I am having basically the exact same issue as the OP. I tried both your solutions, but it didn't work for me and I think it's because no matter what I do, it won't download the base game. Even when I unselect all the expansion packs (I have 5) and tell it to only download the base game, it defaults to trying to download High End Loft Stuff and pauses or errors right away.
I did contact EA with all the details and am waiting to hear back
@xboydivisionx Please post a screenshot of the error you're seeing.
I am having the same exact issue and I've tried fixing it in so many ways. I have Generations, High End Loft, Late Night, Supernatural, Ambitions, Into the future, Island Paradise, Pets, Seasons, Showtime, University Life and World adventures. It always tries to install High End Loft first but it doesn't show up on the add on list for me to uncheck it when trying to install
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