I don't get why anyone would want a crack to begin with. Perhaps only to skip the CC installation process.

Sorry, I hadn't noticed that. However, either your crack version does not match your game version, or there's something wrong with your installation. Patch your game up to 1.24 (I think that's the current patch level), then install a noCD MOD, because you will no longer be running the risk of a version-related error.
Also, ofc you cannot run with 2 CDs in, find out which one you need. If you're running a noCD crack for the wrong EP, it probably will not work. Again, a mod does not have this problem. Google will also teach you how to install CC.

Perhaps you DO need a no-CD crack or mod, given that YOU DO NOT HAVE A CD? AM and Twallan's NOCD are both very suitable to fix this problem.


Ummm, I doubt it. How long have you been playing TS series, anyway? Do you not know which CD you need to insert in order to play?

It's complicated

Have you tried with fewer EPs/SPs installed?
I mean, windows 7, when I'm running sims 3 with all EPs and no SPs, reports that 4GB of RAM are being used, it's probable than you have too little RAM there, especially since that's VISTA.

However, you laptop is dying, and you're forcing it to run vista. Do not expect it to also run TS3, especially with a top of EPs/SPs on top.

1. Delete any and all files you placed after installing the game except for the CC itself. That means the dll and resource files. PATCH THE GAME.
2. As was stated, MTS is not out of date. Follow their tutorials. Do nothing but what the tutorial tells you to do. Believe me, it works. That I managed to get it to work is proof enough of that.
3. Make sure the resource file is correct.

Protip:
1. State your PC OS if you expect help.
2. Search more.

In agreement with what was said above, have you tried to actually update your mods? Or, rather, did you update them after patching last?

Yes, do try that. And, did you try decrapifying?

Ok, now for some numbers, because I've restarted TS3, with a 200mb save, antivirus and firefox running, task manager says my PC is using 2,8gb of RAM. I'm running Windows 7, and the difference between that and XP in TS3 minimum requirements is 500mb of RAM if I remember correctly, so this would probably translate into your PC using about 1,9-2gb of RAM if you shut down your antivirus/browser. But, given that you're running the SPs too, and a somewhat larger save, I think we can safely say you need extra RAM, and probably 64bit also.

Here, closing firefox => 250mb of RAM no longer being used, just tried.

Also, check this thread too:
http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,20422.0.html

Try to end as many background processes as you can. As was written in that thread, also check what starts with windows (msconfig -> startup I think) and close what you don't need. Then try saving again. Because if it works, even though you still need more RAM, it means your save is fine. Or so my intuition suggests.
Edit: Also, if you've just formatted, now might be the time to switch to 64bit, since you probably haven't installed that many programs yet.

@Jeebus: I don't think PC age has anything to do with this, but rather the amount of addons you are trying to run on it. In support of this I will add that, even though what I have now is rather new and not entirely required, I used to run the game, EPs only, LN included, on an Intel Celeron without a video card, since I fried mine, having failed to use fps limiter, with 2gb of RAM. Needless to say, it was on very low settings and run like crap, but it DID save very well, and never threw an error 12. Nor any other kind of error, now that I think of it. So, meh, too many addons too little RAM is my verdict so far.
Also: search for both decrapifier (and the compressorizer on google) and fps limiter on this forum, and you'll find full instructions. I've never tried LAA myself, because I run a 64bit OS, but I think you'll be able to find something on that too.
Edit: If the new game/Twinbrook vacation saving does not throw errors, I'd say it's your save that's at fault here.
Against large saves: this might come from huge amounts of memories. MTS has a tool which lets you configure what memories to save, but I think you need to patch.

http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,20434.0.html
Short answer is 3gb of RAM, but I figured that, since we have two topics discussing the same issue...

If you're running everything I'd suggest trying a RAM upgrade and then making TS3 LAA. Perhaps someone has a RAM stick or two you could borrow to test this out first? TS3 is knows to be rather memory consuming. I'd switch to 64bit too if I were you, but that would mean reinstalling everything you have installed on your PC. Otherwise, what you have there is above the minimum requirements, I think that processor is dual core, right? Have you tried decrapifying (saves, CC except mods)? The compressorizer might help with that if you're not familiar with the process, though it's all just drag and drop.. Backup everything first though, in case your game doesn't like that.

In answer to the edit part, my game does that too, I don't know why and resetworld (AM command I think) doesn't work. Only, I have 6gb of RAM, and am only running 4 EPs, so I don't think it's lack of memory. It's not my save either, unless all my saves are corrupt, in which case I'll keep enduring this.

Edit: I just returned a Sim home from China, using the return home option, and a very strange thing happened: the Sim did not return to its home, but rather to a community lot located at the very edge of the map, and clicking on the 'go home' button next to the Sims's thumbnail had no effect. I had to return the Sim home manually, which I did, and the game recognized that the Sim was home (button thingy was gone). It also allowed me to save. Therefore: was your Sim home when you tried to save? And, did you try the Twinbrook Sim vacation?

I doubt no censor causes this, but nonetheless, perhaps trying to save without any CC should be given a shot anyway. Who knows? Before that, have you tried simply deleting your cache? Also, you never mentioned what happens if you allow the vacation to finish instead of using the return home option.
PC specs? This might simply be a problem of too little RAM.

About patches causing problems, what EPs/SPs do you have? I'm thinking that if it's only base + 1/2 addons, it might be worth it to just backup MyDoc Sims 3 files, and install the patch, since reinstalling if all goes boom might not take very long. Before that, have you tried simply deleting your cache?

Any mods in there? Patched up?
Also, have you tried playing the backup save and not sending the Sim on vacation (see if it saves in the home 'hood after playing the game a bit without going on vacation), to see if the problem is the home 'hood or the vacation one? Also, have you tried changing the vacation destination?
You said you tried Twinbrook, and you could save. Does the error still appear when repeating the error-causing process with a Twinbrook Sim? Because if it doesn't, it's very probable that your save is corrupt.

Actually Twallan's Master Controller has a 'Make Active' option which can be used. I did that a few days ago, and it doesn't seem to have produced any negative effects. Of course, it was only for a short amount of time (30 sim-minutes or something), I can't even remember why. In theory, you can use the option on any sim as long as they aren't homeless.
No idea what would happen is this was attempted for larger amounts of time, i.e. if one were to play locals from a vacation 'hood, say, for 1-2 sim-weeks, especially once your homesim's (that is, the one you sent on vacation) vacation ended.
Edit: I'm quite sure changing to a local family wouldn't exactly help you, since you would have to return to the homesim rather soon. By 'send home', do you mean using the 'return home' option? If so, have you tried waiting for the vacation to simply end? Exactly what have you tried so far?