Okay, so recently when I've been trying to load the sims 2 up, I've been getting a message which is the error message picture thing.

Anyway, I have windows 8 and I have been previously playing sims 2 on, I was playing it yesterday! So today I loaded up my game and everything was working normal, I was getting to the load screen but then it got stuck on the same part for at least 30 mins. I thought something was up, but I left it for another 5 or so minutes but nothing happened whatsoever. I then decided to force shut down my computer, which I probably wasn't the best idea....but the game had been loading for at least 50 mins, and normally it only takes 15 minutes. I'm thinking that force shutting down my laptop WHILST the sims 2 was 'attempting' to load probably wasn't the best idea...

But does anyone know how to fix this?! I've already tried to troubleshoot the compatibility, but the same error message came up...and I don't want to uninstall and reinstall in case the message comes up and then I won't be able to play it again!! I'm literally desperate here, please help me!!

Thankfully I was able to find a solution. So for anyone else who was come across this problem, this should help you to resolve it:
1. With your must current expansion/stuff pack, right click on its icon on the desktop.
2. Select 'Properties'
3. Click on the 'Compatibility' tab
4. Where it says 'Compatibility mode' make sure that the box below it is checked.
5. Now click on the drop down menu and choose one to run it off on. I've selected 'Windows XP (Service Pack 3)' this was because from other sights, this one had been used and had gotten the game working again.
6. Now restart your computer.
When you next try to load up your computer, your sims game should now work! Hopefully this helped anyone who was in the situation as I was

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask

I had this problem as well, but when I had tried to do the "Compatibility" tab under Properties, there was no "Compatibility" tab. I ended up having to use a terribly old laptop of mine that barely turns on.

I can't find any compatibility tab either, since I got Windows 8.1.

Me neither, I've been trying to play the game all day long, the only option available in the "Fix compatiblity issues" are WXP SP3, WV SP2, W7 & W8. None of those work, and I've read I need XP SP2 to make it run

I've actually considered setting my old computer from year 2000 with Windows XP back up, since I haven't had anything but problems and restrictions since I got this "badass gaming PC" with Windows 8. My experience is that the newer something is, the less likely it is to function properly.

I have windows 8.1 as well, right click on the icon on your desktop. It's the shortcut icon which you made.

I honestly and truthfully don't see that tab when I right click and choose "properties". Not on a Sims shortcut or any other game shortcut. I tried with Borderlands now, cause I haven't had time to reinstall my Sims 2 games yet.

It's in Danish, but the tabs say "General, Shortcut, Safety, Details".

That is exactly what my properties tab looks like on Ultimate Collection, Thax. There's a separate "troubleshoot" option, but it doesn't have many options (Windows 7, Vista service pack 2, XP service pack 3).