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I recently purchased the Sims 3 game, I have read all of the problems on here but they do not cover my problem. Let me stress to you that I have triple checked that I have the right system requirements; that is definitely not the problem. The disc loads and the Sims 3 DVD icon pops up. I click on that but when I click the green diamond that says Sims 3 installer, nothing happens. I’ve been told to go to applications from my hard drive, but whenever I click the folder, my main screen just refreshes. I am extremely frustrated because I have downloaded many things before and they all simply work, but this one won’t. Also it says in the box (after I’ve clicked on the DVD icon) at the top that I have zero KBs, but I don’t know what this means. My computer is brand new and there is absolutely no way that I don’t have enough room.

I know that misery doesn’t really love company, but you’re not alone. Many people are having issues with Sims3, and installation errors are a common problem. You were right in checking the system requirements - much of the time this is the reason for installation problems. As long as you are sure that you meet the requirements, I have a few other ideas that might ease your Sims3 headache.

Selecting the Right Drive

You gave me a big clue when you said that it is showing 0kb, but that there is no way that your drive is full. Did you check the drive where the game was attempting to install? Could you be selecting the wrong destination folder for the install? Since you are using the disc, if you try to install to the current directory and the CD ROM drive is selected, there is no more room on the CD, so you will get the 0kb message on your screen. If you think this might be the case, select a directory on your hard drive for the game to install to and try it again.

Run from My Computer

If it is getting installed but is not running, you can try going to My Computer, find the game and double click on it. Find the icon that says Sims3 setup and double click on it.

Mac Issues

You don’t say whether you are using a Mac or a PC - if you’re using a MAC, then this may be your problem in a nutshell. If you have a Mac, you might need to use Boot Camp to install Windows XP and then install the Windows XP version of the game.

Bad Disc

Because you are installing Sims3 from a disc, it’s always possible that the disc itself is the issue, even if you can see no visible damage on the surface.  If you’ve tried absolutely everything else to get it to install and you are still having no luck, take the disc back to where you bought it and get it exchanged. Many stores have sticky issues with returning discs, but if you emphasize that it is defective, any reputable retailer will at least give you a replacement copy.  Since you purchased an actual copy of Sims3, you can use EA Support for Sims3 - they have forums where you can ask your specific question if this information hasn’t solved your problem. Good luck and happy gaming.

I just bought a laptop installed with Windows Vista and downloaded AOL 9.1.When browsing with Vista’s Internet Explorer, I enjoy the ability to zoom in on Web pages with the zoom function found in the lower right hand corner of my screen. However, when I use the AOL 9.1 browser, that zoom function is missing from the screen corner. Where is it on AOL 9.1? How do I access it?

This was a bit tricky to figure out as I tried in vain to download and install AOL 9.1 on my computer. It simply wouldn’t cooperate. However, I’m not one to give up so quickly. I explored AOL’s help files on line and found out the answer.

Web Browser Features

First, AOL 9.1 and Internet Explorer are two distinct Web browsers made by two different entities: AOL and Microsoft. The zoom feature that you described in Internet Explorer is indeed helpful. In fact, I used it when researching this problem for you by zooming in on screenshots of AOL 9.1 in search of a similar tool. However, because they are different browsers, it makes sense that each browser would have its own set of features. I worried that perhaps AOL 9.1 might lack a zoom utility.

AOL Desktop’s Power Browsing and Page Display Features

Note: the instructions that I found were for AOL’s Desktop Browser version 10.1, so the steps or wording may be a little different for version 9.1.

Fortunately, it looks as though my fears may be unfounded. I found out that AOL’s Desktop browser has a “Power Browsing” feature. Within the Power Browsing feature are options for viewing a specific Web page - including zooming in and out of the page.

In order to access the Power Browsing tools, go to a Web page using the AOL browser. Now, right-click somewhere within the Web page. A sub-menu should appear listing Power Browsing as a choice. If not, another way to access this feature is via the Tools menu of the browser. Click Tools > Power Browsing. Now, you should see a list of options. Choose Page Display. Now choose either Zoom Page In or Zoom Page Out depending on your preferences.

Windows Display Options

Another option that is available to you is using Windows Vista’s zooming utilities. Go to the Control Panel and click on the Ease of Access Center. Click on Start Magnifier. This will start a magnifying glass-like feature that you can use when browsing the Web, reading e-mail, working with documents, and so on. A rectangular bar will appear at the top of your screen, magnifying the immediate area surrounding your cursor. It takes a bit of getting used to, but is helpful for zooming in and magnifying certain areas of the computer screen. You can adjust the Magnifier’s settings by double-clicking its icon in the Taskbar. For instance, you can change its docking position, scaling, magnification level, and tracking options.

I connect to the Internet with Cricket Wireless Broadband on my desktop. How can I connect a second computer, my laptop, to maximize my Internet experience?

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless Broadband is a little bit different than some of the other wireless broadband services that I’ve encountered. Rather than having a broadband modem that you connect to your home’s network or to the computer itself, Cricket Wireless uses a small USB device that installs directly to your computer or laptop. The tag line for Cricket says “Plug in. Click. Connect.” After viewing the Cricket Wireless demo, it looks like it really is that simple: plug in, click a few installation buttons, and connect wirelessly to the Internet.

However, this doesn’t lend itself to Internet connection sharing as well as some of the more traditional broadband services such as cable modems. In a cable modem situation, you’d connect the modem to a wired or wireless router and then you could connect multiple computers to the router, all of which can then access the Internet via the shared modem.

Options for Sharing Cricket Wireless

It looks as though you must activate your computer for use with the Cricket device which makes sense. What’s not clear is whether the Cricket device can be used on several computers. For example, I have a “Rhapsody to Go” MP3 player that I can use with three different computers. Each computer must be registered on my account. Once registered, I can connect the device to any of the three computers and download unlimited music to the device. I imagine that a similar feature is offered with the Cricket Wireless modem.

Here’s what I would try. Since your PC is already established, try removing the Cricket modem and installing it on your laptop. When prompted to activate the laptop, does a message appear? What does it say? It might say something like, “You must first deactivate your desktop computer” which would mean that the modem only allows one computer on the account. On the other hand, if the message says something like, “Activating second computer, one license remaining” then you could go ahead with the installation and then swap out the modem depending on which computer you want to use at any given time. Since Cricket advertises that you can take your Cricket wherever you go, I would assume that you’d be able to install it on both devices. In fact, one of the site’s FAQs says that “you can take your Internet with you from your home desktop to your laptop at the park.”

Hopefully, swapping the modem back and forth will work for you. If you want both the desktop and the laptop to connect at the same time, you may be able to share the modem over your home network or use a USB hub.

I’ve read through all the information regarding the installation of the Sims 3 on Mac and tried them out. None of them worked for me so I’m hoping that you guys can help me. Before the installation (when the CD is gathering all the files), a popup appeared stating the following: “Error reading game files: $INSTALLVOLUME/Support/Readme/en/readme.txt.” When I pressed cancel (which is the only option available), the whole installation closed and nothing installed.

Sims 3 for Mac Installation Errors

We’ve seen so many Mac users with installation errors when trying to install The Sims 3. In researching this error, I’m sorry to say that I found nothing. So, we’re left grasping for ideas. Kat De Long recently discussed a few of the more common Sims3 installation errors with one solution that might work for you. If you haven’t tried installing the Sims3 from the desktop, it might be worth trying.

In addition, you might try opening the $INSTALLVOLUME/Support/Readme/en/readme.txt file manually from the disc. Since it’s a text file, it should open using a standard text editor. Does the file open? Is it missing? Do you get a “cannot open file” error? If it opens and is readable, then the copying of the disc to the desktop might work. If it’s unreadable or missing, then I’d lean toward thinking that the disc itself is faulty.

Sims3 Replacement Disc

If copying the files from the disk to the desktop and launching the installation from there fails, then it’s likely that the $INSTALLVOLUME readme file really is damaged. Files can become corrupt and faulty discs are not unheard of. Electronic Arts offers a 90 day warranty period where they will replace the disc upon receipt of the disc or its manual and proof of purchase. Since you recently purchased the program, I’d ask for a replacement disc to rule out the possibility of a faulty CD.

You can mail your items to:

Electronic Arts Warranty Department
9001 N I-35 Suite 110
Austin, TX 78753

Before you do so, go to EA’s Warranty Information Web page and read all instructions carefully. A downloadable packing slip is also available on the site for you to fill in relevant details.

Other Sources of SIMS3 Help

I did find a nice user’s forum at GamingNewsLink.com where users are posting their SIMS3 errors and helping each other out. You might try exploring the SIMS 3 Errors thread and posting your $INSTALLVOLUME error there as well.

How do I make the no$gba.rar a game?

In order to play or install a RAR game, you need to be able to open the file. Since the no$gba.rar is a zipped or RAR file, you need to unzip it using special software. Once you have unzipped the file which means that you have extracted or taken the files out of the compressed state, you will be able to either play the RAR game or install it, depending on the particular game that you have.

What Are RAR Files?

RAR files are those that contain one or more files that have been compressed to take up less space. They are sometimes referred to as data containers since they contain a certain amount of data. Try thinking of an RAR file as a piece of luggage filled with lots of bits and pieces. Most of us stuff that suitcase full by cramming everything into and maybe even sitting on the suitcase to close it completely. Sometimes we need a little help to open it and take everything out. The same is true of an RAR file.

Download Software to Open RAR Files

While there are several programs that you can use to unzip a RAR file, WinRAR and WinZip are the most popular of commonly used ones. You need to visit the website for WinRAR or WinZip and download the application to your computer. WinRAR offers a two month trial version that you can use. Once the two months have gone by, you’ll need to pay for the application to continue using it. Once you have this program installed on your computer system, you will be able to open or unzip the RAR file.

How to Open RAR File

• Once you have installed one of the above applications, you need to right click on the no$gba.rar file.
• Select or click unzip.
• The WinRAR or WinZip program, whichever one you downloaded, should then uncompress and open the file.
• You should see the .exe file as it should become available at this point. Opening this file should lead to the ability to play the game or to install the game for playing.

My PC is running too slow. In some cases it freezes.

Troubleshooting Slow PC and Frozen Screen: Scan for Spyware/Virus

Slow computers and intermittent freezing can be the result of a virus or spyware infection. Each one of these uses up valuable resources and if you don’t get rid of them, they can cause your computer to freeze or run slowly. If you have an anti-spyware/anti-virus application, check for updates and then scan your computer with a full scan. If you don’t have an anti-spyware/anti-virus application, try this one- Anti-VirusPLUS.

Troubleshooting Slow PC and Frozen Screen: Cleaning up the PC

Complete each one of the following tasks to clean up the computer and free up some valuable resources. Once you do, your computer should stop freezing up if a lack of computer resources is the problem.

• Delete unused applications and programs using the “Add/Remove” utility tool.
• Delete duplicate applications of the same program.
• If you have too many programs beginning at startup, it can cause your computer to freeze up. Disable some of the applications from starting up at boot up. For example, you don’t need QuickTime to start up when you boot up and so on. Windows Defender, which is built into Windows Vista, has a Startup Manager that you can use to manage your startup programs. Otherwise, go to Start > Run and type in msconfig. The Startup tab allows you to select or deselect programs for automatic startup. Choose carefully as you don’t want to disable necessary programs such as spyware protection.
• Delete unwanted files, photos, pictures, images, music files, videos, etc.
• Delete unwanted emails.
• Clear the temporary internet cache using the “Tools” feature on your web browser.
• Use a registry cleaner such as RegCure to scan your registry for errors.
• Defrag the computer by taking these steps: Click Start→ Click All Programs→ Click Accessories→ Click System Tools→ Click Disk Cleanup or some variation of this set of directions.

Troubleshooting Slow PC and Frozen Screen: Use System Restore

If none of the above strategies have worked to restore your computer back to normal, use the “System Restore” utility to turn time back and set your computer to an earlier date before this problem started to happen. To do so:

Click Start→ Click All Programs→ Click Accessories→ Click System Tools→ Click System Restore. Click “Restore my computer to an earlier time” and select a date that you think will be good. It should be an earlier date before the problems started to happen. Now, follow the prompts as they occur. Your computer should reboot and run smoothly now.