How to Recover .SIMS3 Files from Formatted Memory Devices Using Apps

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .SIMS3 file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Recover .SIMS3 Files from Formatted Memory Devices Using Apps

What is a .SIMS3 file?

Save file created by The Sims 3, a life simulation game that gives you control over simulated persons, or "Sims;" contains saved game data from the most recent save; includes game progress like character development, money amount, and new buildings; located in the "Saves" folder of the The Sims 3 directory along with .SIMS3.BACKUP files.

What Are Common Causes of ".SIMS3" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".SIMS3" files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete their ".SIMS3" files while cleaning up their computer or organizing their files.
  2. System crashes: If a computer experiences a sudden crash or power failure while running the game, it can result in corruption or loss of ".SIMS3" files.
  3. Game updates or patches: Sometimes, when updating or patching the game, there can be issues that cause ".SIMS3" files to become corrupted or incompatible with the updated version.
  4. Malware or virus infections: Malicious software or viruses can corrupt or delete ".SIMS3" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  5. Hardware issues: Problems with the computer's hard drive or other hardware components can result in data loss, including ".SIMS3" files.
  6. Uninstalling the game: If the game is uninstalled without properly backing up the ".SIMS3" files, they can be permanently lost.
  7. File system errors: Errors within the file system of the computer can cause ".SIMS3" files to become inaccessible or corrupted.
  8. Moving or renaming files: If ".SIMS3" files are moved or renamed without updating the game's file references, it can result in failure to locate or load the files.

To minimize the risk of losing ".SIMS3" files, it is recommended to regularly backup important game files, avoid sudden power losses or crashes, keep the computer protected with up-to-date antivirus software, and ensure proper file management when uninstalling or updating the game.

How to recover lost ".SIMS3" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".SIMS3" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".SIMS3" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".SIMS3" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".SIMS3" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software
  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".SIMS3" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type
  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored
  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan
  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery
  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".SIMS3" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo the Sims 3 Game Save File image file file?

Programs that open ".SIMS3" files

Windows
Electronic Arts The Sims 3 Electronic Arts The Sims 3
Mac
Electronic Arts The Sims 3 Electronic Arts The Sims 3

Additional Information

  • File type: The Sims 3 Game Save File

  • File extension: .SIMS3

  • Developer: Electronic Arts

  • Category: Game Files

  • Format: N/A

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 11:53 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SIMS3 files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is a .SIMS3 file and what is its purpose in relation to The Sims 3 game?

    A .SIMS3 file is a file format used by The Sims 3 game. It contains data related to a specific Sim character, including their appearance, traits, skills, relationships, and other attributes. These files are created when players save their Sims in the game.

    The purpose of .SIMS3 files is to store and preserve the customized information of a Sim character. They allow players to save their progress and continue playing with their Sims at a later time. These files can be shared with other players, allowing them to import and use the saved Sims in their own game.

    Additionally, .SIMS3 files are used for creating backups and transferring Sims between different computers or installations of The Sims 3 game. They serve as a way to preserve and transport the player's customized Sim characters.

  • How can I open a .SIMS3 file and access its contents?

    To open and access the contents of a .SIMS3 file, you can follow these steps:

    1. Install The Sims 3: First, make sure you have The Sims 3 game installed on your computer. The .SIMS3 file is associated with this game.
    2. Locate the .SIMS3 file: Find the .SIMS3 file you want to open. It may be a saved game file, a custom content file, or a file related to the game.
    3. Copy the .SIMS3 file: Before accessing the contents, it's recommended to make a backup copy of the .SIMS3 file. Right-click on the file and select "Copy."
    4. Navigate to the Sims 3 folder: Open the installation directory of The Sims 3 game. By default, it is located in "C:Program Files (x86)Electronic ArtsThe Sims 3" on Windows or "/Applications/The Sims 3" on macOS.
    5. Open the Mods/Packages folder: Within the Sims 3 folder, locate the "Mods" folder. Inside the Mods folder, there should be a "Packages" folder. Open it.
    6. Paste the .SIMS3 file: Right-click inside the Packages folder and select "Paste" to copy the .SIMS3 file into this folder.
    7. Launch the game: Start The Sims 3 game on your computer.
    8. Enable custom content: In the game's main menu, go to "Options" and then "Other." Make sure the "Enable Custom Content and Mods" option is checked. This will allow the game to recognize and load the .SIMS3 file.
    9. Access the contents: Once the .SIMS3 file is successfully loaded, you can access its contents within the game. This could be a saved game, a new household, or custom content like clothing, objects, or mods.

    Remember, the specific contents and functionality of the .SIMS3 file will depend on its purpose and how it was created.

  • Are there any specific software or tools required to open and interact with .SIMS3 files?

    Yes, there are specific software and tools required to open and interact with .SIMS3 files. The .SIMS3 file extension is associated with the popular life simulation game, The Sims 3. To open and interact with .SIMS3 files, you will need to have The Sims 3 game installed on your computer.

    Once you have the game installed, you can access and manage .SIMS3 files through the game's interface. The .SIMS3 files contain various game data, such as Sims characters, houses, objects, and other game assets.

    To open .SIMS3 files, launch The Sims 3 game and navigate to the appropriate section, such as the Create-a-Sim mode for Sims characters or the Build/Buy mode for houses and objects. From there, you can import, edit, and interact with the .SIMS3 files.

    It's worth noting that .SIMS3 files are not meant to be directly opened or edited outside of The Sims 3 game. They are proprietary game files that can only be accessed and modified within the game itself.

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