It can be quite frustrating to suddenly get an error window pop up on your screen as soon as try launching and playing a game like The Sims 3. What’s even worse about it is that unless the error is fixed, the game won’t launch. As a result, it is essential to know how you can troubleshoot these errors. Regarding this, we will be using this article to explain how you can fix “An unknown error occurred” on Sims 3. So, let’s not waste any time further, and get straight to how you can troubleshoot this!
The Sims 3 Unknown Error Occurred
1. Creating a New Account
This specific error code seems to be common in players that are using a Mac device to play the game. If you seem to run into the error as well, then the first thing that you can do is to try and create a new administrator account.
To do this, try following these instructions:
- Go to the Apple Menu and choose System Preferences.
- Go to Users & Groups.
- Select the lock icon and type in your password.
- Choose the ‘+’ icon.
- Under the New Account, choose Administrator and fill out the fields to create a new user.
Once you have successfully created the user, try swapping to it. Now, launch the game and see if the issue persists.
2. Running the Game Without Expansions
Certain older Mac models don’t seem to fully support the Sims 3, especially with the expansion. If you have an older model that doesn’t support the game as well, then you can try running the game without any added expansion.
At the same time, we also recommend checking that you are running the latest version of the game.
3. Copying the Expansion Files
You can also try copying any missing expansion files on your Mac. Follow these instructions for copying the files:
- Start by going to Applications > Sims 3 and right-clicking on the icon to show package contents.
- Make your way to Contents > Resources > AddOns.
- Find the expansion which isn’t working, right-click on it, and show its package contents.
- Go to Contents > Resources > Transgaming.
- Similarly, make your way to C_Drive > Program Files > Electronic Arts.
- Under the directory of expansion that isn’t working, copy its files.
- Likewise, open the package contents of Sims 3 again.
- Open the AddOns tab again.
- Now open the Electronic Arts folder found by navigating to Contents > Resources > Transgaming > C_Drive > Program Files > Electronic Arts.
- Paste the files into this directory.
The Bottom Line:
“An unknown error occurred” on the Sims 3 is quite common, especially for players who are using any Mac device. Most of the time, the issue is fixed by simply creating a new user before launching the game.