Sims 3 Launcher crash on game startup

[jeffman89]

I hadn't played Sims 3 or even started the Launcher in almost a year, so when I did yesterday I updated to the latest patch, 1.19. My problem is that the Sims 3 Launcher crashes every time I hit the big play button to start the game. This is what I get:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_QugJa1jIx2k/TdBrvbYMqlI/AAAAAAAAAP4/ntplQ6HXFGk/simserror.jpg

What is strange is that the game still launches fine, and seems to be fully operational. I am also able to successfully open the Launcher from the main in-game menu. This crashing whenever I start the game is just a bit unnerving and I'd like to fix it. Here is what I have done so far:

- double checked that my computer exceeds all the minimum requirements
- deleted cache files using Sims 3 Dashboard tool
- removed all custom content (both .package and .sims3pack files)
- deleted cache files again
- removed all user files by renaming the "Sims 3" folder in Documents/Electronic Arts to "Sims 3 Backup"

I should also note that I do not have any saved games right now. I don't know what to do now short of reinstalling the whole game. I am running Windows Vista 64-bit, and have never had a problem with the game or launcher until now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

- Jeff

Note: The forums on the Sims 3 website seem to be down right now, so I haven't been able to get on there to look for a solution yet

[tomomi1922]

My launcher crashes all the time as well. But TS3 will run within 10 seconds. Why don't you try clicking on "Close Program" and see if TS3 runs?

Launcher and TS3 are 2 separate programs. CC, cache, and other stuff don't directly affect the Launcher.

[jeffman89]

I should have been more specific about the screenshot, I apologize for any confusion. The actual game runs almost right away for me, after I click the play button, and I took that screenshot after I minimized the game.

[tomomi1922]

If everything else works, then don't worry too much. I have already accepted TS3 has many flaws and gamers are somewhat on their own without much of EA's help. But this is really not a big deal when you get used to hitting that "Close Program" button. It may be an indication that something else is going to go wrong. But so far, after 2 months, my TS3 still runs.

[simsample]

I agree with Tomo, it could be a UAC issue perhaps, or something to do with EADM... We have a guide, and as you can see it acknowledges that the Launcher is quite flaky:
http://www.simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Launcher_Issues

I would just bypass the Launcher when you play, and just run Launcher by itself if you need to use that.