Recognising Newer Graphics Cards for Sims2

I wouldn't worry about the RAM - that's just the RAM for the video, not the total RAM.

Shadows from your config is set to the max, you can set it to lower if you like - in the userProps.xml in the Config folder of your game folder (i.e. it's not controlled by the Graphics Rules) The range is 1-3 where 3 is the highest. The game should allow you to do it within the game, but it can be done outside the game if it's not being helpful.

Hi, I have the same problem and when I do the first step and I try to get into the game, the Directx 9.0 error appears. So I tried to look for the config log txt and the only thing I found was that:
Log generated on 6/20/2013, 01:19

Spoiler (Click to View)

Global properties
-----------------
uintProp propertyRevision 6
boolProp allowCustomContent true
boolProp animationLOD false
uintProp antialiasingQuality 0
boolProp autoCentering true
boolProp autoLogin false
boolProp bumpMapping false
boolProp checkForPatch true
boolProp constrainFloorElevation true
uintProp cutawayMemorySize 3
boolProp cutawayOutside true
boolProp disableCustomObjects false
boolProp displayCustomObjectInfo true
boolProp displayLookAtBoxes false
boolProp displayPaths false
boolProp deviceVsynch true
uintProp dynamicRenderStrategy 0
boolProp edgeScrolling true
floatProp horzedgescrollrate 0,5
floatProp vertedgescrollrate 0,5
uintProp effectPriorityLevel 3
stringProp lastLoadedNeighborhood Guadalix
boolProp freeWill true
floatProp geomBoneInfluenceThreshold 0,01
boolProp geomCheckGeomDataIntegrity false
uintProp geomGenerateTangentSpaceNormalLines 0
boolProp geomGenerateTangentSpaceSxT false
floatProp geomGeneratedTangentSpaceNormalLineLength 0,1
uintProp geomMaxBoneInfluencesPerVertex 4
sintProp geomMaxMorphTargetDeltasPerVertex 4
floatProp geomMorphTargetDeltaThreshold 0,001
floatProp geomPerBoneBoundBlendWeightThreshold 0,9
boolProp guob true
boolProp interrupt false
boolProp lightOpenGLStyle false
uintProp lightingQuality 3
boolProp livePIP true
boolProp lotInfoAdvancedMode true
stringProp lotWindowFillColor (0,0,0,1)
uintProp maxParticlesTarget 10000
uintProp maxTerrainGrade 5
boolProp morph true
stringProp neighborhoodWindowFillColor (0.5,0.5,0.5,1)
boolProp noStupidIFFUnlocking false
boolProp optimizeMeshes true
floatProp particleDamping 0
floatProp particleDensity 1
uintProp particleLODOffset 0
floatProp particleScale 1
floatProp particleSizeThreshold 1
boolProp quickTips true
boolProp reduceBoneWeights false
boolProp renderOpaqueUI false
boolProp reflectionWithExtraViewer false
boolProp rotateCameraSims1Mode false
boolProp nhoodWaterReflection false
boolProp renderInsideObjectOnlyOnSelectedSimLevel true
boolProp showSnowOnGround true
uintProp renderInsideVisibleObjects 1
boolProp renderSelectedSimLevel false
boolProp sleepInBackground true
boolProp simInBackground false
boolProp simShadows true
boolProp snapObjectsToGrid true
uintProp soundDetail 2
boolProp specHighlights true
boolProp unevenTilesFloorable true
boolProp useEffects true
boolProp useLODs false
uintProp snapshotPictureQuality 3
uintProp snapshotPictureSize 3
boolProp usePixelAspectRatio true
uintProp videoCaptureMaxRecordingSeconds 130
uintProp videoCaptureQuality 3
uintProp videoCaptureSize 3
boolProp videoCaptureAudioOn false
boolProp CameraDriftCamEnabled true
boolProp CameraSpecialEventEnabled true
boolProp ShowLotPackageFilename false
boolProp SoundMasterGroupVoxEnabled false
boolProp SoundMasterGroupFXEnabled false
boolProp SoundMasterGroupMusicEnabled false
boolProp SoundMasterGroupAmbienceEnabled false
uintProp FXVolume 100
uintProp VOXVolume 100
uintProp AmbienceVolume 100
uintProp MusicVolume 20
floatProp tvVolume 0,5
uintProp AudioPerformance 1
boolProp ShowTutorialWelcome true
boolProp NoLegacySounds true
boolProp liveCameraConstraints true
uintProp edithConfigFlags 1
uintProp copiedShippedDataToUserDataFolder 262143
boolProp enableLotImpostersInLot true
boolProp enableNeighborhoodOccupantsInLot true
uintProp lotSkirtSizeIncrease 9
uintProp neighborhoodPropFadeDistance 50
boolProp clickableLotImposters true
boolProp showXRayCursor true
uintProp maxTotalSims 10
uintProp maxTotalHumans 8
uintProp maxTotalPets 6
floatProp pagodaSlopeControlX 1
floatProp pagodaSlopeControlY 1
floatProp pagodaCornerHeightRatio 0,25
floatProp pagodaEaveX 1,5
floatProp pagodaEaveY 1,5
floatProp diagonalPagodaEaveX 1
floatProp diagonalPagodaEaveY 1
boolProp force12HrTime false
boolProp enableOceanReflection false
boolProp includeCeilings false
boolProp quarterTilePlacementEnabled false
stringProp activeDeviceDisplayMode 1366x768x32x60
boolProp activeDeviceUseSoftwareRasterizer false
uintProp optionMaterialDetail 3
uintProp optionObjectDetail 3
uintProp optionObjectHiding 0
uintProp optionSnowOnGround 1
uintProp optionShadows 2
uintProp optionOpaqueUI 0
uintProp optionReflection 1
uintProp optionCeiling 1
uintProp optionEffectsQuality 3
uintProp optionLightingQuality 3
uintProp optionSoundQuality 2
uintProp optionEnableLotImpostersInLot 1
uintProp optionEnableNeighborhoodOccupantsInLot 1
uintProp optionLotSkirtSizeIncrease 0
sintProp activeDeviceNum 0
boolProp copiedUSToUKEnglishNames false
stringProp activeDeviceList 1;0;Intel® HD Graphics 4000;8086;0166;1114;8.17.10.1114, GUID: D7B78E66-4226-11CF-D677-3438B7C2C535;
stringProp SoundOutputMode stereo
boolProp perfAddLights true
boolProp perfRenderParts true
boolProp perfLightCaching true
boolProp perfEnableSkinning true
boolProp perfEnableMorphing true
uintProp lodOverride 0
boolProp effectLODSoftChange true
floatProp effectMaxTimeDelta 0
boolProp enableSnapshot true
boolProp floorCollisions true
boolProp wallCollisions true
boolProp creatingLotTemplate false


Device 0
--------

Options
-------

Option properties
-----------------

Device properties
-----------------

and it seems that the first part is missing so I'm very lost. My card is AMD Radeon HD 7670M. Please I need some help!! Thanks in advance.

Hello Kiri, I also have the problem where Sims 2 doesn't recognize my Radeon HD 7970 video card. I applied your video cards and graphic card rules to my Config and CSConfig folders in the latest expansion, the Mansion and Garden Stuff, but the silly game still persists in locking me at 800x600 and disabled all the advanced graphic options. You are great for doing this.

Edit: Doh! I noticed I was replacing the .sgr files for the base game and not the expansion. I overwrote the ones for the correct expansion and now the game allows me to change everything but the resolution.
Edit2: I have managed to kludge a solution but I still haven't started playing the game to check if the game performs properly. What I did was edit the low settings from 800600 to 19201080. The game now gave me all the resolution options. The only thing that remains grayed out is the shadows part. Do you need me to send you any file that could help?


  KARNATAKI-PC-config-log.txt (Size: 10.26 KB / Downloads: 586)

Alexito - can you take out all changes. Run the game and send me that config-log.txt? Thanks. Generally the Directx 9.0 error occurs when there is a program error.

BorneoSavage - It's generally not a good idea to fiddle the low settings - because it does more than change the screen size. If you could send me the config-log.txt I can see what is happening and suggest a solution. I've also noticed that for others the shadows remains unchoosable.

Thank you because now the log file appears as normal:

Spoiler (Click to View)

Log generated on 6/20/2013, 21:27



=== Application info ===
Name: The Sims 2 EP9
Version: 1.17.0.66
Build: ReleaseSRT
=== Machine info ===
OS version: Windows NT 6.0
CPU: 2933Mhz, Name:GenuineIntel, FPU:1, MMX:1
Memory: 4096MB
Free memory: 3972MB
User: Alex
Computer: ALEX-HP
=== Sound device info ===
Name: Unknown
Driver: Unknown
=== Graphics device info ===
Number: 0
Name (driver): Intel® HD Graphics 4000
Name (database): Intel® HD Graphics 4000 <<NOT FOUND IN DATABASE!>>
Vendor: Intel
Chipset: Vendor: 8086, Device: 0166, Board: 183e103c, Chipset: 0009
Driver: aticfx32.dll, Version: 8.17.10.1114, GUID: D7B78E66-4226-11CF-D677-3438B7C2C535
Driver version: 1114
Monitor: \\.\DISPLAY1
Monitor aspect: 1.778597, 16:9
Screen mode: 1366x768x32BPP,60Hz
Texture memory: 3832MB
HW T&L: Fixed function:1 Programmable:3.0
Pixel program: 3.0
Texture stages: 8
AppControlledAA: 1

Global properties
-----------------
uintProp propertyRevision 6
boolProp allowCustomContent true
boolProp animationLOD false
uintProp antialiasingQuality 0
boolProp autoCentering true
boolProp autoLogin false
boolProp bumpMapping false
boolProp checkForPatch true
boolProp constrainFloorElevation true
uintProp cutawayMemorySize 3
boolProp cutawayOutside true
boolProp disableCustomObjects false
boolProp displayCustomObjectInfo true
boolProp displayLookAtBoxes false
boolProp displayPaths false
boolProp deviceVsynch true
uintProp dynamicRenderStrategy 0
boolProp edgeScrolling true
floatProp horzedgescrollrate 0,5
floatProp vertedgescrollrate 0,5
uintProp effectPriorityLevel 3
stringProp lastLoadedNeighborhood Guadalix
boolProp freeWill true
floatProp geomBoneInfluenceThreshold 0,01
boolProp geomCheckGeomDataIntegrity false
uintProp geomGenerateTangentSpaceNormalLines 0
boolProp geomGenerateTangentSpaceSxT false
floatProp geomGeneratedTangentSpaceNormalLineLength 0,1
uintProp geomMaxBoneInfluencesPerVertex 4
sintProp geomMaxMorphTargetDeltasPerVertex 4
floatProp geomMorphTargetDeltaThreshold 0,001
floatProp geomPerBoneBoundBlendWeightThreshold 0,9
boolProp guob true
boolProp interrupt false
boolProp lightOpenGLStyle false
uintProp lightingQuality 3
boolProp livePIP true
boolProp lotInfoAdvancedMode true
stringProp lotWindowFillColor (0,0,0,1)
uintProp maxParticlesTarget 10000
uintProp maxTerrainGrade 5
boolProp morph true
stringProp neighborhoodWindowFillColor (0.5,0.5,0.5,1)
boolProp noStupidIFFUnlocking false
boolProp optimizeMeshes true
floatProp particleDamping 0
floatProp particleDensity 1
uintProp particleLODOffset 0
floatProp particleScale 1
floatProp particleSizeThreshold 1
boolProp quickTips true
boolProp reduceBoneWeights false
boolProp renderOpaqueUI false
boolProp reflectionWithExtraViewer false
boolProp rotateCameraSims1Mode false
boolProp nhoodWaterReflection false
boolProp renderInsideObjectOnlyOnSelectedSimLevel true
boolProp showSnowOnGround true
uintProp renderInsideVisibleObjects 1
boolProp renderSelectedSimLevel false
boolProp sleepInBackground true
boolProp simInBackground false
boolProp simShadows true
boolProp snapObjectsToGrid true
uintProp soundDetail 2
boolProp specHighlights true
boolProp unevenTilesFloorable true
boolProp useEffects true
boolProp useLODs false
uintProp snapshotPictureQuality 3
uintProp snapshotPictureSize 3
boolProp usePixelAspectRatio true
uintProp videoCaptureMaxRecordingSeconds 130
uintProp videoCaptureQuality 3
uintProp videoCaptureSize 3
boolProp videoCaptureAudioOn false
boolProp CameraDriftCamEnabled true
boolProp CameraSpecialEventEnabled true
boolProp ShowLotPackageFilename false
boolProp SoundMasterGroupVoxEnabled false
boolProp SoundMasterGroupFXEnabled false
boolProp SoundMasterGroupMusicEnabled false
boolProp SoundMasterGroupAmbienceEnabled false
uintProp FXVolume 100
uintProp VOXVolume 100
uintProp AmbienceVolume 100
uintProp MusicVolume 20
floatProp tvVolume 0,5
uintProp AudioPerformance 1
boolProp ShowTutorialWelcome true
boolProp NoLegacySounds true
boolProp liveCameraConstraints true
uintProp edithConfigFlags 1
uintProp copiedShippedDataToUserDataFolder 262143
boolProp enableLotImpostersInLot true
boolProp enableNeighborhoodOccupantsInLot true
uintProp lotSkirtSizeIncrease 9
uintProp neighborhoodPropFadeDistance 50
boolProp clickableLotImposters true
boolProp showXRayCursor true
uintProp maxTotalSims 10
uintProp maxTotalHumans 8
uintProp maxTotalPets 6
floatProp pagodaSlopeControlX 1
floatProp pagodaSlopeControlY 1
floatProp pagodaCornerHeightRatio 0,25
floatProp pagodaEaveX 1,5
floatProp pagodaEaveY 1,5
floatProp diagonalPagodaEaveX 1
floatProp diagonalPagodaEaveY 1
boolProp force12HrTime false
boolProp enableOceanReflection false
boolProp includeCeilings false
boolProp quarterTilePlacementEnabled false
stringProp activeDeviceDisplayMode 1366x768x32x60
boolProp activeDeviceUseSoftwareRasterizer false
uintProp optionMaterialDetail 3
uintProp optionObjectDetail 3
uintProp optionObjectHiding 0
uintProp optionSnowOnGround 1
uintProp optionShadows 2
uintProp optionOpaqueUI 0
uintProp optionReflection 1
uintProp optionCeiling 1
uintProp optionEffectsQuality 3
uintProp optionLightingQuality 3
uintProp optionSoundQuality 2
uintProp optionEnableLotImpostersInLot 1
uintProp optionEnableNeighborhoodOccupantsInLot 1
uintProp optionLotSkirtSizeIncrease 0
sintProp activeDeviceNum 0
boolProp copiedUSToUKEnglishNames false
stringProp activeDeviceList 1;0;Intel® HD Graphics 4000;8086;0166;1114;8.17.10.1114, GUID: D7B78E66-4226-11CF-D677-3438B7C2C535;
stringProp SoundOutputMode stereo
boolProp perfAddLights true
boolProp perfRenderParts true
boolProp perfLightCaching true
boolProp perfEnableSkinning true
boolProp perfEnableMorphing true
uintProp lodOverride 0
boolProp effectLODSoftChange true
floatProp effectMaxTimeDelta 0
boolProp enableSnapshot true
boolProp floorCollisions true
boolProp wallCollisions true
boolProp creatingLotTemplate false


Device 0
--------

Options
-------
uintProp MaterialDetail 3 #default: 3
uintProp ObjectDetail 3 #default: 3
uintProp ObjectHiding 0 #default: 0
uintProp Shadows 2 #default: 3
uintProp OpaqueUI 0 #default: 0
uintProp Reflection 1 #default: 1
uintProp EffectsQuality 3 #default: 3
uintProp LightingQuality 3 #default: 3
uintProp SoundQuality 2 #default: 3
uintProp DirtyRect 2 #default: 2
uintProp FullscreenFadeEffect 1 #default: 1
uintProp Turbo 2 #default: 2
uintProp SimulatorControls 3 #default: 3
uintProp LightingOptimizations 3 #default: 3
uintProp AnimationSamplingLevel 2 #default: 2
uintProp LivePIP 1 #default: 1
uintProp SpecialEventCamera 1 #default: 1
uintProp ScreenModeResolution 3 #default: 3

Option properties
-----------------
boolProp bumpMapping true
uintProp imageDataSizeReductionOnLoad 0
boolProp reduceBoneWeights false
boolProp useLODs false
uintProp lodOverride 0
uintProp renderInsideVisibleObjects 0
boolProp simShadows false
boolProp objectShadows false
boolProp guob true
boolProp heightMapShadows true
boolProp renderOpaqueUI false
boolProp reflectionWithExtraViewer true
boolProp nhoodWaterReflection true
boolProp useEffects true
uintProp maxParticlesTarget 10000
uintProp particleLODOffset 0
uintProp effectPriorityLevel 3
floatProp particleDensity 1
floatProp particleScale 1
boolProp lightingEnabled true
boolProp portalLighting true
boolProp floorAndWallNormalMapping true
boolProp specHighlights true
uintProp AudioPerformance 1
uintProp dynamicRenderStrategy 2
boolProp enableSnapshot true
boolProp useTurboRect true
uintProp maxNumOfVisitingSims 8
boolProp optimizedDiffusion true
boolProp incrementalLighting true
boolProp lerpLights true
boolProp useDirtyTiles true
boolProp animationFrameSampling false
boolProp livePIPDefault true
boolProp chooseCameraSpecialEventEnabled true
uintProp maxResWidth 1600
uintProp maxResHeight 1200
uintProp defaultResWidth 1024
uintProp defaultResHeight 768
uintProp optionMaterialDetail 3
uintProp optionObjectDetail 3
uintProp optionObjectHiding 0
uintProp optionShadows 2
uintProp optionOpaqueUI 0
uintProp optionReflection 1
uintProp optionEffectsQuality 3
uintProp optionLightingQuality 3
uintProp optionSoundQuality 2
uintProp optionDirtyRect 2
uintProp optionFullscreenFadeEffect 1
uintProp optionTurbo 2
uintProp optionSimulatorControls 3
uintProp optionLightingOptimizations 3
uintProp optionAnimationSamplingLevel 2
uintProp optionLivePIP 1
uintProp optionSpecialEventCamera 1
uintProp optionScreenModeResolution 3
sintProp activeDeviceNum 0

Device properties
-----------------
boolProp useRenderTextures false
uintProp antialiasingSupport 1
boolProp enableDriverMemoryManager false
boolProp vs2LoopsFunctional false
boolProp presentWorkaround false
boolProp enumerateMultisampleLevels false
boolProp simpleTerrain true
boolProp disableVSyncSupport true
boolProp disableTexMemEstimateAdjustment true
uintProp deviceLocalVideoMemorySizeDefault 4018143232
boolProp activeDeviceUseSoftwareRasterizer false
uintProp configParserErrorCode 0

And now?

@Alexito - please use spoiler tags

Code:

[spoiler=something]
your super lonnnnnnng post
[/spoiler]

Ooops sorry, thank you for telling me

Alexito - your texture memory is fine - that's not the problem, so putting that change in your card wouldn't have fixed it. You have an Intel card, and that has it's own problems - its not an AMD Radeon.

Name (driver): Intel® HD Graphics 4000
Name (database): Intel® HD Graphics 4000 <<NOT FOUND IN DATABASE!>>

Can you zip up your graphic rules.sgr and video cards.sgr for me and attach it to me, and I'll make the changes for you.

The problem is that I also have a AMD Radeon graphic card so I don't know how to run it when I want to play The Sims 2.
Thank you again for helping me

Attached File(s)

  GraphicZip.rar (Size: 10.2 KB / Downloads: 605)

That's probably the reason why you're having difficulty with the graphics. Intel cards don't seem to cope well with Sims2.

Which does mean that your Graphic rules and Video Cards are unlikely to be the problem, although I will look over them for you.
In the meantime, I'll see what I can find about swapping over the graphics cards.