changed as far as I know. Just the normal tumblr, facebook and youtube has been up. I'm the only one who uses this laptop.

[Joey]

That is odd. Not sure if it is an app, background Windows process or virus conflicting with the game.
You need to thoroughly uninstall the game and then reinstall it again.

Sorry for putting you to work again just to play Sims 3, lol. But you have to to the following...
#1 – Download / Install the free app “IObit Uninstaller”
http://www.iobit.com/advanceduninstaller.html

- Use the app to thoroughly uninstall Sims 3.

#2 – Restart your PC  after Sims 3 is uninstalled

#3 – Download / Install the free version of “CCleaner”
http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4191

- 1st use the “Cleaner” option, then use the “Registry” option. Clean out everything.

#4 – Restart your PC after you are done using CCleaner

#5 – Install Sims 3 then update it

#6 – After it is installed and updated, restart your PC 1 more time

#7 – Play Sims 3