Game Refuses To Load

[eedgan]

I had no problems installing and playing Pets (I also have all the other stuff packs and EP's installed). But now suddenly the game refuses to load. I followed simsample's tutorial in the sticky - without any success. I tried uninstalling the entire game - and reinstalling - still no luck.

However, I do have Numenors Base Game Starter Pro - and I can play any other combination of games - but not Pets. What the heck is going on. If I can't find a solution I am ging to take a hammer and chop the Pets disc into tiny little pieces. (And no - the disc does not appear to be dirty or have any scratches on it)

Please help me. :cry:

[simsample]

Just to check, did you delete all of the cache files? This can include the accessories.cache file, as it is possible for this to corrupt. Also, did you try with the clean Sims 2 folder in your Documents folder?

[eedgan]

I cleaned out my Documents folder. I backed up my files to a DVD. Uninstalled all the games - deleted the EA Games folder in my Documents. Then re-intalled. I tried to play without loading my old game files and CC. So there was nothing but Maxis stuff in there.

If all else fails, perhaps I will install my games again, but install Pets before OFB - so that I can play with the OFB disc... but then I will lose all curent lots etc.

Simsample - if you can help me - I will be eternally grateful! I am off sick from work - and now I cannot even play Sims... I am desperate.

[simsample]

Just to check- do this:
http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?t=139718
Do you get an error at all when you try to run the game? Does it show the splash screen, or does the disc just not run? Do you have any disc hiding software, or perhaps video editing software such as 'Sonic' installed?

[julianarosalia]

Eedgan, even if you install Pets before OFB you'll still need to use the Pets disk. You always use the disk from the most recently released EP/SP not the most recently installed.

[eedgan]

Just to check- do this:
http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?t=139718
Do you get an error at all when you try to run the game? Does it show the splash screen, or does the disc just not run? Do you have any disc hiding software, or perhaps video editing software such as 'Sonic' installed?

When I launch Pets - the very first screen is displayed in the monitor (little white square with Pets logo), then it reverts to my desktop, the light on the dvd drive still flashes for a minute or so - so it is trying to read the disc - then it just gives up - nothing. So no - there is no error messages - and no video editing software. I appreciate all your help so far - but I think for now - I will start from scratch... and not install Pets. :cry: If I can find a solution that works, I will simply reload all game data that I saved to a DVD.

[acelsey]

I'm having this exact same problem! I'm about ready to pull my hair out :'(

It's not a problem with my downloads. I can't figure out what is wrong.

Like Eedgan, the white square with the pets logo appears, then the game just disapears. The last time I tried, I had TaskManager open at the same time and the Sims 2 files just disapear from the list once the pets logo goes away (usually to start the game video). The game doesn't load past the pets logo.

[edit] The strangest thing is that this has just happened out of the blue. I installed pets weeks ago, and have played the game happily since then.

[edit2] MY PROBLEM IS SOLVED!!! Ok, I don't know how I missed this, but it worked for me. I hope this works for you! http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=92177&highlight=crash+load

[simsample]

Thanks acelsey19861- I'm glad you got it fixed.
This solution is mentioned as part of the article I linked eedgan to- here>
http://www.modthesims2.com/article.php?p=1110082
If you had worked through the article in order written you would have discovered it was a user file problem in step one!

[eedgan]

My friends copy of Pests (no - not a spelling error!) works on my PC. I am just waiting to see if mine works on her PC. If not - my disc might be dodgy or damaged. Darn - more money I will have to fork out to Maxis....

[simsample]

Check out the warranty:
http://support.ea.com/cgi-bin/ea.cfg/php/enduser/cci/ea/warranty_information.php?p_sid=%3C?%20echo%20$p_sid%20?%3E

[eedgan]

To Simsample: I think not...I am not the sort who takes things back. A few months ago I got an 8Gb flashdrive for my Pc - got home, and the silly thing was broken - I wasted R700 (about 93.00 US Dollars, I am assuming that you are American???). I cringed at the idea of returning stuff! I just want to also say thanks for all your help:)

[simsample]

Nope, I'm English... but even I take things back with all of my English reserve! Oh well, if it turns out to be the disc it will make an attractive coaster... please let us know how you get on!

[xLeeshyx]

I don't know if what I say to you helps but I had a problem awhile ago trying to load the sims and it came with the SIMS 2 LOGO and then nothing happeneed. To Solve this You wouldnt think but I had to turn off my anti-virus program ( Put it on snooze) and it helps load the game. I don;t know why it helps but it did for me. Hope this helps you if you have not figured this out yet.

[simsample]

Thanks for that suggestion xLeeshyx- this is also a good thing to do when you run the game (unless of course you are planning on surfing the internet at the same time!).