Vista - The Sims 2, still confused?

I don't know how many forums I have read today about fixing my Sims 2 on my computer. The problem is that it freezes a lot, usually on the loading screens. I'm pretty sure its my graphics card causing the problem, it's not listed in the compatibility list (I have Mobile Intel Chipset 965 Family). If this IS the problem.. what can I do? Can I download/buy a new card?

Hi, got the same problem
I've been searching on official forums and everyone keeps telling me it's because my graphic card is too old. Weird thing, I have a Geforce 9800GTX+ and can run about any games at high settings.
I'll keep looking around but could be Vista related

@ parker5,

Yeah, you'll want to buy a card, you can't download it, it's hardware. I would advise you take your laptop to a reputable tech and have them install a newer card. They're also in a better position then us here because they're physically looking at the laptop.

@ Delawynn,

Your card should be good enough to play the sims. And according to people here SIMS 2 plays well on Vista. Have you been to EA's website to see what they have to say?

Also, do you have the latest drivers for your video card? And is there a new patch out for the game. You might want to check to see.

Well my drivers are up to date
Been looking on EA's website and I guess I'll reinstall the game.
I'll give some news later

Some news. Went to look at supported graphic cards on the Sims 2 Website and game supports up to Geforce 8800. So far my graphic card isn't supported and could be the reason why game crashes

Have you downloaded the patch yet?? Find it HERE

You must also run it as an administrator! Find out more HERE

Hope this helps,

Extensa

Unless i'm missing something, your card is newer then the 8800, so your card is supported. Remember, the Sim 2 came out before your card!

Extensa might have a point for running the Game in Admin mode. For some strange reason The Sims used to have this problem where it required full admin rights to run under XP, but I thought they long fixed that problem with a patch. Maybe it's required on Vista now? Hmmm.

OK, did some research for you. Here are some results –

Make sure you have the latest patches for the game as well as any expansion packs. Patches - TheSims2.com - Updates

EA also has recommendations concerning problems running the game under Vista. Look here - https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/...&p_faqid=14357

Also, Nvidia put out a patch to address a problem with the sims 2 game, though I believe this is an old patch that you may not need. Look here - The Sims 2 by Electronic Arts

Finally, the Sims 2 system requirements - TheSims2.com - Help - Detail

Good luck.

So I've been doing some research and found 2 issues.
First one, Sound isn't detected by the sims so I tried running the game using -nosound.
Second, my graphic card (Geforce 9800GTX+) is not in the sims' database and the game can't detect it, so it freeze at loading screen.
Guess I'll have to wait for The Sims 3 to come out.

Please post your system specs.

Here goes :

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.00G/1333/6M/S775
Motherboard : S775 ASUS P5Q SE P45 PCIE
Graphic Card : Geforce 9800 GTX+ DK 512MB
RAM : Kingston DDR2 4 gig
SATA2 500.0 SEAGATE 7200.11 32M
Integrated Soundcard

From "Config" in My Documents/Sims 2 :

And yes my drivers are up to date :P