Sims Double Deluxe loads, but gets stuck on the first loading screen where various tasks scroll at the bottom. I've unloaded and reloaded, pressed F1, I'm at a loss, helppp!

Ive had similar problems with that same game. i dont know if this will help or not. but, i noticed that the game seems to get slower at loading depending on the computer OS (operating system) you are using. The newer the OS the slower the load ( does not make scene). As long as their are items still scrolling by the bottom of the screen then the game is still loading, it could just take longer...specially if you have played before and have big save files. I recommend buying the Sims 2, its more advanced then the original Sims and is basically the same game.