Fix Sims 3 Error Code 16 on Windows 7, Vista, and XP

Players may experience error code 16 while saving a game in Sims 3. This article provides solutions to fix Sims 3 error code 16 on Windows 7, Vista, and XP.

Troubleshooting Guidelines:

1. Save the game again with a different file name

2. Repair the registry by cleaning the Sims 3 entries

3. Delete the contents of the Sims 3 cache folder

4. Delete specific save file

Save the game again with a different file name

You may experience Sims 3 error code 16 when your existing save game file gets corrupted. Saving the same game with a different filename might fix your problem.

1. Open the Sims 3 game by double-clicking its desktop shortcut.

2. Select the game you want to play.

3. Do not use the Save button. Instead, click the Save As button to save the game with a different file name.

4. Provide a new name for the file. It should not be the one you mapped to existing files.

5. Click Save to confirm.

6. A new file with the last name will be created automatically.

Repair the registry by cleaning the Sims 3 entries

Junk data stored in Sims 3 registry entries is considered to be the main factor responsible for Sims 3 error code 16. Repair the registry by cleaning junk information stored in Sims 3 registry hives.

There are two ways to do this: manually or by using a registry cleaner. Since most of us are not computer experts and the last option is more secure.

Delete the contents of the Sims 3 cache folder

The cache folder may contain some files that are corrupted and causing Sims 3 error 16 in Windows 7, Vista, or XP. Delete all the files inside this folder to fix the problem.

1. Quit the game.

2.Click Start | My Documents.

3. Open the following directory:

EA GamesThe Sims

4. Delete the Groups.cache and Cigen.package files.

5. Restart the game.

Delete specific save files

Delete the files and rename the directories specified below. It will fix Sims 3 error 16 on Windows 7, Vista or XP.

1. Quit the game.

2.Click Start | My Documents.

3. Open the following directory:

Electronic ArtsThe SimsSaves

4. Press Ctrl + A and then Ctrl + C. Minimize the window and create a folder called Backup on your desktop. Open it and click Ctrl + V to backup the content for safety.

5. Restore the minimized window.

6. Delete the following files:

Sunset Valley.sims3

Sunset Valley.sims3.backup

Sunset Valley.sims3.bad

7. Rename the Sunset Valley.sims3.legacy folder to Sunset Valley.sims3.

8. Using Sims 3 Launcher, update your game to version 1.7.

9. Restart the game.