I can't even open the Sims 3 Launcher - help!

When I was attempting to install the game and expansions, I had major difficulties which I outlined in this thread: https://games4theworld.forumotion.com/t15528-sims-3-pets-and-island-paradise-installation-help#109738


Now, I've followed all the steps and applied the latest manual patch and ultimate fix as per instructions. After all this, I tried to launch the game. I double-click on the icon to open the launcher and immediately I get the following: 

'Sims3Launcher has stopped working

Windows is checking for a solution to the problem...'

Then the pop-up box will close then nothing. I also tried opening from the launcher icon contained within the base game folder and the Into the Future folder but again, the same issue. The launcher won't even humour me by trying to load, it simply goes straight to the error message with no Sims launcher or icon on the task bar at all.

Thank you to anyone who can help me to resolve this!

//EDIT

I have tried to launch using TS3W as well - goes to black screen as if it's going to skip the launcher and go straight into the game then I'll get the error message:

'Unable to start game

Service initialization failed (0x024e424f)'

The only option is to press 'OK' on the error message which closes both the error pop-up and the black Sims 3 loading screen as well as the Sims 3 icon on the task bar.

hi missandra can u please read this post it will help u https://games4theworld.forumotion.com/t11737-need-help-with-error-0x0175dcbb-solved

Thank you for your reply. I followed the steps in the thread you linked me to but it made no difference. I still can't open the launcher and still get the same error when I try to do so. The thread also recommended updating manually to v. 1.63 and applying the Ultimate Fix but I already did that before I even tried to launch the game for the first time so I am still stuck with the same errors, unable to even open the launcher.


//EDIT


Everything I can find on this says to apply the latest patch and ultimate fix and should work. If it doesn't, I need to remove all mods and CC then should work. I've done the update and ultimate fix and I don't have any mods or CC. It took me days to install everything since I had installation problems outlined in the link included in my first post. What are my options apart from reinstalling? If I have to reinstall everything again, I think I'll just remove the game entirely and not bother since it's too time consuming to have to do all that again without knowing it will work afterwards. Of course, I would prefer to be able to play the game rather than give up on it but I simply don't have time to go through the whole process again.

hi missandra sorry to hear that ur problem not solved please be patient until a moderator or helper to show up

Hi,
I found that going to documents/electronic arts/sims 3/dc cache and delete missingdep.idx

works for me, hopes this helps.

Carlos and B37lovly, thank you for your responses.

Carlos, I did the steps you suggested. Still exactly the same issue. B37, I then deleted the cache as you suggested and again, exactly the same problem as before.

Have you tried running the game by skipping the launcher? Go to "C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin" and try using TS3.exe. If that works, at least you can get into the game.

Yes, I have been bypassing the launcher. That's what prompts the service initialisation error. As I specified above, I have been bypassing the launcher since it crashes before it can open properly.

Someone else had reinstalled their game and it worked. I do not suggest doing this until its absolutely needed. This seems to be caused by a registry error. Normally I wouldn't suggest installing other programming to help, but this is a great program for that.
http://www.iobit.com/advancedsystemcareper.php
Select all and run under system care. Then let the program fix it. If its a registry error, this program will find it without having to reinstall.