I’ve installed and uninstalled Turning Point two or three times last year on my PC (Windows XP, SP3, tons of RAM and disk space) and all worked fine. Now, when installing, I get error 1610 ‘configuration data for this product is corrupt’. I’ve visited all the sites I can find on the error and it’s the only game out of many I’ve installed that cause this. Any solutions?

Most of the time, when you get a 1610 error, it will tell you to contact your administrator or support personnel. Since it looks like you’re on your own here, you’re going to have to do a little troubleshooting to fix the problem.

First Fixes

The first thing to try is to copy the program directly onto your system and run the installation from there and see if you get the same error. You can also try to get into Safe Mode by pressing F8 on startup and try to load the disks from there. If the program loads successfully, reboot the computer and see if it will run.

Registry Error

My guess is that you are dealing with a registry problem, probably caused by a corruption in the registry that happened when the last version of the game was uninstalled. The safest thing to do in this case is to purchase and run a registry cleaner such as RegCure. You can download a free version that may find the errors for you before you purchase the program in its entirety.

Although I don’t recommend changing the registry manually, it can be done if you are very careful. Changing the registry can severely damage your machine, so if you’re not comfortable with it, this is best left to a professional. At the very least, set a System Restore point before you get into the registry so you have something to go back to if there is a problem.

Go to Start and then Run and type in: regedit. Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\INSTALLER

Now you need to find the key for Features. By looking at the keys here, you may be able to find the key for Turning Point. It will probably have two entries - one for features and one for Products.  If you find them, delete both of the keys for Turning Point by choosing the key and right clicking to choose Delete. Once the two keys have been deleted, exit out of the registry and try the installation again.

I think fixing the registry will solve your installation problems and you should be able to install normally as you have in the past.

You are correct about there not being very much information on this issue. However, you might be in luck because my son has a Mac and he was able to clue me in on what should happen as well as a possible workaround for this situation. Read through and follow these suggestions that should resolve the problem for you. Hopefully it does because I can understand why not being able to get to the custom content would be frustrating- it’s one of the best features for the game!

Downloading Sim3 Custom Content: Right Clicking

When you right-click on the Mac, it is a bit different than right clicking on a PC. You should be able to control click and gain access to what you need. It should go as follows:

If you navigate to your dashboard and select “finder” and then navigate to the menu that appears across the top and select “go” and then “applications”, it should list all of your applications or folders for applications on your computer. Now you need to highlight the launcher icon for the Sims 3 and “control click” on the icon (make sure you are not using the command key instead of the control key.) This icon should be identified as the one with the logo for the Sim3 game. This strategy should work on your Mac as it works on other Macs. If it does not work on yours, try rebooting your machine and starting from scratch. If this does not work, try the following workaround that should get you to the “show package content option.”

Downloading Sim3 Custom Content: Actions Drop Down Icon

Basically, you’ll start out with similar directions to the ones above, but with a twist, so read through to the end.

• Navigate to your dashboard and select “finder.”
• Navigate to the menu that appears across the top and select “go.”
• Select “applications”, which should list all of your applications or folders for the applications on your computer.
• Look for the actions drop down icon (looks like a gear) in the top of the applications window. Once you know where it is, highlight Sims 3 and click the “actions drop down option” icon and the “show package content” option should appear.

Running Downloaded Games

Without knowing what the game is, and what Windows operating system you are running, it’s not possible to tell you’re the program that you are missing. However, you can work through these steps and try to figure out how to configure your computer for the game.

Check the Game Compatibility

When Windows gives the message that it doesn’t know how to open the file and suggests that you use a web service to find an appropriate program to open it, it means that your computer doesn’t have the program it needs to open the file. This might be the case if the game is built for Mac or Linux and isn’t supported by Windows. You can check this by going back to the torrent file and checking the specifics to see if it is Windows compatible.

Install a Utility to Open the Game Files

If the game is Windows supported but still won’t play, depending on the game and the type of torrent you downloaded, you will need to try different tools and programs to open the files. Once the folder is unzipped and you can see the extensions of the files that are inside it, you can try putting the extension in a web search (check our Filetonic File Extension Library) to find out what programs or utilities will work to open it. For example, there is a utility called Daemon Tools than is popular on many game sites. You can try looking for information for your particular game there. If the game is obscure or built in a different language, you might need to install language support programs as well.

Game System Requirements

Another way of going about troubleshooting your issue would be to check out the system requirements for the game. It is possible that your computer operating system, graphics card or other hardware component is insufficient to install and support the game. A quick web search should turn up the game’s minimum system requirements; make sure that your computer meets them.

If you are still struggling to install the game, you can write again with some details about the game, the file extensions, your computer specs and your operating system and we can take it from there. Good luck!

It drives me crazy when product keys are on the box rather than on the jewel case, or better yet, the CD. After all, how many of us keep old software boxes lying around the house? Plus, half the time, the boxes get mangled because of over aggressive packaging. But, enough venting. Let’s see if we can figure out how you can reinstall Sims3 and reactivate it.

Retrieving Sims3 Serial Numbers via The Sims3 Web site.

If you registered your copy of The Sims3 at the The Sims3 Web site, then you may be able to recover your serial number there.

Contacting Electronic Arts  

Electronic Arts has two mechanisms in place for replacing illegible or lost serial numbers. If the serial number is illegible and you purchased the game in the last 90 days, the replacement will be free. You must submit the page from the manual or the jewel case insert containing the illegible serial number to Electronic Arts before you will receive your new serial number. Since this doesn’t apply to you, let’s take a look at EA’s policy for lost serial numbers.

Unfortunately, this option is going to cost you $10 USD. You will need to submit a check made out to Electronic Arts, proof of purchase, and explanation, and your name, address, and phone number to:

Electronic Arts Warranty Department

9001 N I-35 Suite 110

Austin, TX 78753  

Now, what does Electronic Arts consider “proof of purchase”? If you have the user’s manual, the proof of purchase is located there. If you do not have it, then Electronic Arts will accept a photo or a photocopy of the Sims3 game disc.

For further instructions and conditions, visit this EA Tech Support page. In fact, you might want to explore the tech support pages here for The Sims3 as there’s a wealth of information, patches, and advice offered. For example, the latest patch, patch 1.2.7, has been released. Among other things, it fixes a game freeze error that occurs when Sims characters clean out their refrigerators. You might want to patch your game after you receive your replacement serial number.

NFS Prostreet or Need for Speed ProStreet is one of the games put out by EA Games. It’s available for the computer, Playstation 3, Playstation 2, PSP, Xbox 360, and Nintendo. For the PC version, not only can you enjoy playing the game, but you can also put up photo shots of your game play to share with other NFS ProStreet enthusiasts. If you are receiving an error message that is stating that you need to insert the CD/DVD for the game, then most likely you are experiencing one of the following: faulty drive, incorrect drive, or pirated version of the game.

How to Install NFS ProStreet: CD Drive Versus DVD Drive

Some computers come equipped with a CD drive and a DVD drive. It’s important to make sure that you are using the correct one. Since the Need for Speed ProStreet version for the computer is currently sold in a DVD version, you need to have a DVD drive on the computer. If you are working off of an older model of PC, then you might not have a DVD drive on your machine. Even if you have a newer computer, you might have inadvertently placed the disk into the CD drive and not the DVD drive. However, if you have one of the earlier versions that was sold in a CD, make sure that you have placed the disk in the CD drive and that the drivers for it have been updated.

How to Install NFS ProStreet: System Requirements

It’s important to make sure that you have the system requirements needed to install and play this game. Check the package that it came in to see if you meet these requirements. Without them, you are not going to be able to install the game onto your computer. In general, you need at least Windows XP or Vista as well as 512 MB of RAM (XP) or 1 MB RAM (Vista). Plus, you need a DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card and video card as well as a Pentium 4 processor or better. Without any one of these requirements, you are going to experience problems with the game.

How to Install NFS ProStreet: Update the DVD Drivers

If you are sure that you are inserting the disk into the DVD drive and you are still experiencing problems, try updating the drivers for it. To do this, you can visit the manufacturer’s website for the particular DVD drive that your computer has installed on it.

Pirated Versions of NFS ProStreet

If you have purchased one of the many pirated versions of this game (as in you downloaded it free from the Internet or borrowed it from a friend), you will not be able to install and access the game since you are missing the key that you need to install it. Paid versions of this game only allow one download onto the computer. Therefore, the code is only available during the first installation. If you reformat the computer, you will lose the game and you will not be able to retrieve it. If you buy the game used from someone, you won’t get the code that you need to install the game.

The typical culprits behind a slow Internet connection include problems with the provider, too much data stored in temporary files, malware, or a bad connection. Since you can eventually log in to Big Fish Games, most likely the problem is with your available memory or malware infection. Clearing up some of these potential problems could be the fix that you need. Read through and try the following tips.

Troubleshooting Slow Connection to Big Fish Games: Clear Temporary Cache

One of the first strategies to try when your attempts to connect to a website are slow is to clear the temporary Internet cache on your web browser. Use the first set of directions to clear the cache in Mozilla Firefox:

• Open Mozilla Firefox.
• Select “Edit” and “Menu.”
• Select the section for “Preferences.”
• Select “Navigator.”
• Select “Clear History” and “OK.”

Use the second set for Internet Explorer:

• Open up Internet Explorer.
• Look for and open the section labeled, “Tools.”
• Navigate to “Delete Browsing History”
• Select each of the following by marking off the small white box in front of them: cookies, temporary Internet files, history, and form data.
• Click “Delete.”

Slow browsers can occur whenever you allow too many tabs to remain open for extended periods of time as well. Consider closer some of the tabs on the browser if you aren’t actively using them.

Troubleshooting Slow Connection to Big Fish Games: Scan for Spyware, Viruses, and Trojans

The presence of spyware or viruses can really slow down your computer, preventing you from gaining access to websites easily and quickly. You should update your anti-spyware/anti-virus application and run it on the computer to remove any lurking problems. Malware uses up a lot of bandwidth at times and can be responsible for response-time problems with the Internet.

Troubleshooting Slow Connection to Big Fish Games: Timing

If you have dial up Internet and you are trying to access the Big Fish Games website during a widely-used time of day, your connection could be lagging and produce this type of undesirable waiting period. Try using the Internet at a different time of day or night and see if that makes a difference and releases you from problems with a slow website.  

Troubleshooting Slow Connection to Big Fish Games: Update the Browser

If you haven’t updated your web browser, this fact could account for problems logging into different websites. Check the website for your browser and update to the latest version that is available. After you do so, check your settings to make sure they are where you want them to be.

Troubleshooting Slow Connection to Big Fish Games: Odd Tip

A tip that might seem a bit odd, but that has been suggested by Big Fish Games, is to make sure that the time and date on your computer are accurately set. Windows users can access this function through their “Control Panel.”

Troubleshooting Slow Connection to Big Fish Games: Security and Privacy Settings

Since you haven’t used the game in a while, it is possible that your security and privacy settings have changed. See if changing the level to medium level helps out.

Troubleshooting User Name Problems

Some of the common reasons behind the message “user name taken” are simply human error due to computer use. It is quite common to save our data and to click on the data that appears below our typing to fill in user names, passwords, etc. However, sometimes this information isn’t always correct due to mistyped words or phrases. Take the time to type your user name in full and see if that helps.

Also, check to make sure that you are using upper case letters if that is what should be used. You also need to check that your password is correctly spelled with spaces, numbers, and upper or lower case as needed.

Troubleshooting User Name Problems: Clear Temporary Cache

It is possible that your computer is just experiencing a glitch, so clear the temporary cache, cookies, stored passwords, and browser history on your web browser. You can generally access this on the section beneath the “Tools” option of the browser.

Troubleshooting User Name Problems: Account Expiration Possibility

How long has it been since you last used this account? Some websites link expiration limits to their accounts. If you have exceeded the limit for yours, then you need to reapply for an account and you will have to select a new user name since the one that you want to use is already taken.

Troubleshooting User Name Problems: Miscellaneous

Is it possible that you are trying to sign in when you have already done so? Have you selected the option to click “Forgot Password?” If it has been a while since you last played, is it possible that you are typing upper case when you need lower case or vice versa? Have you switched browsers? If you have, is the game’s website compatible with the new browser that you are using? Try to log in on a different time of the day since it is possible that the website is experiencing difficulties and creating the user name problem for you.

Customer Service Option at Full Tilt Poker

If you are having an issue with your password/username at Full Tilt Poker, you can contact the customer service department at Full Tilt Poker directly. This particular department deals with issues related to username/password use. Use the following email: password@fulltiltpoker.com.

Sims 3 System Requirements for Mac

Unfortunately, there’s not much that you can do. The Sims 3, like all computer programs, has been designed to work with computers that meet specific system requirements. In the case of the Macintosh operating system, the following system requirements must be met in order for the game to work: 

• Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5.7 (or above) Leopard
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Free Disk Space: 6.1 GB (plus 1 additional GB for saved games and custom content)
• Processor: Intel Core Duo Processor
• Graphics: ATI X1600 or Nvidia 7300 GT with 128 MB of Video RAM or Intel Integrated GMA X3100

In addition, EA specifically says that the game will not run on PowerPC (G3/G4/G5) based Mac systems. So, unless you’re willing to do some major surgery on your Macintosh, you’re not going to be able to play Sims 3 on it.

Sims 3 for the iPhone and iPod Touch

However, if you happen to have an iPhone or iPod Touch, consider buying the Sims 3 game for your mobile device. Though scaled down to size, the mobile version looks to be fun - plus you can take it with you where ever you go.

Second Life

While the Sims Online is no longer online, many other multi-player online role playing games exist. If you haven’t tried Second Life, you might consider it as an alternative to Sims 3 until you have access to a computer that meets the Sims 3 requirements. Second Life is played online and a basic account is free. Second Life’s minimum system requirements for Mac users are as follows:

Cable or DSL Internet connection

Mac OS X 10.4.11 or above

Computer Processor:  1 GHz G4 or better 

Memory:  512 MB or more 

Screen Resolution:  1024×768 pixels 

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 2 or GeForce 4, ATI Radeon 9200 and above, or ATI Radeon X Series

While it’s disappointing that the Sims 3 game will not play on your PowerPC Mac, if you have an iPod Touch or iPhone, you can play via that platform. If not, other role playing games are out there. I hope you find a virtual world that works for you.

Return the Computer to Factory Settings

You have a few ways around this Compaq power on password situation. It’s possible to clear the CMOS and return the computer to factory settings. If you have made a lot of changes to your system, this might not be the route for you but, if you’re stuck it’s an option.

Jumpstart the CMOS Cables

To clear the CMOS settings you will need to remove and replace the jumpers on the motherboard. The exact location of the jumper will vary depending on the specific model of your computer. The jumper might be on the edge of the motherboard, near the CMOS battery, or near the processor. You can use your user manual to identify and locate them.

Reseat the CMOS Battery

You can also try removing and reseating the CMOS battery, which is on the motherboard. The CMOS battery is the computer’s internal power source that allows the computer to keep time and other internal functions when there is no other power source. You should be able to identify the CMOS battery on the motherboard using your user’s manual. Remove the chip from its setting, give it a rest, then reinsert it. Sometimes this is enough to jumpstart your motherboard and reset the settings to get you around the power on password.

Contact the Manufacturer

Another option is to contact the computer manufacturer, in this case HP, and ask for a reset power on password. This might be the easiest route, especially if you are hesitant to open and tinker with your computer. You might need to wait for a while to get through, but it’s worth a try. You should have your serial number, product information, and user manual on hand before you call so that you are ready to deal with the problem. You can reach the support center for HP/Compaq home products at 800-474-6836.

Replace the Motherboard

If none of these suggestions work to get past the power on password, you can deal with the problem by replacing the motherboard. It is a more costly solution, but will allow you to salvage some of the system if you can’t get the existing motherboard to reset. I hope this helps!

Minimum System Requirements

First of all, your computer needs to meet some specific hardware and software requirements in order to be able to support your new SIMS 3 game. You can consult your computer user’s manual to check the specifications.

If you are running a Macintosh:

• Leopard 10.5.7
• 2 GB RAM
• 6.1 GB free disk space
• Sims 3 is not compatible with either Intel GMA 950 class of integrated cards or Power PC processors 

If you are running Windows XP:

• Windows XP Service Pack 2
• 2.0 GHz Pentium 4 Processor, or similar
• 1 GB RAM
• Minimum 6.5 GB of hard drive space - plus an additional 1 GB for custom content

• 128 MB Video Card - with Pixel Shader 2.0 support

If you are running Windows Vista:

• Windows Vista Service Pack 1
• 2.4 GHz Pentium 4 Processor, or similar
• 1.5 GB RAM
• Minimum 6.5 GB of hard drive space - plus an additional 1 GB for custom content

• 128 MB Video Card - with Pixel Shader 2.0 support

If your computer uses a built in graphics set, you need to have at least:

• Intel Integrated Chipset GMA X3000 or higher
• 2.6 GHz Pentium D CPU or 1.8 GHz Core 2 Duo
• 0.5 GB extra RAM

SIMS 3 Compatible Video Card

You also need to consider your video card. If you are using a NVIDIA GeForce Series card the SIMS 3 game requires: FX 5900, FX 5950, 6200, 6500, 6600, 6800, 7200, 7300, 7600, 7800, 7900, 7950, 8400, 8500, 8600, 8800, 9600, 9800, GTX 260, GTX 280.

If you are using an ATI Radeon Series card, you need: 9500, 9600, 9800, X300, X600, X700, X800, X850, X1300, X1600, X1800, X1900, X1950, 2400, 2600, 2900, 3450, 3650, 3850, 3870, 4850, 4870. Or an Intel Extreme Graphics GMA X3×00.

You might not have removed enough data from your hard drive to make 6.5 GB of hard drive space. Here are steps to use Windows to check the available hard disk space.

1. Click the Start button
2. Choose My Computer, then choose Local Disk C:
3. You will see a chart displaying your hard drive used and available space

If you are still over the limit, you can either delete unwanted data, or you can use external devices like CDs, flash drives or an external hard drive to transfer material off your hard drive and freeing up space for your game.

Update your Software

Some users also report better SIMS results after upgrading their Internet Explorer installation. Getting the latest software is usually a good idea to keep your computer compatible. You might want to use Windows Update to get the latest updates. I hope this helps!