SIMS2 Problem - Can Anyone Help Me?

[Chattyaholic]

I have a problem with my computer/SIMS 2. The computer is a Hewlett Packard Pavilion Entertainment PC (laptop) that I just bought 3 months ago. It has Microsoft Windows XP.

I have the regular SIMS 2, plus the Open for Business, Pets, and Nightlife expansion packs plus the smaller expansion packs of Glamour Stuff, Family Fun Stuff and Holiday Stuff.

I will be playing along nice as can be and all of a sudden the screen will just "freeze up" and a few seconds later it goes to a blue screen that says:

"The device driver got stuck in an infinate loop. This usually indicates problem with the device itself or with the device driver programming the hardware incorrectly.

Please check with your hardware device vendor for any driver updates."

It also says: "nv4_disp Beginning dump of physical memory. Physical memory dump complete. Contact your system administrator or techical support group for further assistance."

I am extremely computer illiterate. It took me forever to figure out how to post pictures here. So, can anyone tell me what to do, or walk me through the procedure I need to do so I can play without this "freezing" thing happening every time I play?

 

[hydster]

Sounds like you need to update your video drivers *dh is a computer network dude*

Go to hp's website
Click on the link that says Software and Driver Downloads
Type in your laptop model # in the search
Then update your video drivers from there

It should fix it pretty easy!

 

[cardaway]

The "nv4" part of the error message looks like it might be a code for NVIDIA which means it could be video driver related.

Make sure your video drivers are up to date.

 

[Crankyshank]

Yup it's a video card issue. Update your drivers. Follow hydster's advice - it's a lot easier than it sounds. Even my Mom was able to do it

 

[thewishfire]

From what I hear, the Sims 2 and laptops aren't exactly best friends..which is why they're coming out with a smaller, 'laptop-friendly' version. They say the reason is because most laptops don't have the video/graphics capabilities to play the game correctly. So maybe talk to someone about updating your graphics card? I'm not sure exactly how that works with a laptop though, I've only done it on a PC.

I must warn you though, that I know very little about computers... however, I know very much about the Sims!

 

[Chattyaholic]

Sounds like you need to update your video drivers *dh is a computer network dude*

Go to hp's website
Click on the link that says Software and Driver Downloads
Type in your laptop model # in the search
Then update your video drivers from there

It should fix it pretty easy!

Thanks so much, hydster. I will definitely try this and see what happens. I'll be sure to let you know if it fixes it.

 

[Desiree]

I hope those suggestions work for you Chatty. I know I'd be just about ready to go postal if something like that stood in the way of my Sims2 playtime!!!

 

[hydster]

Thanks so much, hydster. I will definitely try this and see what happens. I'll be sure to let you know if it fixes it.

Hopefully that fixes it. DH is home today *sick* so if not let me know and I'll ask him again. He read your post and that's what he told me to tell you to do! I hope it fixes it! I just recently got addicted to the Sims so I feel your pain!

 

[olena]

I hope the drivers fix it. Otherwise, you may have to abandon playing on your laptop. I don't have a laptop, so the new Life Stories games has limited appeal for me.

As for Seasons, I'm practically foaming at the mouth....

 

[Crankyshank]

Chatty, is this a new install on your laptop, or were you able to play previously without a problem?

If it's a brand new install, I had to load the Sims manually on mine to get it to work.

 

[kaseyC]

I hope the drivers fix it. Otherwise, you may have to abandon playing on your laptop. I don't have a laptop, so the new Life Stories games has limited appeal for me.

As for Seasons, I'm practically foaming at the mouth....

I can't wait for Seasons!! My Sims are gonna get weather!! Yay!

 

[Chattyaholic]

Well, I went to the HP web site and typed in my laptop model number and to update the graphics/video there were three different choices. I have no idea which one to choose, so I think I'm going to have my DS help me the next time he comes over.

I never had any problems until I installed Pets, then started having the problem.

olena: no way can I abandon playing SIMS 2 on my laptop, I actually bought the laptop JUST for playing that! It was horrible trying to play on our desktop computer, so s-l-o-w (not a good enough video card). Oh me too, dying for Seasons to come out! Does anyone know when it's supposed to be out? I thought January, but I guess not.