Fix for Origin

Several months ago, I managed to get my hands on Battlefield 3 for PC, which was awesome. Eventually I found out that it required EA's new Origin service to install and play. I don't have the best internet connection out there, so being forced to download numerous patches (over 3GB in size) through Origin and not from anywhere else, was a horrible experience for me.

What made it even more horrible was that Origin didn't function properly.

Sure, its in beta, and one can expect bugs, but its main function is to allow people to digitally download their paid for game, allowing him or her to install the game on any PC with an internet connection, without the need for a disc. However, after installing (from the disc) I was told that it needed to download a 3GB patch in order for me to play online, and Origin had issues downloading this patch (as well as a host of other games and patches). When I attempted to start the download, it was stuck in a never ending loop that went in this order:

1. Preparing
2. Downloading 0kb out of 0.00kb (it would stay stuck like this for a few minutes)
3. Preparing

Throughout this time, it was using up my bandwidth, and yet again, this was not a good thing. After doing some research, I found out that others have also been experiencing this issue, and up until now, there has been no fix. Reading through forums, it would seem that there was some conflicting software involved, as well as network settings that could be interfering.

I managed to get Origin to work, using the last option. However, it is advisable to try out the first few options as well, because they have worked for some users, and it may work for you too.

OPTION 1 - Run Origin with administrator rights
For some people, Origin might be trying to write to a directory that is write protected from unauthorized users, so by running Origin as an admin, or by changing the directory's write privileges, the problem may be solved. To do this, right click on the Origin shortcut or executable, and click on Run as Administrator. If you need to enter a password, do so when it asks you. Hopefully this method fixes your problem.

OPTION 2 - Use a VPN or PROXY
Your ISP might be blocking Origin from connecting, or the network you are on might be restricting Origin as well. This is usually the case with universities or public networks. Forums have recommended Hotspot Shield. Download this and install it. Run it, and once the VPN/Proxy is activated, use Origin and try it again.

OPTION 3 - Boot Windows into Safe Mode with Networking

Windows 7 Advanced Boot Options

This is the option that worked for me, after the previous two options failed to fix the problem. When you boot Windows into safe mode, Windows only loads the core processes, drivers and services that are required for Windows to function, so the user can diagnose/fix the problem without being limited by other programs. To do this, restart your computer, and as soon as your PC finishes showing you the BIOS screen, keep tapping the F8 button on your keyboard. You will eventually be led to a black and white screen with numerous boot options for Windows. Make sure you select Safe Mode with Networking and not plain old Safe Mode, because your computer needs to be connected to the internet for Origin to work. Once that is done, login and proceed to use Origin. This HAS to work, if the previous options didn't. If not, then there is a problem with the network or your PC.

If you have any other fixes for this, please share it! And good luck!