Random Sims 3 Crashing Problem

[Semo B]

I have searched the whole internet, including MTS forum, for a solution to this problem but found none. Many of us have been talking to EA in the Sims 3 forum since forever and no-one answers. It is not a DEP problem, as I had that previously and fixed it (constant, systematic crashing problems were solved but I still suffer occasional random crashes (every 2 to 3 hours of gameplay).

This is the latest log:

[Build info]
Application: Sims3
BuildTime: 2012-03-09-1234
BuildUser: slcbuilder
BuildHost: SLC1-BUILD-005
BuildConfig: Release
BuldVersion: 0.1.0.34
Commandline: D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe


[System info]
Computer name: ISAM-PC
Computer DNS name: Isam-PC
User name: Isam
EA_PLATFORM: Windows on X86
OS name: Windows Vista
OS version number: 6.1.7601
OS service pack: Service Pack 1
Debugger present: no
CPU count: 8
Processor type: x86
Processor level: 6
Processor revision: 10759
Memory load: 71%
Total physical memory: 8105 Mb
Available physical memory: 2275 Mb
Total page file memory: 16209 Mb
Available page file memory: 7958 Mb
Total virtual memory: 4095 Mb
Free virtual memory: 2467 Mb

[Application info]
Language: C++
Compiler: Microsoft Visual C++ compiler, version 1400
App path: D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe
App version: 0.1.0.34

[Exception info]
date: 2012-03-26
time: 20.56.16
type: ACCESS_VIOLATION reading address 0x00000050
address: 0x00d5d35f "D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe":0x0001:0x0095c35f

[Call stack]
D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe
0x00d5d35f

D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe
0x00d657ce

D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe
0x00c8b9ad

D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe
0x37ea28c0

D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe
0x1d160040

D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe
0x20927d20

D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe
0x51efe3c0

D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe
0x1d160bc8

D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe
0x0097ffff


[Stack data]
12c6ac10 | b6 0d d5 00<aa>1c 83 60 7c da f8 1e fa 29 53 29 | .......`|....)S) |
12c6ac20 | 64 4a a8 25 ec db f8 1e 8b 12 d5 00 50 dc 26 1d | dJ.%........P.&. |
12c6ac30 | 64 4a a8 25 8c da f8 1e 9a 1c 83 60 e4 fc c6 12 | dJ.%.......`.... |
12c6ac40 | 00 3c d6 00 9c da f8 1e a4 da f8 1e 50 fe d5 00 | .<..........P... |
12c6ac50 | 78 ac c6 12 08 eb 83 1e 4c e0 fd 28 00 00 00 00 | x.......L..(.... |
12c6ac60 | 00 00 00 00 24 e0 fd 28 84 e0 fd 28 00 00 00 00 | ....$..(...(.... |
12c6ac70 | 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 a0 ac c6 12 f8 e9 83 1e | ................ |
12c6ac80 | 64 df f8 1e 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 3c df f8 1e | d...........<... |
12c6ac90 | 24 e0 fd 28 00 41 84 1e 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 | $..(.A.......... |
12c6aca0 | c8 ac c6 12 08 eb 83 1e 7c df f8 1e 00 00 00 00 | ........|....... |
12c6acb0 | 00 00 00 00 54 df f8 1e b4 df f8 1e 00 00 00 00 | ....T........... |
12c6acc0 | 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 f0 ac c6 12 f8 e9 83 1e | ................ |
12c6acd0 | 14 df f8 1e 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ec de f8 1e | ................ |
12c6ace0 | 54 df f8 1e 00 41 84 1e 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 | T....A.......... |
12c6acf0 | 18 ad c6 12 e8 8d 86 1e c4 de f8 1e 00 00 00 00 | ................ |
12c6ad00 | 00 00 00 00 ac de f8 1e ec de f8 1e b0 8e 86 1e | ................ |
12c6ad10 | 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 40 ad c6 12 c8 7e 4b 29 | ........@....~K) |
12c6ad20 | 64 de f8 1e 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 4c de f8 1e | d...........L... |
12c6ad30 | ac de f8 1e b2 7f 4b 29 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 | ......K)........ |
12c6ad40 | 68 ad c6 12 50 7e 4b 29 04 de f8 1e 00 00 00 00 | h...P~K)........ |
12c6ad50 | 00 00 00 00 f4 dd f8 1e 4c de f8 1e 38 7f 4b 29 | ........L...8.K) |
12c6ad60 | 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 90 ad c6 12 68 f9 78 28 | ............h.x( |
12c6ad70 | d4 dd f8 1e 00 66 28 1f 00 00 00 00 cc dd f8 1e | .....f(......... |
12c6ad80 | f4 dd f8 1e ba 7e 4b 29 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 | .....~K)........ |
12c6ad90 | b8 ad c6 12 50 86 a1 26 44 dd f8 1e 80 e9 7f 1f | ....P..&D....... |
12c6ada0 | 00 00 00 00 44 dd f8 1e c4 dd f8 1e 00 00 00 00 | ....D........... |
12c6adb0 | 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 e0 ad c6 12 a8 84 d4 26 | ...............& |
12c6adc0 | 14 dd f8 1e b0 76 32 20 00 00 00 00 0c dd f8 1e | .....v2 ........ |
12c6add0 | 3c dd f8 1e f8 84 d4 26 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 | <......&........ |
12c6ade0 | 08 ae c6 12 98 f7 bc 27 ec dc f8 1e 80 ba e7 20 | .......'....... |
12c6adf0 | 00 00 00 00 dc dc f8 1e 04 dd f8 1e 48 f8 bc 27 | ............H..' |
12c6ae00 | 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 30 ae c6 12 f8 f6 bc 27 | ........0......' |
12c6ae10 | b4 dc f8 1e 80 ba e7 20 00 00 00 00 a4 dc f8 1e | ....... ........ |

[Instruction data]
00d5d2df => DasmX86Dll.dll not found.

[Registers]
eip: 00d5d35f
eax: 0000000c
ebx: 29506220
ecx: 00000020
edx: 25d72510
esi: 25a30340
edi: 27366be0
ebp: 12c6fce4
efl: 00010246
esp: 12c6ac14

[Modules]
base 0x00400000 size 0x00dc2000 entry 0x00e8aa91 "TS3W.exe" "D:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\TS3W.exe"
base 0x77c90000 size 0x00180000 entry 0x00000000 "ntdll.dll" "C:\windows\SysWOW64\ntdll.dll"
base 0x75430000 size 0x00110000 entry 0x754432a3 "kernel32.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\kernel32.dll"
base 0x753e0000 size 0x00046000 entry 0x753e745a "KERNELBASE.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\KERNELBASE.dll"
base 0x6b120000 size 0x001c3000 entry 0x6b121a45 "d3d9.dll" "C:\windows\system32\d3d9.dll"
base 0x76c20000 size 0x000ac000 entry 0x76c2a472 "msvcrt.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\msvcrt.dll"
base 0x75540000 size 0x00019000 entry 0x75544975 "sechost.dll" "C:\windows\SysWOW64\sechost.dll"
base 0x76460000 size 0x000f0000 entry 0x76470569 "RPCRT4.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\RPCRT4.dll"
base 0x75370000 size 0x00060000 entry 0x7538a3b3 "SspiCli.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\SspiCli.dll"
base 0x75360000 size 0x0000c000 entry 0x753610e1 "CRYPTBASE.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\CRYPTBASE.dll"
base 0x77240000 size 0x00100000 entry 0x7725b6ed "USER32.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\USER32.dll"
base 0x76710000 size 0x00090000 entry 0x76726343 "GDI32.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\GDI32.dll"
base 0x753d0000 size 0x0000a000 entry 0x753d36a0 "LPK.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\LPK.dll"
base 0x76a30000 size 0x0009d000 entry 0x76a63fd7 "USP10.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\USP10.dll"
base 0x76940000 size 0x000a0000 entry 0x769549e5 "ADVAPI32.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\ADVAPI32.dll"
base 0x74500000 size 0x00009000 entry 0x74501220 "VERSION.dll" "C:\windows\system32\VERSION.dll"
base 0x722e0000 size 0x00006000 entry 0x722e11f0 "d3d8thk.dll" "C:\windows\system32\d3d8thk.dll"
base 0x70a20000 size 0x00013000 entry 0x70a21d3f "dwmapi.dll" "C:\windows\system32\dwmapi.dll"
base 0x01450000 size 0x00267000 entry 0x0166af6c "d3dx9_31.dll" "C:\windows\system32\d3dx9_31.dll"
base 0x6a5b0000 size 0x000e7000 entry 0x6a5b1771 "DDRAW.dll" "C:\windows\system32\DDRAW.dll"
base 0x722f0000 size 0x00006000 entry 0x722f1250 "DCIMAN32.dll" "C:\windows\system32\DCIMAN32.dll"
base 0x76f40000 size 0x0019d000 entry 0x76f417e7 "SETUPAPI.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\SETUPAPI.dll"
base 0x76cd0000 size 0x00027000 entry 0x76cd58b9 "CFGMGR32.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\CFGMGR32.dll"
base 0x76370000 size 0x0008f000 entry 0x76373fb1 "OLEAUT32.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\OLEAUT32.dll"
base 0x76d10000 size 0x0015c000 entry 0x76d5ba3d "ole32.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\ole32.dll"
base 0x76ae0000 size 0x00012000 entry 0x76ae1441 "DEVOBJ.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\DEVOBJ.dll"
base 0x74900000 size 0x0001c000 entry 0x7490a431 "iphlpapi.dll" "C:\windows\system32\iphlpapi.dll"
base 0x76d00000 size 0x00006000 entry 0x76d01782 "NSI.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\NSI.dll"
base 0x748f0000 size 0x00007000 entry 0x748f128d "WINNSI.DLL" "C:\windows\system32\WINNSI.DLL"
base 0x76b00000 size 0x0011b000 entry 0x76b01735 "WININET.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\WININET.dll"
base 0x75590000 size 0x00057000 entry 0x755a9ba6 "SHLWAPI.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\SHLWAPI.dll"
base 0x77c60000 size 0x00003000 entry 0x00000000 "Normaliz.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\Normaliz.dll"
base 0x76550000 size 0x001b8000 entry 0x766647a9 "iertutil.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\iertutil.dll"
base 0x75600000 size 0x00111000 entry 0x75601b29 "urlmon.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\urlmon.dll"
base 0x75720000 size 0x00c4a000 entry 0x757a15c1 "SHELL32.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\SHELL32.dll"
base 0x750e0000 size 0x00087000 entry 0x75110dce "MSVCP80.dll" "C:\windows\WinSxS\x86_microsoft.vc80.crt_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_8.0.50727.6195_none_d09154e044272b9a\MSVCP80.dll"
base 0x75040000 size 0x0009b000 entry 0x7504232b "MSVCR80.dll" "C:\windows\WinSxS\x86_microsoft.vc80.crt_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_8.0.50727.6195_none_d09154e044272b9a\MSVCR80.dll"
base 0x76400000 size 0x00060000 entry 0x7641158f "IMM32.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\IMM32.dll"
base 0x77140000 size 0x000cc000 entry 0x7714168b "MSCTF.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\MSCTF.dll"
base 0x74370000 size 0x000eb000 entry 0x743713ce "dbghelp.dll" "C:\windows\system32\dbghelp.dll"
base 0x76ad0000 size 0x00005000 entry 0x76ad1438 "PSAPI.DLL" "C:\windows\syswow64\PSAPI.DLL"
base 0x748d0000 size 0x00011000 entry 0x748d1300 "NETAPI32.dll" "C:\windows\system32\NETAPI32.dll"
base 0x748c0000 size 0x00009000 entry 0x748c15a6 "netutils.dll" "C:\windows\system32\netutils.dll"
base 0x748a0000 size 0x00019000 entry 0x748a1319 "srvcli.dll" "C:\windows\system32\srvcli.dll"
base 0x74890000 size 0x0000f000 entry 0x748912a1 "wkscli.dll" "C:\windows\system32\wkscli.dll"
base 0x76f00000 size 0x00035000 entry 0x76f0145d "WS2_32.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\WS2_32.dll"
base 0x701d0000 size 0x00072000 entry 0x701d1576 "DSOUND.dll" "C:\windows\system32\DSOUND.dll"
base 0x6db30000 size 0x00032000 entry 0x6db337f1 "WINMM.dll" "C:\windows\system32\WINMM.dll"
base 0x70a70000 size 0x00025000 entry 0x70a72b71 "POWRPROF.dll" "C:\windows\system32\POWRPROF.dll"
base 0x74510000 size 0x0004c000 entry 0x74512c14 "apphelp.dll" "C:\windows\system32\apphelp.dll"
base 0x73350000 size 0x0008d000 entry 0x73351fff "AcLayers.DLL" "C:\windows\AppPatch\AcLayers.DLL"
base 0x74fc0000 size 0x00017000 entry 0x74fc1c9d "USERENV.dll" "C:\windows\system32\USERENV.dll"
base 0x74fb0000 size 0x0000b000 entry 0x74fb1992 "profapi.dll" "C:\windows\system32\profapi.dll"
base 0x74f50000 size 0x00051000 entry 0x74f7988c "WINSPOOL.DRV" "C:\windows\system32\WINSPOOL.DRV"
base 0x74e60000 size 0x00012000 entry 0x74e61200 "MPR.dll" "C:\windows\system32\MPR.dll"
base 0x74150000 size 0x00218000 entry 0x7415220f "AcGenral.DLL" "C:\windows\AppPatch\AcGenral.DLL"
base 0x70450000 size 0x00080000 entry 0x704637c9 "UxTheme.dll" "C:\windows\system32\UxTheme.dll"
base 0x74880000 size 0x0000f000 entry 0x7488125e "samcli.dll" "C:\windows\system32\samcli.dll"
base 0x73070000 size 0x00014000 entry 0x73071340 "MSACM32.dll" "C:\windows\system32\MSACM32.dll"
base 0x72620000 size 0x00003000 entry 0x00000000 "sfc.dll" "C:\windows\system32\sfc.dll"
base 0x71190000 size 0x0000d000 entry 0x71191392 "sfc_os.DLL" "C:\windows\system32\sfc_os.DLL"
base 0x751b0000 size 0x00036000 entry 0x751b95fe "nvinit.dll" "C:\windows\SysWOW64\nvinit.dll"
base 0x00280000 size 0x00016000 entry 0x0028801f "xinput1_3.dll" "C:\windows\system32\xinput1_3.dll"
base 0x74120000 size 0x00022000 entry 0x7412b13c "glu32.dll" "C:\windows\system32\glu32.dll"
base 0x74050000 size 0x000c8000 entry 0x740eb0e4 "OPENGL32.dll" "C:\windows\system32\OPENGL32.dll"
base 0x10000000 size 0x00092000 entry 0x10054246 "igdumdx32.dll" "C:\windows\system32\igdumdx32.dll"
base 0x04960000 size 0x0057b000 entry 0x04d9a4bd "igdumd32.dll" "C:\windows\system32\igdumd32.dll"
base 0x011d0000 size 0x00039000 entry 0x011de226 "WinCRT.dll" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Samsung\Samsung Control Center\WinCRT.dll"
base 0x77340000 size 0x00083000 entry 0x773423d2 "CLBCatQ.DLL" "C:\windows\syswow64\CLBCatQ.DLL"
base 0x74af0000 size 0x00016000 entry 0x74af2dc3 "CRYPTSP.dll" "C:\windows\system32\CRYPTSP.dll"
base 0x74ab0000 size 0x0003b000 entry 0x74ab128d "rsaenh.dll" "C:\windows\system32\rsaenh.dll"
base 0x74b80000 size 0x0000e000 entry 0x74b81235 "RpcRtRemote.dll" "C:\windows\system32\RpcRtRemote.dll"
base 0x74040000 size 0x00007000 entry 0x74041230 "winbrand.dll" "C:\windows\system32\winbrand.dll"
base 0x75560000 size 0x0002d000 entry 0x7556296d "WINTRUST.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\WINTRUST.dll"
base 0x76820000 size 0x0011d000 entry 0x7682158a "CRYPT32.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\CRYPT32.dll"
base 0x755f0000 size 0x0000c000 entry 0x755f238e "MSASN1.dll" "C:\windows\syswow64\MSASN1.dll"
base 0x74ff0000 size 0x0003c000 entry 0x74ff145d "mswsock.dll" "C:\windows\system32\mswsock.dll"
base 0x74fe0000 size 0x00005000 entry 0x74fe15df "wshtcpip.dll" "C:\windows\System32\wshtcpip.dll"
base 0x6ee80000 size 0x00008000 entry 0x6ee810e9 "Secur32.dll" "C:\windows\system32\Secur32.dll"
base 0x74ca0000 size 0x0019e000 entry 0x74cce6b5 "comctl32.dll" "C:\windows\WinSxS\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.7601.17514_none_41e6975e2bd6f2b2\comctl32.dll"
base 0x6d960000 size 0x00044000 entry 0x6d9763f9 "dnsapi.DLL" "C:\windows\system32\dnsapi.DLL"
base 0x6ee20000 size 0x00052000 entry 0x6ee214be "rasapi32.dll" "C:\windows\system32\rasapi32.dll"
base 0x6ee00000 size 0x00015000 entry 0x6ee012de "rasman.dll" "C:\windows\system32\rasman.dll"
base 0x736b0000 size 0x0000d000 entry 0x736b1326 "rtutils.dll" "C:\windows\system32\rtutils.dll"
base 0x73490000 size 0x00006000 entry 0x7349125a "sensapi.dll" "C:\windows\system32\sensapi.dll"
base 0x6d840000 size 0x00010000 entry 0x6d8438c1 "NLAapi.dll" "C:\windows\system32\NLAapi.dll"
base 0x6d8a0000 size 0x00006000 entry 0x6d8a14b2 "rasadhlp.dll" "C:\windows\system32\rasadhlp.dll"
base 0x73560000 size 0x00079000 entry 0x7356140f "mscms.dll" "C:\windows\system32\mscms.dll"
base 0x69450000 size 0x00038000 entry 0x694527b6 "icm32.dll" "C:\windows\system32\icm32.dll"
base 0x6d9b0000 size 0x00006000 entry 0x6d9b1673 "wship6.dll" "C:\windows\System32\wship6.dll"
base 0x6d930000 size 0x00027000 entry 0x6d938a13 "WLIDNSP.DLL" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WLIDNSP.DLL"
base 0x6d8b0000 size 0x00021000 entry 0x6d8b4f16 "mdnsNSP.dll" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Bonjour\mdnsNSP.dll"
base 0x6d860000 size 0x00038000 entry 0x6d86990e "fwpuclnt.dll" "C:\windows\System32\fwpuclnt.dll"
base 0x69410000 size 0x00039000 entry 0x6941e2de "MMDevApi.dll" "C:\windows\System32\MMDevApi.dll"
base 0x6e050000 size 0x000f5000 entry 0x6e060d9e "PROPSYS.dll" "C:\windows\System32\PROPSYS.dll"
base 0x72300000 size 0x00030000 entry 0x72303c6b "wdmaud.drv" "C:\windows\system32\wdmaud.drv"
base 0x734a0000 size 0x00004000 entry 0x734a1030 "ksuser.dll" "C:\windows\system32\ksuser.dll"
base 0x70930000 size 0x00007000 entry 0x709310c0 "AVRT.dll" "C:\windows\system32\AVRT.dll"
base 0x67810000 size 0x00036000 entry 0x67819dae "AUDIOSES.DLL" "C:\windows\system32\AUDIOSES.DLL"
base 0x73340000 size 0x00008000 entry 0x73344119 "msacm32.drv" "C:\windows\system32\msacm32.drv"
base 0x72630000 size 0x00007000 entry 0x726311d0 "midimap.dll" "C:\windows\system32\midimap.dll"
base 0x70b10000 size 0x00008000 entry 0x70b111d0 "netbios.dll" "C:\windows\system32\netbios.dll"

[Register memory]
ebx 29506220 |<68>62 50 29 74 62 50 29 40 03 a3 25 38 85 50 29 | hbP)tbP)@..%8.P) |
29506230 | 00 00 00 00 00 64 50 29 68 62 50 29 98 96 49 29 | .....dP)hbP)..I) |
ecx 00000020 |<??>?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? | ???????????????? |
00000030 | ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? | ???????????????? |
edx 25d72510 |<01>00 00 00 02 00 ff ff 00 00 00 00 a8 ed fd 00 | ................ |
25d72520 | 90 34 90 1e 48 5a 99 1e 88 01 26 1d 00 02 26 1d | .4..HZ....&...&. |
esi 25a30340 |<c6>01 03 00 cb 2d 00 06 88 5a 99 1e 10 25 d7 25 | .....-...Z...%.% |
25a30350 | 00 00 00 00 20 62 50 29 17 e2 91 1d 00 c0 00 00 | .... bP)........ |
edi 27366be0 |<90>6b 36 27 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 | .k6'............ |
27366bf0 | 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 | ................ |
ebp 12c6fce0 | <60>fd c6 12 ce 57 d6 00 c0 28 ea 37 | `....W...(.7 |
12c6fcf0 | 80 e8 3d 1f c8 fd c6 12 38 bf fb 29 c8 0b 16 1d | ..=.....8..).... |
12c6fd00 | 60 fd c6 12 | `... |

[Extra]
ScriptHeap: 72.07MB/75.96MB (12); 9.44MB


This problem has only started with Patch 1.33 (or Pets, not sure as I bought that and updated my game at the same time). It's getting annoying and I'm having a hard time rather than having fun playing, as I have to constantly save (at intervals of less than five minutes) and be on the edge of my seat waiting for that unpleasant moment to inevitably come. Would anyone please find out what's up? Thanks.

PS: I have tried loading a vanilla game with no mods, one with no saved data, etc, everything that is usually done at troubleshooting, but to no avail. :(

[Whiterudder]

General - Post System Specs
We need more information before we can help with your issue.
Please post a Quick summary of your System Specs
Instructions on finding them are here: Game Help:System Specs.
Please Do NOT post your complete DxDiag report in your thread.


This is an instant crash to desktop, with no error message? Or do you get an error message?

[Semo B]

I've got a Samsung Series 3 laptop with Core i7-2670QM CPU @ 2.20GHz, 8GB of RAM, GeForce GT 520MX graphic card with NVIDIA Optimus technology (1024MB DDR3 of dedicated memory). Operating system is Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition.

I've got all expansion packs of the game with no stuff packs (except Master Suite Stuff), with game version 1.33.

The crash is instant with no error messages, just crashes to desktop with the usual "Sims 3 has stopped working" Windows automated message.

EDIT: Come on guys help me! I've been unable to play the game for two days now this is getting on my nerves! :/

[ellacharmed]

1. Specs are incomplete
2. GPU not supported
3. That error message is a DEP issue. Did you reboot after tweaking the option. And use this exe to start the game instead of Launcher?
4. Work through Game_Help:Sims 3 Crashing Checklist
5. No amount of troubleshooting or workarounds is going to help an unsupported hardware play the game. As you found out. Especially if DEP is done and saved and showing up properly as set to disable TS3W.

[Semo B]

1. ------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 3/29/2012, 10:48:10
Machine name: ISAM-PC
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.111118-2330)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
System Model: 300V3A/300V4A/300V5A
BIOS: Phoenix SecureCore-Tiano(tm) NB Version 2.1 03FI
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2670QM CPU @ 2.20GHz (8 CPUs), ~2.2GHz
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 8106MB RAM
Page File: 4714MB used, 11494MB available
Windows Dir: C:\windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode
---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: Intel(R) HD Graphics Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) HD Graphics Family
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0116&SUBSYS_C0B6144D&REV_09
Display Memory: 4065 MB
Dedicated Memory: 993 MB
Shared Memory: 3071 MB
Current Mode: 1366 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: unknown
Monitor Id: SEC324A
Native Mode: 1366 x 768(p) (60.072Hz)
Output Type: Internal
Driver Name: igdumd64.dll,igd10umd64.dll,igd10umd64.dll,igdumdx32,igd10umd32,igd10umd32
Driver File Version: 8.15.0010.2266 (English)
Driver Version: 8.15.10.2266
DDI Version: 11
Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 12/17/2010 03:38:46, 7434240 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0269&SUBSYS_144DC0B6&REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: RTKVHD64.sys
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.6400 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 6/25/2011 03:48:52, 2905320 bytes
------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
Drive: C:
Free Space: 4.7 GB
Total Space: 281.6 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: SAMSUNG HM641JI

Drive: D:
Free Space: 259.6 GB
Total Space: 305.5 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: SAMSUNG HM641JI

Drive: E:
Model: TSSTcorp CDDVDW SN-208BB
Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), , 0 bytes

2. Solution?

3. As previously explained, this is not a DEP problem. I've added all Sims 3 executables to the exception list, restarted obviously, and ran the game from the executable itself.

4. As previously stated, already gone through all of this.

5. Again, solution please?


EDIT: Troubleshooting the problem with the steps in the crashing checklist seems to delay the next crash but not eliminate the problem, and as soon as the next crash occurs the crashes go back to being frequent.

[ellacharmed]

3. Precisely my point! If DEP is done and it is still crashing - this is a hardware issue.
4. How do I know there's not another checklist floating around the 'net somewhere, since the wiki wasn't explicitly named? Also because the info I asked for in the wiki page was not provided...
5. There's no solution that you're going to like, because it is a hardware not supported issue. You cannot upgrade a GPU on a laptop - it's cost prohibitive, even if the notebook vendor allows it after purchase (it may be configurable only at point of Ordering). The only solution that is going to work permanently is to buy a supported system with ALL the components meeting Specs, and sell this one. This is not the first thread with the GT520 showing up with issues, and not just on MTS either.

What is the actual model number of this laptop? What does the sticker say? The one on the System Model line on the Specs report appears to be its battery?
Do you know what driver version the Nvidia 520M is using (check Nvidia Control Panel on the System Tray)? I wanted to see if Samsung provides anything newer.
And you're running out of space on the C:/ drive. Windows need some room to maneuver (may contribute to crashing also, but less likely). Is the game installed to C:/ or D:/ partition?

[Semo B]

Thanks for replying.

4. I should have stated so, sorry.

5. Do you have a list of supported hardware/laptops?

The model sticker on the back of my laptop says NP300V5AH.
The NVIDIA Control Panel "About" says Version 3.9.731.0, is that what you're looking for?
The game is installed on the D:/ partition.

Thanks.

EDIT: If my Intel HD (default built-in) graphic card is supported, will my game stop crashing if I forced Windows to run the game using the Intel card?

[ellacharmed]

Please don't tell me you bought a game without checking if your current laptop can play it? Or bought a laptop specifically to play a game without checking what sort of hardware it requires? I don't know whether to cry and commiserate with you or shake my finger and scold.

5. SysReq link in my signature.
There's no recommended hardware by laptop (or PC) models, because laptops in general are not recommended as they are usually not meant for gaming. Gaming laptops are too big to lug around and too hot, you might as well buy a desktop. And PC models are too volatile, they get changed too often to be worth keeping track over. Things are listed by components - for the 3 major ones - CPU, RAM & GPU.
Bear in mind those list the minimum recommended. If you want good performance, you have to shoot for hardware at least a couple or three levels higher in the hierarchy/benchmark charts above that minimum.

And no, the Intel is integrated (aka Game Help:Onboard Graphics) - worse than the 520M, which is one step higher if it can be labeled such, simply because it is the first discrete model in the 5xx series lineup. It says supported, because it is what EA listed in their first SysReq for base game, the retail unpatched version. But from experience, while machines with that chipset can load the game, it cannot run the game. Which is why all integrated models are flagged with Red Nos in the GPU table.

Not the version for the Control Panel itself, no.
The Nvidia Driver version. When you open the Control Panel, click on the System Information link on the bottom left corner. I need the Driver version listed in the Details panel.

The complete laptop model no? There's a dash something. There's literally a handful of this model and they even differ by country of purchase.

[Semo B]

Well I bought my laptop for general purposes, so, no I did not put in mind buying a laptop that is specifically compatible with The Sims 3.

My driver version is 285.62. Apparently there's an update, so I'm now updating it to 296.10.

Yes, sorry, the model is NP300V5AH-S02AE.

EDIT: Updated it and now the game won't go past unpausing Live Mode. Here's the catch, the game will never crash in CAS, Build or Buy Mode no matter how much time I spend there.

[ellacharmed]

That is still a DEP crash.
Redo?
On one of the 1.3x patch, I have to redo it a few times before it "took". Yes, with reboots after each time disabling, enabling and re-disabling.

If that still didn't work, I still stand by my assertion the hardware is not equipped for Sims 3.

The direct driver updates from Nvidia works? Are the laptop media buttons still working? Or, is there any button that is not working properly?
I'm asking to learn if a non-Vendor driver works for all Laptops with no consequences. Because, usually the vendor release their own version for the media functions and any other stuff they add or disable from the stock drivers.
You were not blocked during installing it, by some message about not supported or some such?

[Semo B]

The installation went fine and everything is working properly. I did as you asked with the DEP thing and the crashing stopped.. Well, not completely stopped, but instead of crashing every 2-5 minutes now it crashes every 60-90 minutes. Is that natural? Did I do it correctly?

[Whiterudder]

It's a significant improvement, and is probably the best you're going to get out of this laptop.

It sounds like your game is at least playable now, which is good. :) Please do remember that playing TS3 on your laptop is going to shorten its life - the crashes (when they're not DEP-related, and it does sound like you've got the DEP sorted now) are a sign that you've already pushed the laptop too far; so, as you can imagine, each time you push it far enough to crash, you're doing a little bit of damage.
You might want to have a read of this, for extra info, and some tips (especially regarding cooling, since you're on a laptop) which will keep the laptop running properly for longer: Game Help:Onboard Graphics.
You may also want to download the Saver (http://nraas.wikispaces.com/Saver) mod, so you don't lose too much progress when the game crashes.

[Semo B]

Thanks whiterider and ellacharm3d, that was great help. The weird thing is that this laptop played all of the Assassin's Creed franchise (1 to Revelations) on ultra quality with 4x anti-aliasing without a single issue, not even a slight compromise of performance, in addition to many other games like GTA IV, NFS Hot Pursuit 2010, The Sims 2 (with all EPs and SPs), and Devil May Cry 4 (all on ultra quality, textures, shadows and anti-aliasing when available), making me wonder why such a much-less demanding game is giving my laptop a hard time. :/ Is there something that those games have but Sims 3 doesn't?

EDIT: All out of a sudden my game is back to crashing regularly.. :/ I didn't change anything, not even restarted my computer!