[SIMS 3] Error Code (0x039e8474)

Hello,
I have a problem when I launch The Sims 3 it says:
Unable to start the game:
Service initialization failed (0x039e8474)...

HELP ME!
Configuration: Windows Vista Firefox 3.0.10

22 answers

  1. The solution is found on a Thai site, you just need to update your video cards.
    If you have Nvidia, just go to the site and download the latest version for your card.
    If the problem persists, you should consider changing your video card.
    1. Thank you for this response! But what do I need to download? I have a graphics card (that's what I believe it's called) NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE. I've already tried one driver but it still doesn't work, I don't know exactly what I need to take... If you could help me, thank you!!
    2. Hi, I'm worried because I didn't have this problem before. I think it's because of a game I bought, "The Sims 3 VIP Access." I wanted to install it, and very quickly several windows popped up, and I'm afraid this has damaged the normal Sims 3.
    3. I encountered this problem when I installed the additional disk "The Sims 3 Generations." Now, whenever I click to launch the game, the window starts to appear but the message shows up very quickly and makes everything stop.
      "Unable to start the game:
      Service initialization failed (0x039e8474)"

      It's starting to get on my nerves.
    4. But just one thing, how do we know if it's Nvidia or not?
  2. Hello,
    Since I'm at work, I don't have all the answers at hand, but your error code looks a lot like a memory-related error (RAM or buffer??? I'm not sure). By searching Google with just your error code, you should be able to find the solution.

    Good luck!
    1. Petitcoeur63 made a very good point about this.

      For my part, I noticed that this error occurred when saving the game during times when heavy actions were performed (creating an impressive house, deleting an important building, or simply after accumulating several hours of gameplay).

      I couldn't find a way to remove it or avoid it, but I can give you a tip that would minimize losses in terms of saving: save your data regularly and save BEFORE performing any heavy action.
      1. Hello. On my side (me, who has the same problem..) I've searched everywhere, on Google, EVERYWHERE!
        And of course.. No answer... Except for a few links to two or three forums, but nothing more, and in those forums, nothing interesting.. Basically, maybe here is the only place where we can find a solution...

        HELP :(
        1. I have the same problem!!
          Everything was working very well, I played for many hours! Until the moment I wanted to download objects, I replaced the resource.cfg file and did some downloads, and as a result, I can no longer start the game! I have already tried to replace that infamous resource file but nothing works! Maybe with this information someone can help me.
          1. Hello,
            I'm doing a very simple workaround that doesn't solve the underlying problem but allows me to launch the game (at least for me) without the error message.
            I actually launch the application from the browser. You need to find it in the following directory: C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin. It’s called TS3.exe.
            To make things easier, I've created a shortcut on my desktop, and voilà, problem solved.
            It seems that the launcher is causing the issue. Bypassing it by launching the game directly eliminates the initial problem.
            However, I haven't yet tested the stability of the game, which had previously a nasty tendency to crash unexpectedly during gameplay.
            For my part, I think that with all the new features being integrated and the product becoming more complex to resemble real life, we've simply reached a level of code complexity that has made it unreliable.
            Good luck to all.
            1. YOUR COMPUTER CANNOT RUN THE SIMS 3 BECAUSE IT IS NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH. IF YOU LOOK BEHIND THE BOX, IT SAYS: PC WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 2, ETC...
              1. Well, I’m definitely going to call tonight and I’ll keep you updated!
                See you later and have a good evening!
              2. Have you found a solution?
            2. Me who has the same problem, I've tried everything and I know perfectly well that my PC is very powerful; in fact, I bought it specifically for The Sims 3. I even updated my graphics card, but nothing has changed.
              1. I have the same problem. I reset the game, and then when I press the arrow to start the game, a message appears saying it's impossible to start the game, service initialization failed. I'm not sure if this is related to the fact that I reset the game. Can someone help me?
                1. me too it does that to me ... :/ I did both options that are offered, nothing works ...
                  1. I have the same problem; and I tried the second option but I can't find the game folder :/
                    1. I have the same problem and I also tried the second option but it doesn't work.
                      1. Hello everyone,

                        When I saw that Mimicracra had the solution, I first said "finally", it has to be said that I've been looking for a solution to this problem for a long time :)

                        But the problem is that I completely uninstalled and reinstalled the game before finding this solution, and since I couldn't play it again, I have no "SAVES" folder.

                        Does anyone have a solution that does not involve the "SAVES" folder, since I have no backup??

                        PS: I have had The Sims 3 for over a year and everything was working very well before I did a certain update...
                        1. Yes, I'm the same! I did an update that I (by the way) killed myself to do!!!
                        2. me too, this certain "update" must have created a sort of bug.
                        3. The same thing..
                        4. a super long update that I had long denied but then I resolved to do, but nothing changed my game didn’t work before that :/
                      2. Hi, I have the same error code. I don't have a .bad folder in save. I'm currently looking for a driver for the graphics card, which is also an Nvidia... I've been scouring the web; isn't there a patch from EA that would be worth it?
                        1. Hello, I had the same problem for a while. I recovered my "SAVE folder" and uninstalled all my SIMS 3. It was actually the internet updates that messed everything up :/ . So, avoid turning on the internet when you reinstall everything! :-)
                          1. I don't understand, can we still reuse the internet afterwards?
                        2. I have the same problem! If you succeeded... Let me know please

                          HELP US
                          1. I'm sorry, I still haven't found it! Please help us.
                        3. reinstall the game
                          --
                          Nazuké-NCA
                          1. I just reinstalled it but it still doesn't work.
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