Troubleshoot Error 3 in The Sims 4 and resume playing

1

Remove custom content

2

Repair your game

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Exit the game and Origin
2. Go to Start -> launch the Task Manager
3. Go to the Processes tab -> locate the process called TS4.exe
4. Right-click on it -> select End Task
5. Do the same for Origin (the process is called Origin in the Task Manager)
6. Close the Task Manager once you’re done
7. Open Origin -> go to the Game Library tab
8. Right-click Sims 4 > select Repair Game.

3

Reset your user files

⇒ Make sure not to delete any files and create a backup before following the steps listed below.

1. Go to Documents\ElectronicArts and locate The Sims 4 folder. Make a backup of this folder to a different place on your hard drive or simply save it on an external storage device.
2. Rename your The Sims4 folder in Documents\ElectronicArts to Sims4_Backup
3. Start the game.

Keep in mind that all your game saves and custom content will be gone. Also, all your options will be reset to factory settings.

However, you still have access to the latest game saves thanks to the backup folder you just created.

A new Sims 4 folder is now available in the Documents\ElectronicArts folder.

Keep in mind that some folders might be missing. This happens because they are only created when you actually need them.

Start a new game and check if error code 3 is still there.

If the issue has been fixed, you can put stuff back:

1. Get the Options.ini file or you can simply reset all your settings manually
2. Get the rest of the save games (except for slot_00000001.save which is the autosave)
3. Restore custom content and mods (one by one, so that you can make sure they still work).

4

Install the latest updates on your computer

How to update your drivers:

1. If you’re running Windows, launch the Device Manager, right-click the driver that you want to update, and select Update.
2. Wait until the update process is complete, restart your computer, and launch the game.

How to update Windows:

1. To install the latest Windows system updates, go to Start
2. Type Windows updates and select the first result.
3. Your computer will check for updates and will install them automatically.

To install the latest macOS updates, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple icon in the left corner of the screen >  go to App Store
2. Click Update in the Updates section of the Store.
3. Your Mac computer will restart after the download has been completed.

5

Scan your computer for malware

Run a full system scan to make sure that error code 3 is not caused by malware and other cyber threats.