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- Bug / Glitch - House Flickering in the lot
Replies: 18 (Who?), Viewed: 1546 times.
#1
16th Dec 2014 at 11:01 PM
Posts: 16
House Flickering in the lot
Alright I just bought a new computer and I installed Sims 2 and all the expansions. Well the only glitch/flicker I have been having is when I am in the lot build/buy/ or playing on the lot the house flickers between the grass and the house when I move about the lot.
Also when I place an object the walls and objects all disappear, all I see is the flooring, and the walls pop back up in a second.
Here is my computer specs.
Windows 7 Home Premium Service pack 1
Model: Hp prodesk 400 g1 mt model number: k1l42ut#aba
Processor: Intel core i5-4690s [email protected] Quad core
Installed memory: 8gb speed: ddr3-1600
64 bit operating system
Motherboard chipset: intel h81 express
Hard drive : 1 tb
Graphics : intel hd graphics 4600
Video memory: shared
GPU interface: integrated/shared
Graphics card drivers are up to date.
I have tried changing the graphic settings in the game with no affect. Also the smooth edge option is greyed out and I have tried the option I read online to change under the graphic rule, the boolProp enumerateMultisampleLevels all to true to get the smoothing option un grey but it did not work.
I am not sure what else to do.
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#2
17th Dec 2014 at 1:17 AM
In all likelihood, your computer is not handling the game's graphics well. This is why you can't smooth edges; your graphics are not powerful enough, so the game grays out the option. You have integrated graphics, and TS2 is not designed to run via an integrated graphics chip. It's designed for dedicated graphics cards. There is likely not much you can do to improve your graphics aside from installing a dedicated card (Assuming your machine is a desktop, not a laptop). A card that will run TS2 nicely can be had for pretty cheap. I got a 2GB card on Amazon for $40, but the game will run well and look nice on a less-powerful card that you can get for less than that.
I'm mostly found on (and mostly upload to) Tumblr these days because, alas, there are only 24 hours in a day.
Muh Simblr! | An index of my downloads on Tumblr.
Muh Simblr! | An index of my downloads on Tumblr.
#3
17th Dec 2014 at 1:45 AM
Not to derail the OP, but what does "Use Square Pixels" mean in the in-game graphics settings? I see no difference in my game regardless of what the setting is.
My Lot creations: http://simfileshare.net/folder/150474/
#4
17th Dec 2014 at 2:03 AM
Posts: 16
Quote: Originally posted by iCad
In all likelihood, your computer is not handling the game's graphics well. This is why you can't smooth edges; your graphics are not powerful enough, so the game grays out the option. You have integrated graphics, and TS2 is not designed to run via an integrated graphics chip. It's designed for dedicated graphics cards. There is likely not much you can do to improve your graphics aside from installing a dedicated card (Assuming your machine is a desktop, not a laptop). A card that will run TS2 nicely can be had for pretty cheap. I got a 2GB card on Amazon for $40, but the game will run well and look nice on a less-powerful card that you can get for less than that. |
But the rest of the game works just fine, why is it just in the lot ?
Also how do I know if my computer can acquire a dedicated graphics card ?
#5
17th Dec 2014 at 2:44 AM
Last edited by iCad : 17th Dec 2014 at 2:54 AM.
Pretty much any desktop can take a video card. All you need is an open PCI or AGP slot. Desktops usually come with at least 4 PCI slots for expansion purposes, so unless you've added a bunch of stuff, you most likely have space. They're easy to install: Open the case, insert the card into an open slot, sometimes (not always) connect it to the power supply, load the drivers, good to go. If it's a laptop, you generally can't install a dedicated video card.
As for the other question, I don't know. I do know that, for some machines, running the game on an integrated chip will damage the chip over time. As damage happens, the signs of it progress. What might be one lot flickering now might become more issues as time goes on, like the increasingly severe symptoms of an untreated disease. Eventually, you can also damage the motherboard, which essentially destroys your computer. It's the fact that smooth edges are grayed out in your game options that tells me that your graphics are weak for the game's purposes. More info about all of this can be found here: http://modthesims.info/wiki.php?tit...nboard_Graphics
ETA @ScaryRob: I have no idea, but I've been wondering that myself.
As for the other question, I don't know. I do know that, for some machines, running the game on an integrated chip will damage the chip over time. As damage happens, the signs of it progress. What might be one lot flickering now might become more issues as time goes on, like the increasingly severe symptoms of an untreated disease. Eventually, you can also damage the motherboard, which essentially destroys your computer. It's the fact that smooth edges are grayed out in your game options that tells me that your graphics are weak for the game's purposes. More info about all of this can be found here: http://modthesims.info/wiki.php?tit...nboard_Graphics
ETA @ScaryRob: I have no idea, but I've been wondering that myself.
I'm mostly found on (and mostly upload to) Tumblr these days because, alas, there are only 24 hours in a day.
Muh Simblr! | An index of my downloads on Tumblr.
Muh Simblr! | An index of my downloads on Tumblr.
#6
17th Dec 2014 at 2:59 AM
I've never understood what that 'Use Square Pixels' either. I've always ignored it. Google found me this:http://modthesims.info/t/495200 So it seems better to use them.
OP, have you turned shadows off? That would be the first step to having less strain on your chip. If your chip is getting hot and it's on your motherboard it can get hot enough to melt and take your motherboard with it. Also make sure to dust it out as dust can quickly lead to overheating.
OP, have you turned shadows off? That would be the first step to having less strain on your chip. If your chip is getting hot and it's on your motherboard it can get hot enough to melt and take your motherboard with it. Also make sure to dust it out as dust can quickly lead to overheating.
"I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives." - Unknown
~Call me Jo~
#7
17th Dec 2014 at 5:02 AM
Quote: Originally posted by joandsarah77
I've never understood what that 'Use Square Pixels' either. I've always ignored it. Google found me this:http://modthesims.info/t/495200 So it seems better to use them. |
Well...that thread is somewhat ambiguous as to what the effects are. In post #2, the person is saying that using square pixels (ie, turning them "on") will reduce the processing demand and make the game run better.
Yet in post #3, the OP says that while his game indeed runs better, he will "keep it off".
I'm going to assume the OP meant to write that he will keep it on.
Here is another thread I found Googling: http://modthesims.info/t/93205
In post #2, the person says, "Square pixels will smoothe out some of the jagged edges you can see on some objects", which doesn't jive with the idea that using square pixels will be less demanding on the computer.
In post #4, another person says, "It forces the game to use 'square pixels' instead of stretching", which, again, seems to revert to the notion that using square pixels will be easier on the computer and appears to be the exact opposite of what the person in post #2 wrote.
I'm going to ASS-U-ME that using square pixels is easier on the computer, so I will turn that option "On".
My Lot creations: http://simfileshare.net/folder/150474/
#8
17th Dec 2014 at 3:24 PM
Last edited by moveobjects : 17th Dec 2014 at 3:35 PM.
Posts: 335
Thanks: 374 in 5 Posts
I had this problem before, do you have the Ultimate Collection? If you don't try to uninstall Apartment Life and Mansion and Garden Stuff, it worked for me.
Edit: just to make sure I had the same problem, did it looked like something like this?
Edit: just to make sure I had the same problem, did it looked like something like this?
#9
17th Dec 2014 at 5:16 PM
@moveobjects Nice to see the Baxter's house in other players game.
@thesasuke56 have you tried the new "Graphics Rules Maker" program at Simsnetwork. http://www.simsnetwork.com/simpedia...patibility-with
All my Beginning Hoods here at MTS. http://www.modthesims.info/member.php?u=7749491
All my Beginning Hoods as Shopping Districts plus Old Town. http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=523417
MooVille, a tribute to Mootilda and her fabulous lots http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=534158
@thesasuke56 have you tried the new "Graphics Rules Maker" program at Simsnetwork. http://www.simsnetwork.com/simpedia...patibility-with
All my Beginning Hoods here at MTS. http://www.modthesims.info/member.php?u=7749491
All my Beginning Hoods as Shopping Districts plus Old Town. http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=523417
MooVille, a tribute to Mootilda and her fabulous lots http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=534158
#10
17th Dec 2014 at 8:06 PM
Posts: 16
Quote: Originally posted by moveobjects
I had this problem before, do you have the Ultimate Collection? If you don't try to uninstall Apartment Life and Mansion and Garden Stuff, it worked for me. Edit: just to make sure I had the same problem, did it looked like something like this? |
Yes is did look something like that.
So I just try uninstalling and reinstalling the apartment life pack?
#11
17th Dec 2014 at 8:07 PM
Posts: 16
Quote: Originally posted by iCad
Pretty much any desktop can take a video card. All you need is an open PCI or AGP slot. Desktops usually come with at least 4 PCI slots for expansion purposes, so unless you've added a bunch of stuff, you most likely have space. They're easy to install: Open the case, insert the card into an open slot, sometimes (not always) connect it to the power supply, load the drivers, good to go. If it's a laptop, you generally can't install a dedicated video card. As for the other question, I don't know. I do know that, for some machines, running the game on an integrated chip will damage the chip over time. As damage happens, the signs of it progress. What might be one lot flickering now might become more issues as time goes on, like the increasingly severe symptoms of an untreated disease. Eventually, you can also damage the motherboard, which essentially destroys your computer. It's the fact that smooth edges are grayed out in your game options that tells me that your graphics are weak for the game's purposes. More info about all of this can be found here: http://modthesims.info/wiki.php?tit...nboard_Graphics ETA @ScaryRob: I have no idea, but I've been wondering that myself. |
Alright I will try another card I think the one from my old computer should be compatible with this computer... I hope. Lol if not ill look for one soon.
Thank you so much. :lovestruc
#12
17th Dec 2014 at 8:15 PM
Posts: 335
Thanks: 374 in 5 Posts
@marka93 Yeah I was really impressed by the houses on Riverside when I was watching some beta trailers of Sims 2, when I saw someone had recreated the neighborhood, I had to download it :D
No, I uninstalled it and never installed it back again, if I did the problem would be back, but hey, I play the game on a laptop, since you play it on a computer it would be better if you change your video card.
Quote: Originally posted by thesasuke56
Yes is did look something like that. So I just try uninstalling and reinstalling the apartment life pack? |
No, I uninstalled it and never installed it back again, if I did the problem would be back, but hey, I play the game on a laptop, since you play it on a computer it would be better if you change your video card.
#13
18th Dec 2014 at 6:28 AM
Posts: 1,380
Thanks: 2921 in 29 Posts
Quote: Originally posted by marka93
@moveobjects Nice to see the Baxter's house in other players game. @thesasuke56 have you tried the new "Graphics Rules Maker" program at Simsnetwork. http://www.simsnetwork.com/simpedia...patibility-with |
I have the same problem and I tried that program after reading this thread. But unluckily now my TS2 game does not launch at all because of a DirectX 9.0 problem which did not exist before >_<
I hope I can figure it out!
#14
18th Dec 2014 at 7:45 AM
Posts: 355
Thanks: 65 in 4 Posts
Quote: Originally posted by Amura
I have the same problem and I tried that program after reading this thread. But unluckily now my TS2 game does not launch at all because of a DirectX 9.0 problem which did not exist before >_< I hope I can figure it out! |
Read this post http://www.modthesims.info/wiki.php...:Graphics_Cards and notice:
"Also, try deleting My documents/ EA Games/ The Sims2/ Config/ userprops.xml. This contains details about your previous graphics settings and will be refreshed by the game when you next run it"
Sometimes deleting userprops.xml helps to solve DirectX-problems.
#15
18th Dec 2014 at 2:16 PM
Last edited by Amura : 18th Dec 2014 at 2:51 PM.
Posts: 1,380
Thanks: 2921 in 29 Posts
Thanks for the suggestion. Did not work though.
My drivers are up-to-date. DirectX is up-to-date. And my knowledge ends there v_v
Not sure if it could be Windows 8 related or if I'm simply ignoring the obvious...
My drivers are up-to-date. DirectX is up-to-date. And my knowledge ends there v_v
Not sure if it could be Windows 8 related or if I'm simply ignoring the obvious...
#16
18th Dec 2014 at 4:39 PM
Posts: 3,392
@Amura: Maybe this thread: http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=541250 can help you
#17
18th Dec 2014 at 7:39 PM
Posts: 1,380
Thanks: 2921 in 29 Posts
Thank you for the help.
I'm afraid my problem is not the same as OP so maybe I should have posted a separate thread
My OS is Windows 8 but the OP has Windows 7.
So in my case I can't install DirectX 9.0c because my new computer does not support it. (Tried anyway because I'm an stubborn kind of person - but no way.)
The game would load with DirectX 11 - just got that annoying flickering. But after installing the Graphics Rules Maker it would not start anymore.
I'm uninstalling everything and starting from scratch, let's see if I can figure out another way to solve the flickering.
Thank you very much everyone for your help.
I'm afraid my problem is not the same as OP so maybe I should have posted a separate thread
My OS is Windows 8 but the OP has Windows 7.
So in my case I can't install DirectX 9.0c because my new computer does not support it. (Tried anyway because I'm an stubborn kind of person - but no way.)
The game would load with DirectX 11 - just got that annoying flickering. But after installing the Graphics Rules Maker it would not start anymore.
I'm uninstalling everything and starting from scratch, let's see if I can figure out another way to solve the flickering.
Thank you very much everyone for your help.
#18
19th Dec 2014 at 1:18 AM
Posts: 335
Thanks: 374 in 5 Posts
@Amura when you're reinstalling the game, try checking on it every 3 expansion packs you install or so to see if everything is alright, maybe the problem is with one of them, also, check out this thread.
#19
21st Dec 2014 at 7:32 PM
Posts: 1,380
Thanks: 2921 in 29 Posts
It seemed a graphics card problem and indeed it was.
The Graphics Rules program did not work for me (caused more trouble) but this tutorial which is supposed to help you to do MANUALLY the same worked miracles.
No more flickering
Just sharing in case it also helps the OP.
The Graphics Rules program did not work for me (caused more trouble) but this tutorial which is supposed to help you to do MANUALLY the same worked miracles.
No more flickering
Just sharing in case it also helps the OP.
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