How to fix The Sims 4 error code 22

December 2022 · 5 minute read
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Sims 4 is the latest addition to one of the most famous game series ever, the Sims. This timeless title certainly rose above its prequels with a few brilliant innovations.

However, EA is kind of known for the unfinished, buggy games that scream for a patch. And sadly, Sims 4 is not an exception. A lot of users reported various errors, but just a few of them are too repetitive and prevent the game from starting. That is the case with an error that is marked with the code 22. And in this article, we’ll try and address this issue.

How to fix the error code 22 in Sims 4

  • Clean game cache
  • Update the game with Origin
  • Close background programs
  • Start PC with Safe Boot
  • Check Sims 4 integrity with Origin client
  • Reinstall the game

    • Solution 1 – Clean game cache

    The first step would be to manually clean the game’s cache. Due to virus infection or a few other reasons, your game can get corrupted. That can and will lead to performance drops or unexpected loading errors. So, in order to clean the game cache, follow these instructions:

  • Quit the game and stop the Sims 4 process in Task manager.
  • Go to Documents (My Documents).
  • Open Electronic Arts.
  • Choose Sims 4.
  • Move your Saves folder to Desktop.
  • Delete these cache files from Cache folder:
    • localthumbcache.package
    • cache
    • cachestr
    • cachewebkit
    • lotcachedData
  • Start the game.
  • The game will create a new save instead of loading the old ones.
  • After new save is created, move old saves from desktop Save folder one by one and try them out.
  • In most cases, the autosave file (slot 001) is the culprit for error 22 so try loading other saves.

    • If your game for no apparent reason crashed while autosave was performing, the save file may be corrupted. For that purpose, we advise you to perform more often manual saves.

    Solution 2 – Update the game with Origin

    There is a widespread opinion that the game won’t load saves because of a weird update error. Namely, the client may inform you that you are trying to load the save that has been saved on a newer game version. That is a bit confusing, but you may try and update the game with Origin client.

  • Open Origin desktop app.
  • Find Sims 4.
  • Right-click on the game and open Check for update option.
  • If there is any updates/patches available, the client will download and install them.

    • On the other hand, if your game is up to date and the problem is still persistent, try other workarounds below.

    Solution 3 – Close background programs

    Another reason for this specific issue can be an activity of background programs. Nonetheless, there are programs that won’t impact the game whatsoever. For that purpose, follow this list and disable these programs while playing:

    Solution 4 – Start PC with Safe Boot

    Expert Tip: Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.
    Click here to download and start repairing.

    Additionally, to make sure that there’s no single program interfering with the game, try and start your PC with Clean Boot. The procedure is swiftly done in few steps:

  • Open Windows Search and type msconfig
  • Right-click and run System Configuration like Administrator.
  • Select the Services tab.
  • Click Hide All Microsoft Services.
  • Choose Disable All.
  • Click on the Start Up tab and Open Task Manager.
  • Right-click and choose Disable.disable defender
  • Disable all startup services individually.
  • Confirm selection and reset your PC.

    • If you’ve accidentally disabled any valuable services, you can easily retrieve them by repeating the process.

    Solution 5 – Check Sims 4 integrity with Origin client

    Before you lose your nerves and perform reinstallation, we advise you to try and repair the installation files. For that purpose, Origin implements a tool that is similar to the ones on Battle.net or Steam. And this is how you can use it.

  • Open Origin client.
  • Go to My Games.
  • Right-click Sims 4.
  • Choose Repair Install.
  • The tool will check your game and repair corrupted or incomplete files.

    • Solution 6 – Reinstall the game

    Finally, you can try and reinstall the game. Most of the time, the users with the mentioned error haven’t succeeded to fix this issue by reinstalling. Nevertheless, we think they overlooked the importance of a ‘clean’ install, as it might actually help you. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Open Origin and choose My Games.
  • Right-click and select Uninstall.
  • After the process is finished go to the location of installation and delete remaining folders.
  • Use CCleaner or similar 3rd-party tool to clean registry.
  • Restart your PC.
  • Start Origin again.
  • Find Sims 4 and select Install.

    • If this wasn’t helping your saved games are probably doomed. So, you’ll need to start the game from a scratch.

    We hope you were able to solve this issue with one of the presented workarounds. In case you have any questions or suggestions related to the subject, feel free to share them in the comments.

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