How to Fix The Sims 2 on Windows 10 (Resolution, Smooth Edges, Shadows & Crashing) (The Basics)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- ⇩ LINKS AND INFO BELOW, PLEASE READ ⇩
These are the basics of setting up and fixing The Sims 2 graphics to run nicely and smoothly on a modern Windows system. Changing resolution, enabling smooth edges, fixing shadows and installing the 4GB patch against crashing!
Once again, these are the BASICS that almost everybody who plays this game has to deal with! If you're experiencing further technical issues, please refer to the FAQ below.
✦ Text post on improving the graphics: simscommunity....
Links from the video:
✦ Nopke's Sim Shadow Fix: modthesims.inf...
✦ 4GB Patch: ntcore.com/?pa...
✦ + get WinRAR: www.win-rar.co...
✯ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ✯
#1 I installed the 4GB patch but I still experience technical issues (crashing, freezing, not starting, glitching).
- Sadly this old game can react differently to different systems and graphics cards. There can be many different reasons behind why your game is still not working. But don't worry, there is a solution to everything. I recommend you browse this wiki, you will most likely find your answers: / technical-support and if not, you can post your question in the subreddit, or you can google your issue, or watch other youtube videos about it, I'm sure your solution is already out there somewhere on the internet. Also, you can get the game to recognise your graphics card this way, in case it doesn't automatically: www.leefish.nl/...
(You can also use Graphics Rules Maker to recognise your graphics card, that might be easier, just make sure you read all the instructions carefully).
#2 The shadow fix mod doesn't work for me, I still get black boxes under my sims.
- I have no idea what the possible issue is if you installed the mod correctly. Maybe you can try choosing a different version of the mod on Mod The Sims. At the end of the day, to get rid of the boxes you can also just turn off sim shadows altogether with the cheat "boolprop simshadows false" (I believe you should be able to change this in the graphics rules file as well but I haven't tried so it's just an idea, use with caution). If you choose to use the cheat, here's how you can make it apply permanently: • Making Cheats Turn On ...
#3 Can I play The Sims 2 in windowed mode?
- Yes. Right click the icon you start the game with, go into Properties and put " -w" (without the quotations, and the space is important) after the second quotation at the end of the line next to 'Target:', then click Apply or OK. If you want it to spread out nicely on your screen, download and use a little tool app called Fullscreenizer.
#4 Why do your game folders look different to mine?
- I have The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection and the expansion pack folders are often grouped together (for whatever reason). I also used to have the game installed from the discs, so I know what that looks like, and I can confirm the content of these folders is the exact same so it's nothing to worry about, as long as you figure out which folder you need to go into to edit the file.
#5 So... what do you have against poor Graphics Rules Maker?
- I think it's a great tool and I appreciate it. However, I ask of you, if you decide to use GRM, read the instructions very carefully. I personally found it easier and safer to edit the file myself (I have tried both ways). This is just the way that worked for me and that I wanted to (and managed to) present and recommend. If you want to do it differently, you do you. Just be smart.
#5 Where did you get your Sims 2 Ultimate Collection, again?
- • Video
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Thanks for watching and happy simming!
(Thumbnail changed June 2021)
hi everyone, thanks for watching my video, i hope you found at least some of it useful! however, i only went over some basics and it's entirely possible that you still experience technical issues with your game (crashing, freezing, glitching, not starting etc) because sadly some systems and graphics cards are more problematic than others. if you have a problem or a question, PLEASE CHECK OUT THE VIDEO DESCRIPTION where i tried to gather all useful info on what to do when you have an issue i personally can't give you advice on. i'm always happy to help but sometimes i simply do not know your answer, or i don't see your comment in time! thank you and good luck, don't give up!
Thanks for being so helpful!!! The Sims was a huge part of my childhood 18 years ago and you just helped me get back most of my Childhoos in two videos so far. Thanks for the content and taking the time to help us!!!
Hey hey, the shadows are still blocky. anything else you may recommend?
@@Momo-uh6ji blocky as in, the same as they used to be, so the mod didn't work? or in any other way?
Hey, i keep getting a pop up with “couldn’t open executable” whenever i try to apply the 4gp patch to the sims2ep9 file. Do you know why? 🤔
@@Pixuou mod didn't work. Doesn't show outside but in the house it still does.
Tip for the resolution change : if you use MR DJ's repacks then go to your MR DJ folder: go to The sims 2 ultimate collection > The Sims 2 Mansion And Garden Stuff > TSdata > Res > Config
Thank you!
@@orangejuice9555 no problem!
thank you :)
@@fawniedarling you welcome :D
@@josie9583 where did you download from?
Here in Feb 2024 and this still works and is by far the best step-by-step I've ever seen. Thank you for making this so easyyyyy!
Came here to say the same!!!
Thank you very much for updating the community!
where can I go to dowload ts2 today
Yep, thank you so much for that, 2021 is a great year to play TS2. After all, it IS the best Sims game...
U r right
@@olgabochkarnikova9117 Yeah, no need debating.
Sims 3 is better for me 😅
I just started playing it for the first time after spending my teen years on sims 3, I'm already addicted lol.
Yes, it's all downhill after Sims 2
Not only have you shown us simmers how to get the game we all want, You've taken your time to fully explain everything and in such detail! on behalf of us all we thank you so much! Gained another subscriber! x
Me too😂❤️
"gain another subscriber" you speak as if she earned a medal of honor.
I just want to say... the detail and precision with which you have explained the installation AND graphics fixes for Sims 2 is just incredible!!! My computer is farrrr from factory settings so it took me about 6 hours to follow all of the steps and get everything right, but in the end, your method worked the best and your videos were so clear it was super easy. THANK YOU
Last year I was fed up with The Sims 4, and since The Sims 2 was the only part of the franchise I hadn't played, I bought it used on ebay. So when I finally installed it a few days ago, I was a little dissappointed by the low resolution and the black bars for shadows. Thank you so much for helping me fix it.
Sims 2 for the DS should’ve been the first ever sim game you plaid, man that shot was so gooddddd Ah the memories
You understand the problem of every step we faced. You are the first TH-camr that can read my mind (problems I mean) and ease my The Sims 2 installation WITHOUT COMPLICATED AND USELESS STEPS AND CD. You definitely earn my subscription! A professional and smart TH-camr!
omg enough with you earn a subscriber, its not a priviledge, you do that for yourself if you wanna follow her content you dont brag about it or anounce publically!
@@The_SUN1234 I don't even know you.
Seriously one of the most helpful tutorials I've ever seen on TH-cam, and I've been on it since the beginning. These guides are so much easier to follow than text directions :)
Hey thank you it totally fixed the stuttering in my game.. I couldn't find any videos about this and I'm so thankful when I found yours! It is so detailed and helpful
hi! i'm so glad to hear that :)
How this could fix stuttering, tell me please :'D There was not any connection. I just don't get it
both of your videos on getting the sims 2 have been amazing, thank you so much !! you made it so easy:))
You are literally a god??? Omg. Thank you so much. I was so stuck on fixing the screen resolution because I wasn’t editing the file from the most recent expansion pack.
You saved me so much stress. May your skin remain clear and may you experience nothing but joy in your life.
Oh my god, this is amazing! I didn't think I could get it to work at a pretty level because last time, it broke my game. But this tutorial is a lifesaver! I had no idea what I was missing out on! The Sims 2 is honestly a beautiful game despite it's age ❤️🤗
For those that the above did not work, I suggest you try combine the methods above AND running the game through compatibility mode of Window XP (Service whatever is fine)
Windows 98/ME is what finally worked for me. Thanks for your help.
Thank you SO MUCH! I’ve been wanting to play this game again for YEARS and thanks to your installation guide, it’s running and I’ve never been more excited! Thank you!! 🙏🏾♥️
HOLY CRAP!! Thank you so much!! I literally just booted up my game, and not only do I no long have the bright light issue in CAS, but my game doesn’t glitch when I play sims I have set up in the hood!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THESE TUTORIALS!! You’re amazing!! ♥️
you are so amazing. you even included the links for if it doesn't recognize the graphics card. I LOVE YOU AND YOU HAVE MY MY YEAR!! best easter present ever.
Thank you so much..this has totally fixed the slight stuttering I was experiencing when moving the cursor/camera in both neighborhood view AND lot view. Even though it was minor it really bothered me. You’re the best! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾✨
I still use this tutorial today. I got a new monitor and video card and I am so happy this video is still available today!
This tutorial is pretty old now but still works even in 2023!!!! I love sims 2, so happy I can play without all of those pesky graphics issues. This tutorial fixed every problem!
This was THE most helpful video I've found to help me fix my game. Literally every issue I was having is fixed THANK YOU SO MUCH!
wow, thanks for the help. I finally managed to install sims 2 on my pc. I contacted 3 times EA about sims 2 but no luck. So yeah time for the illegal part
i believe that the sims 2 is now free on all platforms, at least it should be! if you want to install using origin, there is a code to get it. i believe its I-LOVE-THE-SIMS. it's honestly easier to download it from oldgames website.
@@imeatingyourmother wait really
@@imeatingyourmother that was in 2015
@@chicken7471 it doesn’t work anymore
@@imeatingyourmother Yeah that promotion only lasted a month a few years back. You could get the Ultimate Collection afterwards if you sent an image of your previously purchased Sims 2 game to EA Support, in which they'd give you the Ultimate Collection for free. They ended that too, and later they took Sims 2 off of Origin entirely because it's competition for Sims 4.
JUNE 2024 and it's still working thank u so much! As a person with zero knowledge u made it so easy to understand. Ps. My computer language is different but "everyone" worked for me
Fantastic video! Thanks for taking the time to show us these things. My game no longer crashes and the shadows look great. I still can't adjust my resolution, but the game is playable.
You are literally a saint. Helped me so much, thanks!
so glad to hear that! :)
i'm playing sims 2 for the first time and wanted to make sure i get the main fixes out of the way before i start up, this was very helpful thank you so much!
You're so smartT-T wish I did this. I played this when I was like 8 when it came out
@@KiRa-fy6uq hahaha, i only knew to check because i’m a big sims 3 player and my best friend plays mostly 2!!
Thank you so much, I'd already tried that fix for the crashing but I don't think I did it right the first time. It did work this time after watching your video.
Oh my goodness, I can't wait to play, I've been wanting to try sims 2 for a while.
Thank you so much, I' ve finally installed it and i couldn't do it without your help . I've also followed this video for the graphic stuff. Could u do a video about best mods and how to install them?
so glad to have helped! :) yes, i have plans for mod recommendation videos, i'm just a bit too busy at the moment! but in the meantime, many other great youtubers have done videos on that, so you can search for those too! furthermore, i recommend Pleasant Sims' list on her website: pleasantsims.com/sims-2-mods/
installing a mod is very simple though: it's the same method i use in my graphics video to install the shadow fix mod, where i explain every bit of it. it's as simple as that for most mods. hope that helps!
ive already fixed all the issues in my game but this video is very helpful! i havent seen someone show how to solve all of the problems correctly in one video
hi already got the sims 3,4 and already installing the sims 2 in 2023😂 i already follow ur guidelines and u know what i make it.ur explanation so so good ❤❤
I've literally done this 3 times already and my game is still permanently 800 x 600.
I'm late but... have you tried "graphics rules maker"?
u just saved my life, well explained, ur a baddie, ty xx
I just got the game for a big dose of Nostalgia, thank you so much for your tips, especially resolution and shadows 🙏 thank you 🙌✨
you absolutely saved my game! i spent so much money getting all the packs and was so sad when they couldn't work on my computer, watching your tutorial helped me so much and i'm so grateful to you! TTHANK YOU !!!
Thank you so much my game is finally pretty! Also I love your accent!
thank you so much!!! :)) glad you found it useful!
It is a wonderful video. Everything explained very well and even the 'saving file issue' is covered. Thank you very much.
Hello, just to say i love you! I couldn't play it on my new computer so im so happy! (for those wondering i did it in april 2024) :)
Yes, it works! I am playing all of The Stories and it works in all of these packages! Thank you so much!😍
My problem with the resolution is that surprisingly it's only stretched out too much. It is already full screen but you can tell it's very stretched out!
Use different resolution. My screen is 16:10, so I have to choose something like 1920x1200 x) You lose very little of graphics, but the game actually looks amazing and very-very smooth
I can't find the Sims folder bc i downloaded it from oldgamesdownload
Anyone have any tips on how to find it?
You can search "sims 2" in the file section that says "this pc" on the top right corner there is a search bar where you put "sims 2", it takes a bit to search for it but I think you look for the one that says (x86) or "/Mr DJ" next to it in the file name
@@YouKnowme_YKM tysm!!
@@YouKnowme_YKM Thank you so much for your help. I was having the same issue.
@@YouKnowme_YKMoh my god ur so real for this
2 years later and you saved my ass LITERALLY god bless you❤
Thank you so much! These are the best 3 changes for the sims 2! I had all of these problems, especially the game crashing every 20 minutes. Now it runs perfectly! Yay I can still play this ancient game xD
I recently bought a gaming pc and been having this problem with sims 2, I can’t believe it really worked thank you so much, the last video I watched didn’t help at all. I’m glad you fixed my problem
You saved my entire experience playing this game, thank u so muchhhh
Literally this video always saves my life I recently had to get a new laptop THANK YOU FOR THE 2ND TIME (you don't even remember me)
Finally, somebody who knows what they're talking about. I'm not even the greatest with computers but this was so easy to follow
thank you in the year 2024! also for people who may also have this issue: my game folder didn’t have two graphics rules files, only the SGR file, I still used that one to open it on notepads and do the stuff and it still worked so don’t worry!
99% a console gamer and Sims 2 is all I ever played on my old PCs for so tysm for posting this you're a lifesaver tyyyyyyy
I changed the resolution to my sims 2 ultimate collection game but I still only have the option 800x600 in my game???
this was so thurough and easy to understand i was able to do techy things and i do not usually do that, thank you!
You are a life saver! I literally thought I would have no choice but to play with the awful windows XP screen resolution because everytime I tried fixing the settings via the notepad from watching other videos it broke my game and gave me even more problems than before, I spent MONTHS searching and gave up. I tried once more afterwards and found your video, which I am so grateful for! Now I can play my forever favorite sims game ! Thank you so much
I know this video os older,but im stuck at changing resoultion. I saved the graphics rules but now it makes my computer go funky like it's trying to make the computer a smaller screen and refuses to work.
You created the best video to solve all Sims 2 issues. Very clear and straight to the point. You got my game running very smoothly. Thanks !
Thank you very much ! You saved my sims 2 game, I had every problems in the video lol, now it's all good. Though I have maybe something to add for everyone, about the 4GB patch. Look for the Sims2EP9.exe but beware because it's not necessarily in the Pets dlc folder like in the video. For me it was in another dlc folder
Thank you so much. I followed your instructions and they all worked for me. Good to know I’m not the only one that still plays sim 2. ❤
So I did the patch (last part of the video) on the only file SIMILAR that I had available- I did the SP8 under my University Collection folder. I have all discs of the game, NOT the Origin edition. Hopefully, that won’t be an issue? Thank you SO much for uploading this. You’re a lifesaver!!
This is probably the most helpful video I’ve watched on TH-cam. Thank you so much!!!
Thank you!! I’ve always loved sims 2, after not playing it for years and installing on my newer computer I’m left with the issues you mentioned. Great job explaining everything. You’re awesome!
Mine is not appearing on the settings even though I changed it on text file
I got nostalgia and wanted to play the Sims 2 again. Your videos help me a lot. Many thanks.
Thanks so much! Game looks so much prettier and went from 30 min glitchy load time to 5 min smooth load with the cutscenes :D
thank you so much, I felt so nostalgic playing sims 2 for a long time, but the graphic was always a bit disturbing, now nothing is stopping me anymore yey! you made my evening and made me feel like a hacker at the same time :P thank you!
You are honestly the BEST video I have found in order to get the game to work properly! Thank you so much!
AAA thank you so much for this video! I've just installed the game after like 15 years and I immediately thought I want to change the resolution the smoothness and the shadows XD and you explained everything so thank you
I was totally losing my hopes after reading comments on the mod's site (many ppl says that shadow fix doesn't work, lol), however watching ur video bring me all the hopes back, i've decided to try myself, and... it all works absolutely fiiiiine :D
Thank u sooo much
Hey gurl, I gotta say that you explain things so well! I'm from Brazil and I speak portuguese but your video was the best one I could find! thank you so much for patienlly explaining all those steps!!
You're awesome! Everything worked on my end with your help! I tried all others but they wouldn't work and were difficult to understand. You explained the steps carefully and clearly. Thank you!!!
Thank you for helping me code the graphics in sims 2! My game looks super now. I had no idea that was possible.
Thank you so, so much! I reinstalled everything on my new computer and had to battle with multiple issues concerning the installation itself, and then I finally booted it up and WHAM - couldn't change the resolution. Thanks for enabling me to play my favourite Sims game again, finally!! Happy simming :-)
Omg you are a lifesaver 😭 looking this up on the internet it all seemed overly technical and confusing and over my head but you explain it so well and gives me confidence that even idiots like me can fix their game ❤️
Spent hours looking for a solution and finally came across your video. Thank you so much for the video, it solved my issues!!
Thanks for making this easy, I was so bummed out when I couldn't get my smooth edges going, so much detail, especially as I ran into problems on the way was so helpful, thank you.
thank you so much for this!!! i haven't played ts2 in forever so I'm so excited to experience it for the first time in forever in the right resolution. you made the steps seem so easy and doable! have a wonderful day whenever you read this!
Thank you for this. I did the resolution thing and it worked so well! I mean, I knew something like this was possible, but without you, it would have probably taken me days to figure it out. So thank you.
I'm so glad I came across your video. I couldn't get past the first loading screen for some reason. It just kept crashing but I think downloading that patch helped. Thank you so much!
I had to comment and tell you I'm so grateful that you made this video. I have the sims 2 on disc and I couldn't find a video to help me anywhere so I've been playing the game with this tiny little screen and then I just came across your video, I am so excited to play the game now that everything fit into the screen!!
i used to play like that for many years before this too but getting to know these things changed my life! have fun!
Thank you, I'm Brazilian and I hadn't been able to solve the problem anywhere, just here, thank you very much. Finally I can play! ♥️♥️🙌🙏
Heyy! I came here right after watching your sim 2 installing video and i wanted to thank you so much! it's my first time playing the sims 2 and your videos seriously helped me tons! :)
Thank your beautiful heart!! I own The Sims 22 or three times over I have every pack and could not imagine it running on any system in 2021 you’re an absolute godsend you’re an angel and I most definitely thank you from the bottom of my heart because I am going to go and buy A desktop just so I can play this I’m so sick of the Sims four
Thank you so much. I downloaded The Sims 2: Ultimate Collection recently but was a bit disappointed with the graphics and low aspect ratio. I followed each of your steps to the letter and now my game looks perfect. No issues at all. You’re awesome!!!!
Where did you download it??!
@@ruairi1340 now, you can only buy or download it illegally. I dont know where since i have it on origin
@@ruairi1340 oldgamesdownload
This video was BEYOND AMAZING! Now I can record The Sims 2 with good resolution! Thank you so much! Left a like!😱🥰
THANK YOU! I looked at a different video first for the screen resolution but I indeed had the saving problem, you really helped me out by explaining everything im detail. Off to play my beloved Sims 2!
I didn't expect to see this video today so I randomly found it, but I was bored so I watched it anyways, and actually I am so happy I found it because I was playing The sims 2 for years with bad resolution and today I got to fix it. Thank you!!
I am so happy for this video! Especially the changes to notepad so that it will save without telling me I don't have permission. Thank you!!!
Thank you for these videos! I had a physical copy of the sims 2, but no packs, so i wanted to download it. Couldnt have done it without your other video on HOW to download it, and without this one to make it look good!!!
Thank you so much for your two videos. I tried and failed with just reading the instructions but it's working now and I'm so happy :)
Thank you so much! You helped me with my glitching problem and many other little things along the way, I really appreciate what you teach me and others.
Windows 11 here and it works! Subscribed ✨
Thank you so much! My game was super-laggy and your video helped take care of the problem. You made a very helpful video!!!
Everything definitely works, thank you. Just got the original discs off of ebay, and this helps sooo much. Like 1000%
I love your videos! literally saved me from pulling my hair out trying to figure things out on my own 😅
Thank you so much! I've been wanting to get back into playing TS2 but the last time I tried I got annoyed at the shadow glitch and other graphics issues. You explained everything perfectly
Thank you so much! This video really helped. Also, I love your accent!
Omg you saved my sims game… I APPRECIATE THIS SM
Thank you so much this graphical error was driving me crazy. This worked perfectly!
You’re an angel. Thank you for this tutorial!! You saved my life
I finally got the disk game from ebay. This helped so much!
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! it wasn’t working for me AT ALL!!! eventually i got creative and decided to do this method on all of the packs i own. i don’t know which one made it work, but it worked!!
Hi! A bit late but I also wanted to thank u for taking the time to make a super useful video like this one, u don't know how much it helped a fellow and frustrated simmer hahaha, thanks a lot!
This is how tutorials are done! absolutely amazing, thank you so much for your help