I've installed the Sims 2 Deluxe and University on my computer, but when I go to play it, it crashes when it reaches "Preparing a Tasty Grilled Cheese Sandwich". I use the Deluxe disk and click on the Deluxe icon to play. Here is what happens when I use any other combination:
Deluxe disk + University icon = "Use University disk"
University disk + University icon = "Running wrong version; use Deluxe"
University disk + Deluxe icon = "Use Deluxe disk"
Deluxe disk + Deluxe icon = Crash on load screen
What is wrong?
(My computer meets all graphical, space, and RAM requirements)
Update:I have reinstalled this game more times than I can remember. It works on the administrator account but not on the main account. There aren't any settings restricting gameplay on the main account. And I can't exactly get on the administrator account every time to play it; it's strictly for installing programs and for my dad.
Verified answer
first, get the University patch
http://thesims2.ea.com/update/index.php
Next, do you have any custom content?
Try temporarily removing all your custom content. Just take the folder
My Documents / EA Games / Sims2 / Downloads and moving it to your desktop.
check and see if your game loads on the Deluxe icon with the Deluxe disk. If it does, you have a piece of bad or incompatible custom content. The most likely thing would be a major hack that you need the Uni version of. You can load your custom content back in a few pieces at a time, loading the game between each add-in. That should help you find the bad/incompatible piece.
Since the game works with the other account, and the My Documents is different for each account, you almost certainly have a problem piece in there.
Your load screen should show the Deluxe logo, as it changes to the most recently published game, which may or may not be the one you installed most recently.
Here's a quote from the EA site. Ignore the fact that is says Season - treat it as if it's referring to Deluxe/Nightlife (which is the disk you should be running if from).
Q: Can The Sims 2 run under a Standard User account?
A: Yes. Although you need to have administrative privileges to install the game, you can run the game as a limited user. There are a few things to watch out for when installing and running the game.
* Autorun: When you are logged in as a Standard User and you insert the game disc, you will be asked for Administrator privileges. If you are installing the game, you should enter the password and continue, because you need Administrator privileges to install. If you want to run the game, you should cancel and run the game from the Start Menu (Start > Programs > The Sims 2 Seasons > The Sims 2 Seasons).
* When launching the game, always use the Start Menu, desktop shortcut, or Game Explorer so that you saved games are saved in your Standard User profile. If you run the game with Administrator privileges, then your Administrator profile will be used for saved games.
* The Sims 2 Seasons will only appear in the Game Explorer for the account that you installed with, which is your Administrator account. You have to add a new shortcut for your Standard User account for it to appear when running as a Standard User.
i'm additionally having problems with Double Deluxe in uncomplicated terms on my computing device. Crashes freezes and blunder galore. I contacted tech help and that they declare its a motive force difficulty. I incredibly have the main contemporary motive force. I makes me loopy!!
1) backup saved game data
2) uninstall all parts of Sims
3) reinstall
4) try again
if the problem persists you'll need to go to the Sims support page on their website. there will be a FAQ there that should help you fix the problem.