I have a problem with the -interaction menu- during gameplay

[shuttleyucks]

Whenever I'm playing the game and I want to for example, interact with other sims, or use the toilet, I click those things and before I can select anything, the sim's face, and the interaction menu bar disapear before I have the chance to click anything!!!

I have reinstalled the game 3 times. and restarted my computer. Still the same problem.

I have PLENTY of space on my computer and it's newly restored and virus free and fast.

This game with all the same expansion packs WORKS on my sisters labtop, and she has no problems with clicking interactions, And we have the same labtop!

I Have installed the latest sim patch.

I have no downloads!

What is the problem and how can I fix it? I seriously invested alot of money and time in this and I'd like a solution asap please!

-Heather.

[callistra]

Seems to be a lot of people with this problem lately.. Wonder what you all have in common..

Check out this other thread and let us know if anything in them worked for you: http://modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=292396

[shuttleyucks]

In the other thread you told that person to try installing Sims on another user account, well that person did it and said it worked. They didnt say whether they actually REINSTALLED it on that other account, or just tried running the game on that account. Well I switched over to another account and tried to play it, the problem still occured.

So should I try reinstalling all the exp packs again on that new account? =(

[callistra]

Well you may not have the same problem they do. What else from that thread have you tried? If you've been playing with a touchpad have you tried a mouse? Several different mice? Plugging it into a different usb port? If you're playing with a mouse have you tried the touchpad? Have you tried updating your touchpad drivers? Did you install drivers with your mouse (if you have a mouse) or is it just plug and play? The fact that you have a laptop may mean a world of difference.


It is actually a brand new account you just made or another account you already have? If it’s not a brand new account make one. If it is then save and run this program: http://www.download.com/Trend-Micro-HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10227353.html Generate a log (don’t fix anything!) and paste the results in here.

[shuttleyucks]

Please keep this thread open for a few days, I have to leave for 1 day and I will not have access to a computer, and I still need your help.

oh and yes I have a usb mouse attached to the comp. I have tried the touch pad and the mouse + different mouses.

[shuttleyucks]

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 11:48:19 PM, on 7/27/2008
Platform: Windows Vista (WinNT 6.00.1904)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16681)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Windows\system32\Dwm.exe
C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD DX\PDVDDXSrv.exe
C:\Windows\System32\WLTRAY.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxWatchTray9.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\CPSHelpRunner.exe
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Windows\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\ieuser.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Users\Sims\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\LIS4VVE1\HJTInstall[1].exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
C:\Windows\system32\SearchFilterHost.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
O1 - Hosts: ::1 localhost
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PDVDDXSrv] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD DX\PDVDDXSrv.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Broadcom Wireless Manager UI] C:\Windows\system32\WLTRAY.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\INSTAL~1\UPDATE~1\ISUSPM.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RoxWatchTray] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxWatchTray9.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sidebar] C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe /autoRun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-21-3110804646-445783229-878204142-1000\..\Run: [Sidebar] C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe /autoRun (User 'Alice')
O13 - Gopher Prefix:
O23 - Service: Ati External Event Utility - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\Windows\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Roxio\Roxio MyDVD DE\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: RoxMediaDB9 - Sonic Solutions - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxMediaDB9.exe
O23 - Service: Roxio Hard Drive Watcher 9 (RoxWatch9) - Sonic Solutions - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\9.0\SharedCOM\RoxWatch9.exe
O23 - Service: stllssvr - MicroVision Development, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\SureThing Shared\stllssvr.exe
O23 - Service: Dell Wireless WLAN Tray Service (wltrysvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\System32\WLTRYSVC.EXE

--
End of file - 3996 bytes

[callistra]

Okay I don't see anything bad in there. I know Roxio can cause conflicts sometimes but I dunno about these kinds of problems. Don't see how it could be related.

http://modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=292396&c=1&ht=0&page=2&pp=25#startcomments <- Go back there and try the touchpad fix.

As a side note, you don't have an antivirus program.. that's not good.. Try Avira. It's free and light and works well.

[shuttleyucks]

Should I get rid of roxio? I don't really even want it. What does it do? And thank you x1,000 for helping me / trying

[callistra]

Roxio is a DVD/CD burning software. If you don't want/use it then get rid of it. It'll free up more resources if nothing else. You should be able to uninstall through your add/remove programs in the control panel.

But I think you need to check into that thread about uninstalling your touchpad. You seem to have a Dell just like that other user.

[shuttleyucks]

Could it be that I don't have java installed??

Okay sorry, I forgot to refresh the page before I started asking silly questions again



When I went here "Mice and Other Pointing Device" it didn't say "Synaptics PS/2 Port TouchPad, Driver tab."

the only options were "HID compliant mouse" and "ps/2 compatible mouse"
so she/he must have a different computer. should i un-install one of those?

[callistra]

If TS2 requires java that's a new one I've never heard before.. I don't see how it would either.

But I think I see the problem. Your touchpad is not showing up properly. There are some driver issues there.

What manufacturer and model of laptop do you have? If you go to the downloads page and download the correct touchpad drivers this might work.

Also did you install any drivers or software when you plugged in your mouse for the first time? That can be causing this too. Especially if it's a microsoft mouse.. seen this happen. I had a woman's computer before that when I installed the intellipoint (or something like that.. name escapes me) software for her microsoft mouse it killed her touchpad.

[shuttleyucks]

Dell Vostro 1000 windows vista basic


My mouse just plugs in to any pc with a usb port and works, no drivers.

I read through a couple forums and found out that if you uninstall your touch pad drivers, you will still be able to touch the mouse around, but you won't be able to scroll on the sides of the touch pad. So when I realized the "Synaptics PS/2 Port TouchPad" wasn't there, I tested this and I cant scroll with my fingers, So I don't think I ever installed them.

So I'm guessing I should go download them now and that could be a solution to this strange problem.

I've seen you trying to help people with this a lot, do you have a labtop as well?

[callistra]

You don't necessarily have a Synaptics touchpad. That is just one possibility. That's why it's important to know what manufacturer and model you have so you can to the manufacturer's website and get the correct drivers for your touchpad.

I just have a fair amount of experience working on them is all :)


Looks like this should be your touchpad driver: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/downloads/en/downloads_splash?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~mode=popup&file=238839

[shuttleyucks]

Well I did install my touch pad drivers (which I didnt have cause I prefer mouses) I restarted the computer and tried the game. Same problem.
The weird thing is that my sister has the same exact labtop/expansion packs as me, and she has no trouble what so ever. She always uses her touch pad, she hates mouses. So I don't think un installing it again is going to do any good.

[callistra]

You installed those drivers that I linked to?

What happens when you disconnect your mouse and just play with the touchpad?

The thread they linked to with the solution also included a bios update.

1. On the Dell Support website, choose your operating system from the drop-down menu.

2. Download the recommended Bios update(s) and allow it to install and restart the computer.

3. Return to the Dell Support website and again choose your operating system from the drop-down menu.

4. Download the recommended Input Device Drivers update(s) and allow it to install and restart the computer.

5. After this, The Sims 2 pop-up menu problems should be resolved.

So this is your bios - http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/downloads/en/downloads_splash?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~mode=popup&file=238511

And this is that input device they're talking about - http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/downloads/en/downloads_splash?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~mode=popup&file=238839

Try following those steps while using those links for steps 2 and 4 and see how it goes.

[shuttleyucks]

Yes, that exact driver. I have tried different usb ports and mouses, and I just tried disconnecting my mouse and playing with the touchpad. Same problem.

This is the weirdest thing ever.




-Just added.

My computer didn't load the second half of that message you just sent me, so now I will try those things. Sorry for the confusion and again, thank you for helping me :) :)

[callistra]

Try doing what I quoted, in that order.

[shuttleyucks]

I think I know what it is.. The bios. My computer won't even allow me to load that driver. It loads the black prompt box and then it closes and tells me for some reason that windows couldn't load the application. God I feel like a bother

[callistra]

Well if you're trying to flash the wrong bios it will do that.. but that is the bios for the Vostro 1000..

Do me a favor. Run this program: http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php

To the left you will see a bunch of icons. Click the middle icon on the top row. It looks like a silver box with a big green arrow pointing down. There will be a bunch of information displayed in the box to its right. Click on 'Manufacturer' There will a bunch more information displayed in the box below.

Fill out what it says there:

General Information :
Product : I NEED THIS
Version : AND THIS

[shuttleyucks]

Product : Vostro 1000
Version : Not Specified

[callistra]

Okay what is the -exact- error message when you try to flash the bios? If it's easier you can screencap.

While we're at it.. what the heck lets try updating chipset and video drivers too:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/downloads/en/downloads_splash?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~mode=popup&file=188377
http://game.amd.com/us-en/drivers_catalyst.aspx?p=vista32/integrated-vista32
I don't know how much good it will do but it won't hurt.

[callistra]

Your operating system is the 32 bit version of Vista. I'm not sure what you mean by that though.. is that the error? Screencap for me.

[shuttleyucks]

It won't give me an error. It just says "WinPlash has stopped working" I've rebooted 3 times already and it says the same thing.

This wierd document is on my desktop though


"--- Log started: 07/28/08 04:36:42
Initializing...
Log file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\PHLASH.LOG
Settings file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\PHLASH.INI (not found)
Executable : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\WINPHLASH.EXE
Version : 1.6.5.2 Build : WinPhlash
Date : 7/28/2008
Resource file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\PHLASHLC.DLL (not loaded)
Help file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\WINPHLASH.HLP
App name : Phoenix WinPhlash

Error code : -200(0xFFFFFF38)
Description:
Error code: -200

Error code : 5024(0x000013A0)
Description:
The properties were stored but not all changes will take effect until the next time the resource is brought online.
Error code: 5024
--- Log started: 07/28/08 04:39:27
Initializing...
Log file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\PHLASH.LOG
Settings file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\PHLASH.INI (not found)
Executable : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\WINPHLASH.EXE
Version : 1.6.5.2 Build : WinPhlash
Date : 7/28/2008
Resource file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\PHLASHLC.DLL (not loaded)
Help file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\WINPHLASH.HLP
App name : Phoenix WinPhlash
OS Information : Windows NT 6.0.6000 - supported
--- Log started: 07/28/08 04:45:15
Initializing...
Log file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\PHLASH.LOG
Settings file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\PHLASH.INI (not found)
Executable : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\WINPHLASH.EXE
Version : 1.6.5.2 Build : WinPhlash
Date : 7/28/2008
Resource file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\PHLASHLC.DLL (not loaded)
Help file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\WINPHLASH.HLP
App name : Phoenix WinPhlash
OS Information : Windows NT 6.0.6000 - supported
--- Log started: 07/28/08 04:46:08
Initializing...
Log file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\PHLASH.LOG
Settings file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\PHLASH.INI (not found)
Executable : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\WINPHLASH.EXE
Version : 1.6.5.2 Build : WinPhlash
Date : 7/28/2008
Resource file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\PHLASHLC.DLL (not loaded)
Help file : C:\Users\Alice\Desktop\WINPHLASH.HLP
App name : Phoenix WinPhlash
OS Information : Windows NT 6.0.6000 - supported"

and the other drivers wouldnt install because they were already

[callistra]

chipset might say it's already up to date but the ati drivers won't give that error.. plus they were updated only a week ago. You installed those drivers already in the past week?

Are you trying to flash on an administrator account? Might have something to do with rights in Vista, which I'm not going to be the best help with.

I would try redownloading the bios to make sure what you downloaded didn't even up messed up somehow. I don't know if you're choosing to 'run' or 'save' but choose to save it to your desktop then run the file. When you run WinVost263.EXE it should extract a lot of files to your desktop including one called 'WINPHLASH.EXE'. Does it?

ETA: Okay new thought. Maybe you need to flash in steps. Here are all the bios versions for your laptop:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/previousversions.aspx?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd&SystemID=VOS_N_1000&releaseid=R175498&vercnt=4&deviceid=15246&formatcnt=1&releasetype=BIOS&servicetag=&catid=-1&libid=1&impid=-1&osl=en&os=WLH

Try flashing A01, then A04, A05 and finally you can retry the A06 which is the one that I linked to originally.

[shuttleyucks]

I restored my computer a few days ago because thats how bad I wanted this game to work. So I do have all the latest drivers except the ones I forgot to download/install, or didn't know to.

An error did come up that told me something about an admin account.
At first I chose run and it prompted this black screen and then said the driver wasn't working. Then I chose to save it, I've did this a couple times and it's still acting all weird on me.

Thank you for helping me but I feel like I'm wasting your time or something, so you don't have to worry about it/help me any more.

[callistra]

You're not wasting my time :)

Try stepping up the flashes. I edited my last post. You have to save it. No just clicking to run.

If it gives the same admin error as before please screencap this time. I know there are mods which can tell you how to work around that part.

[shuttleyucks]

All popping up as the black screen. It's an .exe screen

[callistra]

It should pop up as the black screen. If you wait a little it should then extract a bunch of files to your desktop..11 files to be exact. This never happens.. it just..crashes, yes? Or do the files get extracted and then it crashes?

If it never extracts try right clicking on the 'WinVost263.EXE' -> properties -> compatibility tab -> Set for XP.

If it extracts find 'WINPHLASH.EXE' Do the same thing to set compatibility mode to XP.

[shuttleyucks]

now something different is happening. this winplash screen actually comes on because i logged off and back on. its doing this though:
<br>
<img src="http://i36.tinypic.com/2ihxikm.jpg">

[callistra]

Hopefully that flash went okay. If your laptop is still under warranty then I think you should call Dell Technical support and ask them to walk you through flashing your bios. They may talk to you even out of warranty. I'm not sure how that works anymore. If they won't help then you could try one of these sites:
http://www.pcper.com/
http://www.pchelpforum.com/


Best of luck to you!!