How To Check For Broken CC

Understanding the Problem: Why CC Breaks

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why CC can break:

• Game Updates: The Sims 4 developers frequently release updates that can alter the game’s code. This can render older CC incompatible, leading to glitches.
• Outdated CC: Creators may not always update their CC to match the latest game version.
• Conflicting CC: Sometimes, different CC files can conflict with each other, causing errors.
• Corrupted Files: Files can become corrupted during download or transfer.
• Missing Meshes: Sometimes a CC item requires a “mesh” file to display correctly. If that mesh is missing, the item will not display correctly.

Methods for Checking Broken CC

Here are several methods, ranging from manual to more automated, to help you identify and remove broken CC:

1. The Manual Method: Trial and Error

• This is the most time-consuming but requires no additional software.
• Steps:
  • Organize Your Mods Folder: If your Mods folder is a chaotic mess, begin by organizing it into subfolders (e.g., “Hair,” “Clothing,” “Furniture”). This will make the process much easier.
  • Divide and Conquer: Remove half of your CC from the Mods folder and launch The Sims 4.
  • Test: Play the game, enter Create-A-Sim (CAS), and build mode to check for any glitches or errors.
  • Isolate the Issue:
    • If the problem is gone, the broken CC is in the removed half.
    • If the problem persists, the broken CC is in the remaining half.
  • Repeat: Continue dividing the problematic half until you isolate the specific broken CC file.
  • Delete or Replace: Once identified, delete the broken file or search for an updated version.
• Considerations:
  • This method is tedious, especially with large CC collections.
  • It’s helpful for those who prefer not to use third-party tools.

2. Using The Sims 4 Tray Importer

• This tool is primarily designed to manage saved households and lots, but it’s also excellent for identifying CC used in those saves.
• Steps:
  • Create a Test Sim: In CAS, dress your Sim with all the CC you suspect might be broken.
  • Save the Sim: Save the Sim to your library.
  • Open Tray Importer: Launch The Sims 4 Tray Importer.
  • Locate Your Sim: Find the Sim you saved in the library.
  • Check the CC Tab: The Tray Importer will display a list of all CC used on that Sim, including file names and locations.
  • Locate and Remove: Use the file names to find and remove the broken CC from your Mods folder.
• Considerations:
  • This method is efficient for identifying CC used on Sims but may not be as effective for build/buy mode CC.

3. Utilizing Sims 4 Mod Manager and Sims 4 Studio

• Sims 4 Mod Manager: This tool is great for organizing and managing mods, and can help to find conflictions.
• Sims 4 studio: This tool is a very powerful tool that allows you to view the contents of package files. And can show broken files.
• Steps:
  • Download and install the programs.
  • Use those programs to scan your mods folder.
  • Follow the programs instruction to identify and remove broken CC files.
• Considerations:
  • These programs can have a learning curve, but are very powerful.

4. Keeping Your CC Organized

• Prevention is often the best cure. Maintaining an organized Mods folder will significantly reduce the time spent troubleshooting.
• Tips:
  • Create subfolders for different CC types.
  • Name files clearly.
  • Keep a list of CC creators and download sources.
  • Regularly delete old or unused CC.
  • Keep up to date with the CC creators update information.

General Troubleshooting Tips

• Delete the localthumbcache.package file: This file stores cached thumbnails of CC and mods. Deleting it can resolve some visual glitches. You can find it in your “Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4” folder. Delete this file anytime you add or remove mods.
• Check for Updates: Regularly check for updates from your favorite CC creators.
• Read CC Descriptions: Pay attention to any notes or compatibility information provided by CC creators.
• Test New CC: When adding new CC, test it thoroughly in-game to ensure it’s working correctly.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage your Sims 4 CC.