5 Quick and Easy Ways to Fix Error Code 12 on Sims 3

Error Code 12 in Sims 3 has become common and has troubled users. Many posted about it on forums, and while some got reliable resolutions, others were left fending for themselves.

The complete error message, in this case, reads: An unexpected error has occurred while saving: Error Code 12. Please consult the readme for details.

However, unlike other errors, this one is easily fixable and wouldn’t require much of your time and effort. So, let’s find out how you can fix Error Code 12 in Sims 3.

Why does Sims 3 error code 12 appear?

Users reported encountering Sims 3 Error Code 12 while saving their game’s progress. And it’s usually due to two reasons: there aren’t enough free system resources to save the game, or Sims 3 has hit the threshold of memory consumption.

Other than that, outdated graphics drivers or the game’s built-in graphics setting can also be an underlying cause. So, let’s find out the solutions and a few workarounds for Error Code 12 in Sims 3.

How do I fix Sims 3 error code 12?

1. Close all background programs and software

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Individually select the programs listed under Apps and click on End task.

First, free up more RAM for Sims 3 before playing it by closing programs presently running on the computer. Then, make sure that you don’t terminate any critical ones.

Then close background processes for third-party programs listed under Background processes. The best processes to terminate there are those for UWP Windows 10 apps, such as Edge, Photos, Skype, Mail, etc.

In addition, check if your system tray includes any icons for third-party programs. If so, close the programs from there by right-clicking them and selecting their exit (close) options.

Once done, verify if Error Code 12 in Sims 3 is fixed. If not, head to the following method.

2. Increase the Virtual Memory

1. Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
2. Navigate to the Advanced tab, and click on Change under Virtual Memory.
3. Next, uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives and select Custom size.
4. Select C: drive from the list and fill in the virtual memory allocation in the provided fields.
   • Initial Size (MB): 1.5 x (Available physical memory)
   • Maximum size (MB): 3 x (Available physical memory)
5. Say if the available memory (RAM) on the computer is 8 GB, the Initial Size would be 12288 MB (1.5 x 8 x 1024), and the Maximum size would be 24576 MB (3 x 8 x 1024).
6. Once done, click on Set and OK to save the changes.
7. You are now required to restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

After you have increased the Virtual Memory (Page File), check if Error Code 12 in Sims 3 is resolved. If the memory allocation and its shortage led to the Sims 3 saving error, things should now be up and running.

3. Try saving with the Save as option

Instead of selecting Save, try clicking the Save As option instead. Then give the save game a completely different file title. In addition, don’t include spaces within your saved game’s file title.

Overriding the saved file persistently has also caused the error for many. Instead, experts recommend that you keep progress on different files or change the title.

4. Delete game save folders

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer and navigate the following path:C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves
2. Next, select all folders in Saves that include a .bad extension at the end of their titles, and hit the Del key.
3. Now, select folders that have your saved game’s title with a .sims3 or .backup extension, and move them to a new folder named Backup on the desktop.

Deleting game save folders that end with a .bad extension might also fix Error Code 12 for some Sims 3 players. This has worked for many, and we recommend giving it a try. If the problem remains unresolved, head to the final method.

5. Reduce Sims 3’s graphics settings

1. Launch Sims 3, click the ellipsis at the bottom left, and select Options from the menu.
2. In the Graphics tab, untick the Enable Fullscreen Mode setting, choose a lower resolution from the Screen Size dropdown menu, and then click on the check mark icon to save the changes.

Players can also minimize Sims 3’s RAM consumption by lowering graphics settings. And if nothing else has worked, this is probably the only solution to Error Code 12 in Sims 3.

Why does The Sims 3 crash so much?

The game usually runs fine for most users, but some have reported that Sims 3 keeps crashing in Windows 10. For many, it could be incompatibility, or the system requirements for Sims 3 are not met.

Also, corrupt game files or misconfigured system settings are likely reasons behind the crash. Finally, some users reported running an outdated version of the game or the OS, which caused the crash. Besides, removing the recently installed mods did the trick for many.

That’s all there’s to Error Code 12 in Sims 3 regarding the game crashing in Windows. By the time you are done with the guide, the error should be long gone, along with other minor issues with the game.

Also, find out how to seamlessly install Sims 4 mods on Windows and Mac.

Please tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.