Hey y'all, I'm trying to install my sims 4 game on an exteral SSD (SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 500GB) using a MacBook pro (2017 model).I don't have save files or whatever I need to copy, just download the game on the SSD.I've changed the installation path, but keep getting this error when I try to download:"Origin is not able to download The Sims™ 4 to . Please check that the location is available or cancel and restart the download to another location."Seems like it's not finding my SSD, even though it's quite new. I've tried re-downloading Origin, restarted everything, nothing seems to work.I also use the SSD for work so it's not empty, but it has at least 200GB of free space available. I've also read I should create a folder on the external drive and put it in there, but it doesn't make a difference.Any wizards that can help me out? Screenshots attached.

@BosEsmee How did you get on with the reset tool? Edit - does this help? https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-Mac/downloading-sims-on-LaCie-external-hard-drive-MacOs-Catalina/m-p/9138964#M34037

Install Sims 4 on exteral SSD Mac - HELP NEEDED

16 Replies

Bluebellflora
Hero+
6 years ago
@BosEsmee

Are you running Catalina? If so make sure Origin has Full Disk Access in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
BosEsmee
6 years ago
Nope, running Mojave. I double-checked and gave Origin Full Disk Access just now, but it doesn't help.
Bluebellflora
Hero+
6 years ago
@BosEsmee

Stupid question but is the drive showing as mounted on your Mac? What is the connection? USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 or another type that you have connected through an adapter? What format is the drive?
BosEsmee
6 years ago
@Bluebellflora Yup definitely mounted, it's a USB-C connection, no adapters, and formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

I also checked if i can re-install on my actual Mac and it's showing the same error. I might have broken Origin 🙂 I feel so dumb
Bluebellflora
Hero+
6 years ago
@BosEsmee

Origin isn't very hard to break on a Mac 😉

You could run the Origin reset tool and see if that helps https://help.ea.com/en-gb/help/origin/origin/how-to-reset-origin-on-mac/
Bluebellflora
Hero+
6 years ago
@BosEsmee

How did you get on with the reset tool?

Edit - does this help? https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-Mac/downloading-sims-on-LaCie-external-hard-drive-MacOs-Catalina/m-p/9138964#M34037
BosEsmee
6 years ago
Hi!

Sorry for the delay! The origin reset worked & I've been able to at least download on my internal and 'orginal' location again!
Maybe one day i'll figure out the external drive - for now I'm just happy to reinstall and be able to play.
Thank you!!
MaxisJoe
EA Staff
6 years ago
@BosEsmee Can you verify for me how you were specifying the external drive? The Origin interface for this can be a little finicky.

What I did:

Command-, (to open preferences)
Click "Installs & Saves" tab
Click on the path field (or the "Change folder..." button)
Type a new path in the "Directory" field (the GUI seems to not like to find my external drive by itself): /Volumes/
Click "Choose"
Get "Folder not writable" error; click "Choose New Folder" button
Now I see external drives
Double-click desired external drive
Click "Choose" again

Now I'm back at the Preferences window and my desired path is shown ("/Volumes/Untitled 2").

Did you go through a similar process? What path is/was shown in your Prefs screen?
BosEsmee
6 years ago
@MaxisJoe Hi! I did the same thing! Once i had a folder on my external drive it was all good, but when i press download i get attached this error message.
BosEsmee
6 years ago
I actually got it to work on the external SSD too! that origin resetter is GREAT.