Can't get into game even when bypassing launcher.

[InABox]

Suddenly my game won't let me get into it anymore.  I would get to the launcher, click on it and then nothing would happen.  I tried bypassing the launcher (by right clicking on desktop shortcut, selecting properties, and editing the target line to read ....Sims2EP7.exe) but still nothing happens when I click on my desktop shortcut.  Any suggestions?

[Kazzandra]

Well, ever since Freetime, my game will start (you can see it try on Task Manager) and then fall out of memory due to a faulty groups.cache, so it seemed like nothing was happening. I have to clear it with every game start now.

[jolrei]

Additionally, you seem to be running from disk.  You might try removing secuROM and then running from a no-cd crack.  (At worst, you will be saving wear and tear on your disks).  Do not use the launcher: it prompts the game to phone home, causing lag.

Other possible issues:  Have you downloaded any new hacks or CC?  Try loading with your Downloads folder out (take it out and put it somewhere else safe on your computer).

[purplehaze]

I agree with Kazzandra. Since installing FT my groups.cache file often gets corrupted.  I have to delete it at least every 4 or 5 days. Never did it before.

[Insanity Prelude]

So <i>that's</i> what the launcher does. (Uh... the launcher doesn't reinstall SecuROM in the process, right? if you're using a no-CD crack?)

[Zazazu]

Nope. SecuROM's only on the game's executable. Launcher =/= game executable.

The launcher's only purpose is to advertise for other EA products. That's why it's asking to connect to the web; it's trying to get the lasted ad-spam.

[unregister]

That 'group cache' has become a problem for many and does need to be deleted. I also delete the 'accessory cache'.

Finding the Laucher to be annoying, I changed its exe to bak to disable it and use the no-cd desktop short cut to run the game. The Launcher is another way that connects and allows information gathering for EA Games. The game created an "Allow" status for the Launcher in my firewall when the game was installed. Since Pets ep, EA has made firewall opennings and connects to the pc while on internet, don't have to play the game, just be on internet and EA was in my pc.

Would very much like to know what information EA is striving to get. They aren't telling which makes me more suspicious.

[InABox]

Thanks everyone.  Deleting the groups.cache seemed to solve the problem.  Now I'm off to learn about getting secuROM off my computer and how to use a noCD crack.