Error Codes 12 and 16.
Error Codes can happen when the save file is too big, or the device system has unavailable resources to continue the gameplay. Below we're sharing a few tips to help prevent these Error Codes.
Turn off unnecessary programs through Task Manager. Extra programs eat up the memory the game needs to run.
In-game, always make sure to use Save As, instead of just Save or Save and Quit. Saver is a handy mod that pops up every 30 minutes by default, reminding you to save under a new name. Make sure to save from Map View.
Keep very few files in your Saves folder. Our suggestion is to keep only one or two needed ones.
Regul Save Cleaner to clean up your save files.
Reduce the graphic options in-game.
Reduce gaming time - play for up to two hours. Fully close the game. Remove unnecessary items (generated cache files and Save files except the last one made). Start your game again. This should prevent issues like memory leak.
For Error Code 16, make sure to get Porter to pack up your family, their house and move to a new town for a fresh start.
Notes by SimsPlayer:
–Here's a few more tips to consider: –Check Online Storage: Uninstall, disable or pause syncing with any services you normally use, such as OneDrive, Google Drive or otherwise. These services move your game files from \Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3 to where your game can't see them anymore. And can cause issues like what you've shown. –Before doing anything with OneDrive or GoogleDrive, if you have Sims 3 files there, copy them back to the C:\Users\Username\Documents\Electronic Arts folder. Then turn off, disable or uninstall the service. This way the game will be able to access your Sims 3 files again and won't move them. –Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive: (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/turn-off-disable-or-uninstall-onedrive-f32a17ce-3336-40fe-9c38-6efb09f944b0) –Ensure Antivirus or security software is not blocking the game/EA App. Add an exclusion to Windows Security: (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-an-exclusion-to-windows-security-811816c0-4dfd-af4a-47e4-c301afe13b26) –Delete the files out of the CurrentGame.sims3 folder. (\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\CurrentGame.sims3) if there are any. If files are left in this folder after a crash it will cause continued loading/saving issues. –Move most of your Save-games out of the Saves folder. (Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves) Either delete them, or move them onto a folder on your desktop or usb key. Reason being having too many save-games in your Saves folder can cause saving issues.
Useful posts and information to consider:
The Most Reliable Guide to Resolving Your Error Code 12 Woes : Sims3 (reddit.com)
"A serious error has occurred while loading [world]" error, now doing the same thing with saves : Sims3 (reddit.com)
How to get rid of Error Code 12? : Sims3 (reddit.com)
Save Errors 12 and 16 - The Sims 3 Guide - IGN
FetusTheEngineer comments on Game froze but animations such as music and plumbob continued. (reddit.com)
FetusTheEngineer comments on Error code 12 Problem (reddit.com)
FetusTheEngineer comments on Sims 3 apaloosa plains lags worse than isla paradiso? (reddit.com)
Does anyone know how to solve error 16? : Sims3 (reddit.com)
Steam Community :: Guide :: How to Overcome Error Code 12
