Players may experience error code 16 while saving a game in Sims 3. This article provides solutions to correct the Sims 3 error code 16 in Windows 7, Vista, and XP.

Troubleshooting guidelines:

1. Save the game again with a different file name.

2. Repair the registry by cleaning the Sims 3 entries

3. Delete the contents of the Sims 3 cache folder

4. Delete specific save file

Save the game again with a different filename

You may experience Sims 3 error code 16 when your existing saved game file becomes corrupted. Saving the same game with a different file name might fix your problem.

1. Open the Sims 3 game by double-clicking its shortcut on the desktop.

2. Select the game you want to play.

3. Do not use the Save button. Instead, click the Save As button to save the game under a different file name.

4. Provide a new name for the file. It shouldn’t be the one you assigned to existing files.

5. Click Save to confirm.

6. A new file with the last name will be created automatically.

Repair the registry by cleaning the Sims 3 entries

The junk data stored in the Sims 3 registry entries is the main factor responsible for the Sims 3 error code 16. Repair the registry by cleaning the junk information stored in the Sims 3 registry hives.

There are two ways to do this: manually or with a registry cleaner. Since most of us are unfamiliar with computers and the last option is more secure.

Delete the contents of the cache folder in The Sims 3

The cache folder may contain some files that are corrupted causing Sims 3 error 16 on Windows 7, Vista, or XP. Delete all the files within this folder to fix the problem.

1. Exit the game.

2. Click Start | My Documents.

3. Open the following directory:

EA Games The Sims

4. Delete the Groups.cache and Cigen.package files.

5. Restart the game.

Delete specific saved files

Delete the files and rename the directories specified below. It will resolve Sims 3 error 16 on Windows 7, Vista or XP.

1. Exit the game.

2. Click Start | My Documents.

3. Open the following directory:

Electronic Arts The Sims Saves

4. Press Ctrl + A and then Ctrl + C. Minimize the window and create a folder called Backup on your desktop. Open it and click Ctrl + V to backup content for safety.

5. Restore the minimized window.

6. Delete the following files:

Sunset Valley.sims3

Sunset Valley.sims3.backup

Sunset Valley.sims3.bad

7. Rename the Sunset Valley.sims3.legacy folder to Sunset Valley.sims3.

8. With Sims 3 Launcher, update your game to version 1.7.

9. Restart the game.