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Sims 4 Error Code 22: Solved for PC
This error prevents users from saving their game progress
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
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.f
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 the Sims 4 error code 22. And in this article, we’ll try and address this issue.
What is the Sims 4 error 22?
Error Code 22 in the Sims 4 appears when users try to save their games. It usually means that your game cannot load the game files because it is blocked by another program, or the files are missing from your device.
The full error message reads:The game failed to Save. Please exit to the Main Menu and then select Play to reload the game. Error code: 22.
Read on to find out what solutions are available for solving this issue in no time and getting back to playing your beloved game.
How can I fix the Sims 4 error code 22 on PC?
1. Clean the game cache
The first step to fix the Sims 4 error code 22 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. In most cases, the autosave file (slot 001) is the culprit for error 22, so try loading other saves.
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Quit the game and stop the Sims 4 process in Task Manager. If it’s already closed, skip to step 2.
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Go to Documents (My Documents).
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Open theElectronic Artsfolder.
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Click on theSims 4folder.
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Locate theSavesfolder in the list and copy it to the Desktop.
6.Delete these cache files from Cache folder:
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Launch the game. It will create a new save instead of loading the old ones.
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After new save is created, move your old saves from the desktopSavesfolder, one by one, to the newly generatedSavesfolder.
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.
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 the Origin client.
On the other hand, if your game is up to date and the problem is still persistent, try other workarounds below.
3. Close background programs
Another reason for this specific issue can be the 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:
4. Start PC with Safe Boot
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 a few steps:
If you’ve accidentally disabled any valuable services, you can easily retrieve them by repeating the process.
5. Check the Sims 4 game’s integrity with the 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.
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:
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 the Sims 4 error code 22 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.
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
