Should have stayed with Windows 10, but I bought a new computer ...

Two questions:
1. The game crashes too often. The obvious reason: lack of memory, but I can't make the 4GB patch work. I tried the regular method (with variations), I tried the method that was working in Windows 10; no success. Any advice welcome.
2, I can't make TS(1) work at all - a graphics mess. It worked fine in Windows 10. Again, any advice welcome.

For the 4GB hack, have you tried copying the EXE file to the desktop, applying the patch there, and then move (to replace) the file back to the original folder (clicking "yes" to the admin prompt, if you get one)? That way usually works.

Which other ways have you tried (listing what you've tried helps narrow down suggested solutions, or you'll liely get everything suggested again)?

Have you checked if the Config-log file is reading the memory properly? (Should say 4096 mb)

I am pretty sure I tried that but just to be sure, I tried it once more; the log (which I deleted in advance) was 1024mb again; no admin prompt. - The Win10 method involved moving the .exe file from TSBin to CSBin; I think you were supposed to patch it before that but I am not sure anymore. It seemed rather strange but it worked.

Have you ticked any of the Compatibility mode options for the EXE/shortcut (the TS2 EXE)? Apparently, this can cause the 4GB patch to not work properly.

For TS1 try running the game in windowed mode 800x600 resolution as administrator with windows XP service pack 2 compatibility mode. It works fine for me like that on W11.

I am pretty sure I did not (I never even thought about that) but yes, XP compatibility mode was on - ??? Anyway, I ticked it off and now everything is as it should be. A big thank you!

I had to find the game first. If you saw my room you would understand.

I followed your advice and it works fine now. Once more, a big thank you!
I played the tutorial just to hear Bob tell his terrible joke. Then I created a Sim of my own, the one I always did, put him in the starter house and made him jump into the hole in the ground as soon as possible. This game has a quirky charm that no later version, no matter how much better it is in other compartments, managed to replicate.