"Unable to start: cannot start because required game data is missing or damaged" - fixes.

by **The_gh0stm4n** Sun 17 Jan 2016, 22:54

Hello,

Are you getting an error when starting up The Sims 4, that looks like this ?

"Unable to start: cannot start because required game data is missing or damaged" - fixes. 2e4izrb

"Unable to start: cannot start because required game data is missing or damaged" - fixes. 2e4izrb

Try one of the following things.

1) The error is most often caused by incompatible mods or custom content for The Sims 4. Please make sure to remove all mods and custom content for the moment and try the game again. If the game runs, then you know that the error is related to the mods (probably). Try filtering your mods one-by-one to determine which item exactly is causing you these issues. If the error still persists, go on with the other suggestions.

2) If you are using the downloads from Games4theworld, please make sure to follow the included install instructions. Especially, make sure that when you install expansions or the Ultimate fix, that you really copy and replace ALL existing files, in the install location. In case of doubt, re-apply the expansions/Ultimate fix. As of now (17-01-2016), the recommended installation order of the Games4theworld releases is: TS4 Base game -> Get to Work -> Get together.
Are you still encountering the error ? Then read on.

3) In some cases, the error can be caused by folder/file permission problems. You could try running the game as Administrator (right-click on .exe file or desktop shortcut -> choose "Run As Administrator"). If you like, you could also attempt to edit folder permissions. For The Sims 3, I wrote this guide, back then. You can apply the same principles to your Sims 4 installation folder, too. Start with the following.

C:\Program files (x86)\The Sims 4\Game\Bin. ---> Edit folder permissions for "Bin". If that doesn't work, edit the permissions for the parent-folder "Game", then "The Sims 4", then "Program files (x86)". You get the idea.

By that time though, this error is most likely solved though. Good luck for the moment, and if we know more about the problem, we will edit the post here. Smile

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