error loading python dll python310.dll windows 7 sims-4

[JordanSkye]

I installed the updater v142 on my old Windows 7 laptop and update the Sims 4, but it doesn't run and gives me the error "error loading python dll python310.dll" The compiler obtained appears to be a newer Python runtime than the one described above. So, does anyone have a solution for Windows 7 or should I give up and use something recent:

 

[natalia]

You can try this: Sims 4 v142 uses Python 3.10, which isn’t fully supported on Windows 7. The easiest fix is to either update your OS to Windows 10/11 or install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015-2022 sometimes missing runtime files cause this error. Also, make sure your game is fully patched and that no old mods are conflicting. On Windows 7, it might still fail even with fixes, so upgrading Windows is the most reliable solution.

 

[jameswill8520]

this probably a compatibility problem, no missing game file. Also, Python 3.10+ builds in many ways need new Windows APIs which are not available on Windows 7, so third-partyaconda system builds linking to Python 3.10 (and newer) are not going to work on Win7. The official Python downloads even note that many 3.10+ installers cannot be used on the Windows 7. If the Sims updater/launcher had a Python runtime with 3.10+ then that makes sense of the error.

Immediate Test: if you have time, you should try running the game EXE as Administrator (and check Event Viewer if the exact DLL load error occurs), but be aware this is the real work around of forcing the Windows OS into extensions (strongly advise OS upgrade or running the game on a newer machine instead, of course).

 

[Emmawoods]

Worth taking a shot at before you throw the laptop away:

1. Make sure that Windows 7 is fully updated to SP1 and install the Universal C Runtime (KB2999226) Some newer runtimes require it. Microsoft patches that have been applied to Win7/SP1 This will not be an instant success, making all 3.10 binaries work, but it saves the majority of binaries from a typical missing-runtime class of failure.
2. Some of the Python builds require the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (2015-2019/2022) to be installed.
3. Run sfc /scannow (these files are in an elevated command line) to ensure that the core runtime files are not corrupted, and reboot.

Important caveat: notwithstanding the above, if the issue is fixed above, Python 3.10 may not load at all on Win7 due to API incompatibilities in the underlying functions of the OS. Even though the runtime updates help, they are not a reliable solution.

 

[ethancarter]

I would try the following troubleshooting steps (in this order):

• Completely uninstall Sims 4 (or the updater), remove residual stuff (AppData\Local\Temp\MEI, the game folder in Program Files(x86)/ where you installed it and %LocalAppData%\The Sims 4 if you had one) and reinstall it from the official installer. Some bundled apps use a temporary unpack (MEIxxxx) in which a python DLL is unpacked when blocked by antivirus, this will result in the LoadLibrary error. StackOverflow and PyInstaller threads indicate that troubles arise with the temp extraction often.
• Delete enter any word from the top of the game writing - vulnerable 3rd part Antivirus or add games immersive folder to the exclusion. The embedded python DLL has been sometimes known to be quarantined by antivirus.
• Do not download python310.dll from random "DLL download" sites those files are often ones that are malware or wrong version. It's safer to use the official redistributables of the game or use the game installer. (General advice for users of DLL).
• Please ensure you are either playing a 32 or 64-bit game and that the game build is corresponding to your Windows Mismatched bitness (e.g. 64-bit DLL on 32-bit OS) will, of course, fail to load.

If you get the same error after all that, it's a very good chance that it has something to do with incompatibility between Win7 and the embedded python runtime.

 

[ethanwalker]

From a practical "how I would play" standpoint:

• Easiest: can be run on any newer pc (windows10/11) or run on a modern day laptop that will save you time.
• If you must continue to use the Win7 laptop: Consider creating a little VM of windows 10 (if your laptop CPU supports Virtualization and you have enough RAM) and install the game in the VM. That does not include changing the host OS.
• Another option: try to find an older version of Sims 4 installer / patch that does not require Python 3.10 runtime (if it exists). Be careful on the other hand older installers might not be available from the official sources and it might break online services or DLC. Always prefer it more of having official downloads.
• Bottom line: for the modern Sim's game updates, Win7 is a losing battle.