I had to post this in here eventually, because i've looked for a solution all over the internet and i either dont understand how to fix this problem in the way its being described, or there just isnt any support out there for the exact problem that i'm having. Keep in mind, i'm not a whizz kid by far so a lot of the technical support language and instructions go over my head i need things explained to me in detail so i can follow the instructions and figure out whats going on. Anyway, here's whats been going on with me for the past few days. I've tried to install the Sims 2 onto my computer so that it works with no problems but that seems to be impossible. I installed the Sims 2 with all the expansion packs once, and when i loaded the game i had these white newspaper looking things all over the screen with black lettering and red crosses all over them. These newspaper thingies were in places of trees, houses, etc. I've never ever seen this before, and i've never had this problem either. I've updated all of my drivers, and direct x as well and tried reinstalling the game several times, but i still get the same outcome. Anyone know what could be going on? Its really bizarre, and here...i'll give you guys my video card information: (I found this, and hopefully this is the right information...i'm not good with hardware issues at all lol, so bare with me! hehe) NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430. If you guys need anymore information i'll be happy to give it to you. Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read this, i know it was a long story

Hello again LA79

I haven't ever played Sims but whilst you wait for an answer, you may want to grab a LARGE cup of something hot and take a look thru these answers over at TSG: Common Sims 2 Problems - Tech Support Guy Forums

Hi there, does your system meet the requirements of the game, to actually run? Can you post your specs and ill have a look. Is it just the main game or Expansion Packs as well?

Try just installing The Sims 2 stand-alone. If it works, then install expansion packs one-by-one. You may be "killing" your software to install all at once. I play The Sims 2 all the time. I have all the expansion packs. I know all the cheats, hacks, glitches, game engine, specifications, etc. (I've been playing The Sims since it first came out). If you're having anymore Sims 2 problems, PM me and I'll see what I can do...

Well i first installed just the Sims 2 and an error message popped up that said i had to download a patch to make it run in compatability with Vista...so i did that, and installed the first expansion pack (Sims University). Thats when i discovered the newspaper looking pieces all over the screen and reinstalled the whole game again (ive done this about three times, i read somewhere that that would probably help but it didnt). I've read about Bump maps and Shaders, and i dont think thats an issue either...i cant seem to find whats going on, i've looked all over the place.

Let me just quickly also mention that this is my new computer, my old computer had an xp operating system and i baught the graphics card for it from a store and paid 200 dollars for it. I'm running games on this computer just fine, and in fact, the graphics are 100% better than the old graphics card on my old computer. I'm running Lord of the rings online, city of heroes, and fable all on this computer and the graphics are top notch, and i have no trouble with movement at all. Its fast and effective.

Ok, specs: (hehe i blab when i try to explain 3 things at once, forgive me)
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Duel Core Processor 4400+ 2.30 GHz
32-bit Operating System

My video card/graphics card information is listed in my first post somewhere. Hope this helps, i cant wait to play the Sims...i'm having Sims withdrawals! lol

here are the requirements for you: EA Support, if your still unsure there is a "Can You Run It?" button to click on, download the activex control (its safe and your browser will prompt you). That will then tell you whether your PC can run it. If thats all ok, then we'll look into other avenues.

MadGamer is right. What are your current computer specifications? They might be too low. If you could list them that would be REALLY helpful. Thx and have a great day!