The Sims 2 has encountered a problem and needs to close.
 

This is the error I get when I try to play Sims 2. I've had it since it was released, I have the DVD version. I've never had any problems with it whatsoever, now I get this error message as soon as I click on the icon whether on the desktop or through programs.
The Sims 2 has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.


AppName: sims2.exe AppVer: 1.0.0.994 ModName: unknown

ModVer: 0.0.0.0 Offset: 00000010


I tried uninstalling and reinstalling and still get the same error message.

Can anyone help me please?

Re: The Sims 2 has encountered a problem and needs to close.
 

Here are my computer specs
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 1 (2600.xpsp2.030422-1633)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.20GHz, ~2.2GHz
Memory: 766MB RAM
Page File: 308MB used, 1185MB available
Windows Dir: C:\windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: /Silent
DxDiag Version: 5.03.0001.0904 32bit Unicode

Re: The Sims 2 has encountered a problem and needs to close.
 

This is most likely linked to conflicting background processes.
Follow the instructions here http://eatech.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/eatech.cfg/php/enduser/cci/background_tasks.php?p_sid=%3c?%20echo%20$p_sid%20 ?%3e#XP

Hope this helps ;)

Re: The Sims 2 has encountered a problem and needs to close.
 

Thank you Donavan for trying, it didn't help. I closed everything and still get the same error message.

Re: The Sims 2 has encountered a problem and needs to close.
 

I just realized something, I got the same error message even without the disc in the DVD rom. I do not have a no cd patch for this game.

Re: The Sims 2 has encountered a problem and needs to close.
 

Well im beat, my next answer would of been the speed of your DVD drive.....

Re: The Sims 2 has encountered a problem and needs to close.
 

I''m afraid of reformatting the computer, but I'm afraid that might be my only option at this point. I installed it into our other computer, and the DirectX issue comes up with it, it says it's running 9c but Sims won't recognize it or something. I'm having serious withdrawal issues. :-(

Re: The Sims 2 has encountered a problem and needs to close.
 

I'm thinking it has to be something corrupted in the sims.exe doesn't it? or somewhere there is a corrupted file in my computer that isn't allowing it to execute, but I'm no expert...

Re: The Sims 2 has encountered a problem and needs to close.
 

Please stop double posting, use the edit button, thnx.
Well I have thought about your problem some more and im thinking this is more along the lines of corrupt regestry entrys.
Im going to post full instructions on fully remoing the sims 2 from your system:-

Open your My Documents folder.
Open the EA Games folder.
Right-click on The Sims 2 folder and choose Delete.
A Confirm Folder Delete window will appear, choose Yes.
When the folder is finished deleting, close the window.
Open My Computer.
Open your harddrive (by default this is C:).
Open the Program Files folder.
Open the EA Games folder.
Right-click on The Sims 2 folder and choose Delete.
A Confirm Folder Delete window will appear, choose Yes.
When the folder is finished deleting, close the window.
Right-click on your Recycle Bin and choose Empty Recycle Bin.

Now you can remove the registry keys for the game.

Click on Start and then click on Run...
In the text line type 'regedit' without quotes, then click OK.
click on File and then Export...
Choose a location and name for the file (this will be your backup registry file).
Click Save.

The next steps will all be performed in the left pane of the Registry Editor window.

Click on the + next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Click on the + next to SOFTWARE
Click on the + next to EA GAMES
Right-click on The Sims 2 folder and choose Delete.
A Confirm Key Delete window will appear, choose Yes.
Click on the + next to Electronic Arts
Click on the + next to EA GAMES
Right-click on The Sims 2 and choose Delete.
A Confirm Key Delete window will appear, choose Yes.
Click on the + next to Microsoft.
Click on the + next to Windows.
Click on the + next to Current Version.
Click on the + next to Uninstall.
Right-click on the Key named {40C03514-89C3-41BA-0090-3B440256DB87} and choose Delete.

Right after all that install the game again & I recommend you download the latest patch, just to be on the safe side.

Now run the game & good luck.
Im 75% sure this should work for you and if it doesnt then a format would be a good idea.

Re: The Sims 2 has encountered a problem and needs to close.
 

I'm sorry for double posting, I was afraid I'd get in trouble for editing.

Those are the same instructions I've followed before, and I just did it again, according to your directions, and it still does the same thing.

Thank you for your help, I guess I need to figure out how to reformat this computer. :-(