@puzzlezaddict Items from the Sims 3 store have a file extension of .sims3pack. Worlds have an extension of .worlds. Items have an extension of .package. It really doesn't matter as long as these files end up in the games download folder where they can be installed before you see it in the game. Expansions ans stuff packs are installed through Origin but still controlled by the game launcher. I don't know exactly what the user is doing but installing the expansion from Origin should work unless there is something wrong with their computer such as being blocked by the firewall or not enough storage to download the installer. Once the user hits install in Origin all that needs to be done is the check dlc or store items (the worlds are store items) and activate them . The expansions need to be turned on (activated) and the store items need to be installed.To go to the Sims 3 store just go the thesims3.com site (the launcher supposed to have a button to open the sims 3 site). You can still buy points on Origin. If it's an expansion pack just download it from Origin and activate it in the launcher. If it's an item (or world) from the store that item should download to the launcher downloads folder and has to be selected to appear in the game. If the expansions aren't downloading then something is blocking the ports namely the firewall. The basic game installer configures the firewall during the install process IF you are using the security provided with Windows operating system. If users prefer to use a third party security program the installer may (probably) fail to configure the firewall. The other problem is too little space on the storage device. Explaining what happens when you download data is beyond the scope of this forum. I notice the game starts a little differently now as I get a nag screen to use Edge. .
@roberta591 I know all this already. (Although I'd like to point out that only Sims3Packs go in Downloads, as that's the only file type the launcher reads.) I was responding to the first two lines of the original post, specifically this, emphasis mine:
Recently, I downloaded TS3 starter pack via the EA app. The base game downloaded just fine; however, the expansion packs won't download at all.
This is a Known Issue with the EA App, for two years now, that some players have managed to work around by using Origin. That didn't help the OP, unfortunately, and they can't use Origin because XBox GamePass only works with the EA App.
@puzzlezaddict Everything goes through the launcher. Files from the Sims 3 store with .world and files with .package go in the installed content folder of the launcher. You are right .sims3packs files go to the downloads folder. My point is there are Windows settings that can change what app to use with what file type. This is set by the game installer. If this setting gets changed downloads will not work correctly.until you change it back. Some time ago I was using a third party antivirus program that caused issues with some games. The game installer only knows how to configure the Windows firewall so this could be another reason downloads fail. The sims 3 game launcher is somewhat complex but once you learn it it's like riding a bicycle.
