Is there any way to extract a family from a save that's not loading?

[8thwonderer]

Okay so i got the usual 'Serious error' message upon trying to load a bridgeport save. It always happens with my bridgeport towns so I figure I'll stick to other towns from now on, but I had families and lots that took ages to create on there and would like to get them back.

Basically it won't let me open the bridgeport save and it tells me i should restart sims 3 due to a serious error with 'Bridgeport.sims3' or whatever the file name was. I have tried using the back up file by deleting the extension 'backup' and replacing it. I then tried to start a new game, delete the data in the new game folder and replace it with the data from my old desired bridgeport town, but it just comes up as an unplayable faded blue square in the sims 3 main menu. I have not added any expansion packs or patches, just one day it was working and the next it wasn't!

I don't think there's any way I'm going to be able to play it now, but is there any way to get my family or lots out? Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to save them to the library which i stupidly should have knowing the unreliability of Sims 3 sometimes. *sigh* Ive had so many problems with this game and was finally getting into it. If you know any way to either extract data or just make the save work it would be greatly appreciated :) Thank you

[Belzader]

You can try two things:
Delete the TravelDB.package-file + Meta.data (i think it was) , make a backup first incase wrong file.

If that don't work
Start a new BridgePort game, save it then use Neighborhood Workshop (http://linna.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=350770&c=0&ht) , (it won't find any saves as sadly this great tool is not really compatible any more but it still work to some part) from File menu choose open for edit, browse to the "corrupt" save folder open the .nhd-file in there (you have to choose all files for it to show), save using save as (what you name it doesn't matter) and add .sims3 after the name.
Open the file you made above with S3PE (http://www.den.simlogical.com/denforum/index.php?PHPSESSID=f88sa89d2bb5aq5ot012fl3153&topic=189.0) , save it using save as in the folder for your new BridgePort game and choose the .nhd-file there and overwite it.

I tried this with a working save though, so it might or might not work for you.

[Mordant17]

To prevent this problem in the future make regular backups: http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:TS3_Back_Ups

[whiterider]

Don't forget Game Help:A Serious Error Has Occurred.