Issues downloading Game Files (Australia)

Hi All!

I've recently moved the FFXIV game files to an SSD and verified them through steam, prompting a re-install from the client. Thing is, I have an error at 1336mb that halts download progress and closes the client.

from what I'm aware this is a fairly common issue in Australia and I've had it through two different ISPs. The common advice is to use a VPN while downloading and I did this before on my last install not long ago. This time though, I cannot use the same VPN trial that I used as it has expired. I've also tried changing to other DNS (google and open DNS) but this has no effect either.

Is there at all a solution to this problem that doesn't require installing and paying for a third party tool?
help greatly appreciated

link to error message:
https://ibb.co/cLXcnw2

Good afternoon and thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

Is the computer connected directly to the router through an ethernet cable or are you using WiFi? Additionally, what have you tried to alleviate the issue?

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums

The Computer is connected to the router via ethernet switch, just to extend range. Have tried installing connected directly to the router, connected to another modem/router at another house using a different ISP, and tethered to my phone. Friends and family members have also had this issue on different connections and some on brand new PCs, same solution has been to install a one time use VPN and install during their trial window.

Everything I've tried so far:
-Created a trial account and tried installing the non steam version of the game, same error.
-Installed with compatibilty layer selected in launcher properties and administrator elevated permissions.
-Backed up user files and wiped all FFXIV files from my computer, problem persists on reinstall.
-Tried multiple different DNS, flushing DNS every change.
-Isolated computer on the network with no other devices connected.
-Reset all modems used to factory settings.

If it is a routing issue, I don't think it's solvable with the ISP, considering I've tried three different ones with the same results. Still thinking of stuff I've missed, I could try port forwarding but I don't know what ports I'd have to open.

Good afternoon and thank you for posting on the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

Please try the following troubleshooting steps:

- The game will use the Internet Explorer web browser to connect to the internet. Open Internet Explorer, then open the "Tools" setting, go to "Internet Options" and adjust the following settings:
- Under the "General" tab, please delete ALL browser history.
- Under the "Security" tab, please move the slider to the lowest possible settings or no higher than "Medium"
- Under the "Privacy" tab, click “Advanced” and select ‘Accept’ under both First Party and Third Party Cookies.
- Under the "Advanced" tab, please make sure that "Allow software to run or install even if signature is invalid" is CHECKED.
- Make sure that all SSL and TLS (EXCEPT SSL 3.0) are CHECKED. [SSL 3.0 should be UNCHECKED]
- Hit "Apply" to save the settings, and then "OK, to close the Internet Options menu.
- Please RESTART your PC now. Once your PC has been restarted, Right-Click the FFXIV launcher icon once more and select "Run as Administrator"

-Make sure your fire wall or antivirus program is not interfering with the game

- Check to see if the following port ranges are opened on your router. You can contact your ISP and request they open them for you:
▼TCP
54992 through 54994,
55006 through 55007,
55021 through 55040

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

Thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

Due to no response from the original poster, this thread will be moved to 'Closed Concerns.' If anyone is still having this problem, please create a new thread and we will assist you in any way we can.

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.