Edit: This workaround is currently not working. It has been flagged, and EA is looking into it. This thread will be updated as soon as there is any news.
@_mevan51_ Start by running the Super Patch (digital download version). The launcher doesn't always do a thorough job patching, and if it tries to patch again later, it will undo the workaround for this problem.
https://bluebellflora.com/sims-3-manual-super-patch-for-mac-1-67/
Once the Super Patch as run, right-click (or hold the control key and click) on the green Sims 3 icon in Applications\The Sims 3 and select Show Package Contents. From there, follow this path:
Contents\Resources\transgaming\c_drive\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Game\Bin\Packs\TS3
Right-click on the paul.dll file inside the TS3 folder and select Move to Trash. Then go back one level, to the Packs folder, and open TS3EP03. Right-click on the paul.dll file inside this folder and select Copy, then go back to the TS3 folder, right-click inside and select Paste. (All this right-clicking is necessary because Macs are particular about how you move files from within Applications.)
Now your game should get past the connection error. Let me know if it doesn't.
@bnqntm Did you run the digital download version of the Super Patch, or one of the regional disc ones? If you're not sure, you can run it again, and then reapply the license server fix. If you own any packs, it might help to install them, although four of them (Ambitions, Late Night, Fast Lane, and Outdoor Living) require a different workaround.
Let me know if none of this applies, and I'll get back to you when I can find the right EA person to respond—a lot of them aren't around right now for the holidays.
I have the same problem. My base game (The Sims 3) worked fine but when I installed high-end loft stuff the problem occured. I followed the instructions on the first page, downloaded the super patch etc. and it still doesn't work. Any ideas how to fix this problem?? I play the game through origin. @puzzlezaddict
@sofiaanttikoski High-End Loft Stuff is affected by the same issue, and the same file swap works, except that you'd need to paste the working paul.dll file into the SP01 folder in the same location as the other folders you found.
Or, if you own another pack, you could just install that; only HELS and World Adventures are affected by this error. If you happen to own Late Night (I know the Starter Pack offered in Origin includes LN and HELS), all you'd need to do would be to install it and then apply this workaround:
https://bluebellflora.com/sims-3-packs-not-showing-as-installed/
If you own a number of packs, more workarounds may be necessary. Please list them here—it's easier to describe the steps when I can reference specific packs.
