Sims 3: There was an error during startup [Fixed]

by Matthew Adams

Windows & Software Expert

June 25, 2020

Affiliate Disclosure

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Sims 3 is one of the best games in its series. However, some players have posted on EA’s forum about a Sims 3 startup error.

The error message for that issue states, There was an error during startup. Consequently, users can’t launch Sims 3 when the game displays that error message.

How can I fix the error during startup issue on Sims 3?

1. Run the game with administrator privileges

1. Right-click the launcher for Sims 3 and select Properties.
2. Click the Compatibility tab shown directly below.
   
3. Select the Run this program as an administrator checkbox.
4. Click the Apply button.
5. Select the OK option to exit.

2. Delete cache files for Sims 3

1. Clearing the cache for Sims 3 might erase corrupted files there. To do that, press the Windows + E hotkey.
2. Select the View tab.
3. Select the Hidden items option.
   
4. Then open your user folder in File Explorer.
5. Click AppData to open that folder.
6. Open the Local folder.
7. Open the Sims 3 folder.
8. Press Ctrl + A to select everything in the Sims 3 folder.
9. Click Delete on the Home tab.

3. Delete game mods

1. The Sims 3 startup error might be due to conflicting mods. To delete the game’s mods, open File Explorer.
2. Next, open this folder path: C:Program Files (x86)Electronic ArtsThe Sims 3ModsPackages.
3. Press the Ctrl + A keyboard shortcut to select all content in the Packages folder.
   
4. Press the Delete button to erase selected folder content.

4. Reinstall Sims 3

1. Some users might need to reinstall Sims 3. To do so, open the Origin game client software.
2. Next, click Library and select Sims 3.
3. Press the Settings button (with the cog icon) for Sims 3.
4. Select the Uninstall option.
   
5. Press the Yes button to confirm if a dialog box window opens.
6. Restart Windows before reinstalling Sims 3.
7. Finally, download Sims 3 from EA’s website again to reinstall it.

5. Delete expansion registry keys

1. If reinstalling Sims 3 doesn’t fix the error, you might need to delete some of the registry keys for the game’s expansions. Right-click Windows 10’s Start menu and select Run.
2. To open the Registry Editor, type Regedit in Run and click OK.
3. Next, open this registry key: HKEYLOCAL_MACHINESoftwareWOW6432NodeSims.
4. Delete Sims 3 expansion registry keys you don’t need by right-clicking them and selecting Delete.

Those are some of the confirmed fixes for Sims 3’s error during startup error. So, there’s a pretty good chance the above fixes will resolve the issue for most users.