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.
Sadly I am getting the same error after following these steps ☹️
I only have the base game and a macbook air from 2015
@dimitrom Did you specifically copy the paul.dll file from the EP03 (Late Night) folder into the base game folder? Did you happen to run the Super Patch afterwards, or let the launcher update the game? Either one would undo the change you made. If you did, or you're not sure, run the Super Patch again (to make sure all original files are in their proper place), and then copy over the paul.dll file again.
Yes, I copied the paul.dll file into the base game folder. What exactly do you mean by "run" the super patch?
edit: i did everything as per your post and then clicked on the Sims 3 plumbob. Is that what you mean by running the patch?
@dimitrom If you haven't already, download the Super Patch (digital download version) from here:
https://bluebellflora.com/sims-3-manual-super-patch-for-mac-1-67/
Open it, point it at the Sims 3 plumbob icon in Applications\The Sims 3, let it run (this will take a few minutes), and then repeat the paul.dll fix.
