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Amythehouseelf's avatar
Amythehouseelf
2 years ago

Sims 3 - Problem Connecting to Server

I've re-downloaded The Sims 3 after years of not playing. I've also got Sims 3 Night Life & High-End Tech.

The Sims 3 Launcher has downloaded successfully however when I click Play, an error message of "The is a Problem connecting to the Server". My wifi is stable and I've tried launching with firewalls turned off, as well as clearing caches on Origin but still no luck.

I'll have a few icons pop up on the bottom when I tried to load the game - and I tried downloading The Sims 3 - 64bit to see if that would work however it just shows "finalising" at all times so won't actually download.

Not sure what to do? Just want to play!

mac
technical issues

6 Replies

  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    Hero+
    2 years ago

    @Amythehouseelf  For the server error, please try this workaround:

    https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-Mac/Sims-3-quot-There-is-a-problem-connecting-to-the-server-quot/m-p/7113494#M3802

    Except you'll be retrieving the paul.dll file from the EP11 folder and placing it into the EP03 folder.  This helped when the problem first showed up back in 2018; whether it helps now depends on what exactly doesn't work anymore on EA's side.  The Sims 3 game files contain several versions of paul.dll, and hopefully the newest one still works.

    For the issue with the 64-bit version, please post the full specs of your Mac: everything under About This Mac including the OS and except for the serial number.

  • madisonnfarr's avatar
    madisonnfarr
    2 years ago

    Hi all!

    Yes, I am still trying to play Sims 3 in 2024. I have it digitally through Origin. I cannot log into the launcher, install downloads form the store, and when I try to play the game I'm given this message: "There is a problem connecting to the server. Please ensure your internet connection is active. If the problem persists try again later." I feel like I have searched through every thread trying to find an answer. All of my expansion packs are installed and show that they are installed. I tried the paul.dll trick, super patch (unresponsive), cleared all caches, made sure no special characters in password, and checked to see if Late Night/Ambitions were showing up. I feel like I have tried everything so if you have any other solutions, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!

    Computer: MacBook Pro (13inch, late 2011) running OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

    Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 384 MB

    Expansions installed: Ambitions, Generations, High End Loft-Stuff, Island Paradise, Late Night, Pets, Seasons, World Adventures, and University Life

  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    Hero+
    2 years ago

    @madisonnfarr  I've merged your post with another thread about the same error.  Given the packs you have installed, the issue isn't the version of paul.dll you have; the problem is elsewhere.  Can you try a different network, for example using your phone as a mobile hotspot?  (Make sure it's using data, not your home wifi.)  If you're using a VPN, please disable it.

    If none of that helps, please let me know what country you're in.

    @Amythehouseelf  If you're still seeing this issue, please try the above as well.

  • madisonnfarr's avatar
    madisonnfarr
    2 years ago

    @puzzlezaddict Wow, thank you for such a speedy response!

    Used my personal hotspot with data and got the same "cannot connect" message. 

    I am in the United States!

  • Tasnimullah's avatar
    Tasnimullah
    2 years ago

    Hey, glad to let you know it’s working again! I had the same issues on my max with it saying there were network errors, I just loaded my game up and it’s working!

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