Member Avatar for kingsimz

I have sims 2 on a dvd cd, and it doesnt open up as autorun on my computer, which doesnt let me install the files

however, when i do insert the cd into the drive - it does open what is contained in the cd - and whenever i click on the "autorun" or any file - it says "win32 nto applicable" or something in those terms

i tried the cd in my cousins computer - and worked perfect! it opened an autorun menu when i inserted the cd into the computer, and even had a lil sims 2 logo in the my computer window - under his cd drive icon

but for some reason my computer does not detect it as an autorun type game, and doesnt work?!?!

help!!! thank you so much, and your help would be very much appreciated!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Adam465

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reported that the disc shows its files but running the installer produces a “not a valid Win32 application” error, while the same disc autoruns and installs on another PC. That combination is useful: it usually points to either the installer on your machine being read incorrectly (corrupt/drive issue), an OS/installer mismatch, or an autorun/permission problem on your computer rather than a bad disc.

Quick checks (do these first):

  • Open the autorun file in Notepad (right‑click autorun.inf -> Open With -> Notepad). The open= line shows exactly which file the disc tries to run; confirm that file exists and has a Windows .exe name.
  • Right‑click the installer file on the disc -> Properties. Note the file size and whether Windows lists it as an Application. Very small sizes often mean a corrupt stub.
  • Copy the entire disc to a new folder on your hard drive and run setup.exe from there. If that works the optical drive or a read error is the likely cause.
  • Compare the setup.exe file size with the working copy on your cousin’s PC (if possible). If they differ, the file on your disc/drive is damaged.

Next steps and fixes:

  • If your PC is 64‑bit Windows and the installer is an old 16‑bit setup, it will fail — check your OS (right‑click My Computer / This PC -> Properties) and the working PC’s OS to spot differences.
  • Try running the copied setup.exe in Compatibility mode and “Run as administrator.”
  • Try the disc in a different drive or clean the disc surface; optical drives can misread otherwise fine discs.
  • Avoid registry hacks unless you know what you’re doing — back up first. If the above doesn’t help, report exact OS (including 32/64‑bit), optical drive model, and the full error text so others (and / ) can give targeted steps.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for John A

There is a way to disable Autorun in Windows... I can't remember how.

Anyway, try opening Windows Explorer, clicking on the disk, and opening a program called "Setup.exe" or something like that. It should start the install process.

Member Avatar for kingsimz

hi thanks, but that didnt work

everytime i press the setup.exe or something- it says "win32 not applicable or something" ??!?!

Member Avatar for 'Stein

Hmmm....I've had this problem as well with other games.

What are the specs of your computer. Which version of Windows ya got?

The problem itself might just be that it's on a DVD, and not a CD...

Member Avatar for Adam465

Hi.I have a problem with my sims 2,i run the Autorun and it can't open.it don't say anything.i try the setup.exe and it's the same problem!!!
can anyone help ME????

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