How to Fix The Sims 2 on Windows 10 (Resolution, Smooth Edges, Shadows & Crashing) (The Basics)

⇩ LINKS AND INFO BELOW, PLEASE READ ⇩

These are the basics of setting up and fixing The Sims 2 graphics to run nicely and smoothly on a modern Windows system. Changing resolution, enabling smooth edges, fixing shadows and installing the 4GB patch against crashing!
Once again, these are the BASICS that almost everybody who plays this game has to deal with! If you're experiencing further technical issues, please refer to the FAQ below.

Links from the video:

✯ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ✯

#1 I installed the 4GB patch but I still experience technical issues (crashing, freezing, not starting, glitching).
(You can also use Graphics Rules Maker to recognise your graphics card, that might be easier, just make sure you read all the instructions carefully).

#2 The shadow fix mod doesn't work for me, I still get black boxes under my sims.

#3 Can I play The Sims 2 in windowed mode?
- Yes. Right click the icon you start the game with, go into Properties and put " -w" (without the quotations, and the space is important) after the second quotation at the end of the line next to 'Target:', then click Apply or OK. If you want it to spread out nicely on your screen, download and use a little tool app called Fullscreenizer.

#4 Why do your game folders look different to mine?
- I have The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection and the expansion pack folders are often grouped together (for whatever reason). I also used to have the game installed from the discs, so I know what that looks like, and I can confirm the content of these folders is the exact same so it's nothing to worry about, as long as you figure out which folder you need to go into to edit the file.

#5 So... what do you have against poor Graphics Rules Maker?
- I think it's a great tool and I appreciate it. However, I ask of you, if you decide to use GRM, read the instructions very carefully. I personally found it easier and safer to edit the file myself (I have tried both ways). This is just the way that worked for me and that I wanted to (and managed to) present and recommend. If you want to do it differently, you do you. Just be smart.

#5 Where did you get your Sims 2 Ultimate Collection, again?

Join me on...
...if you want to.

Thanks for watching and happy simming!

(Thumbnail changed June 2021)

[Pixuou]

hi everyone, thanks for watching my video, i hope you found at least some of it useful! however, i only went over some basics and it's entirely possible that you still experience technical issues with your game (crashing, freezing, glitching, not starting etc) because sadly some systems and graphics cards are more problematic than others. if you have a problem or a question, PLEASE CHECK OUT THE VIDEO DESCRIPTION where i tried to gather all useful info on what to do when you have an issue i personally can't give you advice on. i'm always happy to help but sometimes i simply do not know your answer, or i don't see your comment in time! thank you and good luck, don't give up!

[chicken]

Tip for the resolution change : if you use MR DJ's repacks then go to your MR DJ folder: go to The sims 2 ultimate collection > The Sims 2 Mansion And Garden Stuff > TSdata > Res > Config

[gabriellebrown]

Here in Feb 2024 and this still works and is by far the best step-by-step I've ever seen. Thank you for making this so

[taara]

Not only have you shown us simmers how to get the game we all want, You've taken your time to fully explain everything and in such detail! on behalf of us all we thank you so much! Gained another subscriber! x

[Max_]

Yep, thank you so much for that, 2021 is a great year to play TS2. After all, it IS the best Sims game...

[lindseygalicki]

I just want to say... the detail and precision with which you have explained the installation AND graphics fixes for Sims 2 is just incredible!!! My computer is farrrr from factory settings so it took me about 6 hours to follow all of the steps and get everything right, but in the end, your method worked the best and your videos were so clear it was super easy. THANK YOU

[rods]

Seriously one of the most helpful tutorials I've ever seen on YouTube, and I've been on it since the beginning. These guides are so much easier to follow than text directions :)

[Panbaneesha]

Last year I was fed up with The Sims 4, and since The Sims 2 was the only part of the franchise I hadn't played, I bought it used on ebay. So when I finally installed it a few days ago, I was a little dissappointed by the low resolution and the black bars for shadows. Thank you so much for helping me fix it.

[progressivelyfast]

You understand the problem of every step we faced. You are the first YouTuber that can read my mind (problems I mean) and ease my The Sims 2 installation WITHOUT COMPLICATED AND USELESS STEPS AND CD. You definitely earn my subscription! A professional and smart YouTuber!

[Danielnino]

You are literally a god??? Omg. Thank you so much. I was so stuck on fixing the screen resolution because I wasn’t editing the file from the most recent expansion pack.

You saved me so much stress. May your skin remain clear and may you experience nothing but joy in your life.

[alevvural]

both of your videos on getting the sims 2 have been amazing, thank you so much !! you made it so easy:))

[jacque]

Hey thank you it totally fixed the stuttering in my game.. I couldn't find any videos about this and I'm so thankful when I found yours! It is so detailed and helpful

[musicaddic]

HOLY CRAP!! Thank you so much!! I literally just booted up my game, and not only do I no long have the bright light issue in CAS, but my game doesn’t glitch when I play sims I have set up in the hood!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THESE TUTORIALS!! You’re amazing!! ♥️

[robertlongmire]

Oh my god, this is amazing! I didn't think I could get it to work at a pretty level because last time, it broke my game. But this tutorial is a lifesaver! I had no idea what I was missing out on! The Sims 2 is honestly a beautiful game despite it's age ❤️🤗

[RheaM]

Thank you SO MUCH! I’ve been wanting to play this game again for YEARS and thanks to your installation guide, it’s running and I’ve never been more excited! Thank you!! 🙏🏾♥️

[teochau]

For those that the above did not work, I suggest you try combine the methods above AND running the game through compatibility mode of Window XP (Service whatever is fine)

[madeline]

you are so amazing. you even included the links for if it doesn't recognize the graphics card. I LOVE YOU AND YOU HAVE MY MY YEAR!! best easter present ever.

[TheLassHasSass]

3 and a half years after you made this video and I'm so happy! You did a lovely job explaining it all and everything works great, thank you!

[alyssaehrman]

This was THE most helpful video I've found to help me fix my game. Literally every issue I was having is fixed THANK YOU SO MUCH! <3

[itscyberqueen]

I still use this tutorial today. I got a new monitor and video card and I am so happy this video is still available today!