How To Fix Sims 3 Error Code 12? Steps To Fix Sims 3 Error Code 12 Easily

How To Fix Sims 3 Error Code 12 is users are looking to solve the error which is very frustrating and a 2009 life simulation video game called The Sims 3 was created by Maxis Redwood Shores division and released by Electronic Arts. This article is for you if you're having the same problem and want to know how to fix Sims 3 error code 12. To learn How To Fix Sims 3 Error Code 12, keep reading this article.

by P Nandhini

Updated Jan 21, 2023

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How To Fix Sims 3 Error Code 12? Steps To  Fix Sims 3 Error Code 12 Easily
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How To Fix Sims 3 Error Code 12?

A life simulation video game called The Sims 3 was created by Maxis' Redwood Shores division and released by Electronic Arts. The release day for the game was June 2, 2009. The Sims 3 is now widely used and is accessible on many other platforms, including Android, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and others.

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But recently, a lot of Windows users have complained about getting Sims 3 problem code 12 on their computers. How can the error be fixed? This article will provide some practical ways to help you resolve the Sims 3 issue code 12. Check out this page for solutions if you encounter the same error right away.

Why Do Sims 3 Error Code 12 Appear?

Users have been annoyed by the error code 12 for a time now, which they can experience while playing The Sims 3. Because of this problem, gamers are unable to save their progress at all, rendering the game completely unplayable. Any game you play needs to allow you to save your progress, and The Sims 3 is absolutely no different. Sims 3 Error Code 12 has been reported by users while trying to save their game progress. And there are typically two causes: Sims 3 has consumed too much memory, or there aren't enough free system resources to save the game. Additionally, out-of-date graphics drivers or the game's default graphics setting may possibly be the reason for the issue.

Let's check the fixes and a few workarounds for Sims 3 Error Code 12 now. 

Fix Sims 3 Error Code 12 Easily

Close all background programs and software

  • To open the Task Manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  • Select each app from the Apps list separately, then click End task.
  • Prior to playing Sims 3, close any open programs on your computer to free up more RAM. Make sure not to terminate any crucial ones after that.
  • Then quit any third-party applications listed under Background processes. The UWP Windows 10 apps, such as Edge, Photos, Skype, Mail, etc., are the finest ones to end there.
  • Additionally, see if there are any icons for third-party programs in your system tray. If so, use the exit (close) option from the context menu when you right-click the program.
  • Once finished, make sure Sims 3's Error Code 12 is repaired. If not, proceed to the next technique.

Increase the Virtual Memory

  • Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows in the text field of the Search menu after pressing Windows + S to open it, and then click on the relevant search result.
  • Click on Change under Virtual Memory on the Advanced tab.
  • Later uncheck Choose Custom size to have the paging file size for all drives managed automatically.
  • Fill out the virtual memory allotment in the fields provided after selecting C: drive from the list.
  • Initial Size (MB): 1.5 x (Available physical memory)
  • Maximum size (MB): 3 x (Available physical memory)
  • 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).
  • Once done, click on Set and OK to save the changes.
  • You are now required to restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

Try saving with the Save as an option.

  • Try clicking the Save As option in place of the Save option. Give the save game a whole different file name after that. Additionally, avoid using spaces in the file name of your saved game.
  • Many people have also experienced the issue due to continually overwriting the stored file. Instead, experts advise changing the title of the file or maintaining progress on other files.

Delete game save folders

  • Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E, then take the following route:
  • Next, press the Del key while selecting each folder in Saves that has a.bad extension after its name.
  • Select the folders that have the name of your saved game and a.sims3 or the Backup extension now, and move them to a new folder on your desktop called Backup.
  • For some Sims 3 users, deleting game save folders with an a.bad extension may also work to resolve Error Code 12. Many people have had success with this, so we advise trying it out. Go to the last approach if the issue is still not solved.

Reduce Sims 3's graphics settings

  • Launch Sims 3, and pick Options from the menu by clicking the ellipsis in the bottom left corner.
  • Select a lower resolution from the Screen Size dropdown menu, uncheck Enable Fullscreen Mode, and then click the check mark symbol to save your changes.
  • Players can reduce Sims 3's graphical settings to reduce RAM usage. And if nothing else has worked, this is most likely the only remedy for Sims 3 Error Code 12.
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The Sims 

A 2009 life simulation video game called The Sims 3 was created by Maxis' Redwood Shores division and released by Electronic Arts. It is The Sims 2's follow-up and a part of The Sims franchise. On June 2, 2009, versions for macOS, Windows, and smartphones were made available. In October 2010, console versions of the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, and Wii were published. On October 15, 2010, the Windows Phone version was made available. One of the initial games for the Nintendo 3DS was made available on March 27, 2011.



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How To Fix Sims 3 Error Code 12: FAQs

1. Is The Sims 3 free now?  

The Sims 3 is sold by retailers worldwide, but can be downloaded to your computer for free using Origin if you previously purchased the game. The Sims 3 can also be downloaded for free using peer-to-peer file sharing protocol, also known as BitTorrent.

2. Is The Sims 3 or 4 better?  

If you're looking for a gameplay experience with a plethora of personality choice and customization, then The Sims 3 is for you. If you're looking for Sim-specific customization, a growth of emotion, and a smoother, faster running game, then The Sims 4 is your go-to

3. Why is Sims 3 so much better than 4?  

But the most significant difference between The Sims 3 and 4 is the open world of The Sims 3.

4. How many GB RAM is Sims 3?  

The minimum requirements for the base game are as follows (source): 2.4 GHz P4 processor or equivalent. 1.5 GB RAM.

5. Is The Sims 5 happening?  

After plenty of rumours and speculation, The Sims 5 is official. It is being developed under the codename "Project Rene" and is still some way off from release, but the team behind it confirmed some details during The Sims Summit streamed online on 18 October 2022.

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