Hi Brian,
You should try installing and playing Sims using Compatibility Mode.
To install a program using Windows XP's Compatibility Mode, hold
down SHIFT as you insert the game CD, use My Computer to browse
to the setup program, and then skip down to step 1 in the list below:
To run an installed program using Windows XP's Compatibility Mode,
first right click the program and "Send To..." / Desktop (create shortcut).
1.. Right click on the shortcut to the program.
2.. Click on Properties.
3.. Click on the Compatibility tab.
4.. Click on Run this program in compatibility mode and select one of these:
a.. Windows 95
b.. Windows 98
c.. Windows NT 4
d.. Windows 2000
5.. Under Display settings, check mark the mode that you think that is best:
a.. Run in 256 colors.
b.. Run in 640 X 480 screen resolution.
c.. Disable visual themes.
Click on Apply.Click on Ok.Double click on the program.
Of course, let's not forget to check for any patches or updates for that game.
A good place to look is:
http://www.fileplanet.com/section.aspx?s=174&v=90002
If you'd like to learn more information about compatibility mode, you can click the
link in the Compatibility tab that says Learn more about program compatibility
--
Cheers, Windows XP MVP Shell / User
Jimmy S.
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
Game FAQs:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];gms
Visit my Zone.com / Gaming Helpsite:
http://nibblesnbits.tk or Call / Contact
MS Support at:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=sz;en-us;top
My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
_________________________________________________________
| when i load up the sims hot dating game i get a error
| message when ever i try to stat the game. It come up
| saying "the sims is not a valid win32 application" can
| any one help please?!
