Fixing The Sims 2 Crash on Specific Family Load

Crashing on one family = **corrupt save data** or **bad CC attached to that family**. Fix order:

1. Isolate

• Backup Neighborhoods\N00X\.
• Rename Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2 → _Backup. Launch → New hood. Stable? → User data issue.

2. Remove CC/Mods

• Move Downloads out. Delete Mods, Thumbnails. Test family.

3. Repair Family (SimPE)

1. Open Neighborhoods\N00X\N00X_Neighborhood.package in SimPE.
2. Tools → Neighborhood Browser → Family → **Sim Surgery** / **Character File Data** → Fix: negative skills, missing tokens, corrupt wants/fears, deleted CC refs.
3. Save → Test in-game.

4. Move to New Hood

• In-game: Family → Move Out → Save to Bin → New Neighborhood → Place from Bin. Clears hood-level corruption.

5. System Fixes

• 4GB Patch: Apply to latest EP exe (Sims2EP9.exe).
• Graphics Rules: Edit CSConfig\Graphics Rules.sgr → VidMemSize = your VRAM.
• DEP Exception: Add exe to Windows DEP exclude.
• Driver Rollback: If recent update caused it.

If SimPE fails, family is likely unsalvageable. Recreate in CAS. Backup Neighborhoods regularly.