At an witts end... still can't connect.

[pharalax]

I consider myself competent when it comes to hardware and software, including how to work windows pretty well. I have read a lot of posts in this forum about this and I have tried every solution.
I have no AV.
No firewall... windows firewall was the first to go.
I run through a router with a static IP and port 2302 routed to that IP.
I run everything as admin and in comp. mode for winxp (I have also tried 2k)UAC is off btw.
Tried installing the file from cd.
Finally I have tried direct connection through the program and shortcut and I found the server in Lan game... BUT I still can't connect!
Have tried online as well and I find all the servers... I can connect to none.
I just get the message: "I'm sorry. But a connection could not be established to that server...yada yada yada...Please try again later."

What is wrong? I have nothing that should prevent me from connecting... and I even find the server in Lan games.

I need a hero!
Hopefully someone knows something that'll help me

[darthnova]

Hmm, I had a similar problem after uninstalling the shield deluxe 2009 (the worst AV ever) Which did not properly deactivate. Check in task manager under processes to see if anything associated with any kind of security, antivirus or firewall is still running.

Also make sure that you have void v6 mod (some people still end up getting v4 from somewhere)

[Echo-7]

There's only one thing I can think of that you've missed. You may need to disable IPv4.
To do that go to:
- Control Panel
- Network and Sharing Center
- across from connection, click on 'view status'
- at the bottom of the pop up box, click on properties (you may be prompted for permission; click yes)
- untick the box next to "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)"
- click OK.

IPv6 is now disabled*. Reboot your computer. (*It shouldn't cause you much hassle with other internet activites).
Try getting on to the server now. If it works, you don't need to worry about doing this every time you want to play.
If it does not work:

- Before running FL, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc , this will bring up the task manager.
- click on the "Processes" tab.
- at the bottom, click "Show processes from all users", and click continue.
- now click on the "Services" tab.
- scroll down until you find something with the description: "TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper"
- right click on it, then click "stop service".

You can now close the task manager.
This has disabled a program which affects IP settings on your computer, and it *may* reset to IPv6 even if you manually disabled it (as above).
Now, try getting on to the server. Do not restart; if this allows you to log on, you may have to do this every time the computer is turned on.

I hope that helps!
[note: this has been suggested to me, but I still can't get on, but that's probably because of my AV]


@ edit: go to    http://www.trolly.homepage.t-online.de/tools.html
and download EnumProcess to check if you have any firewalls running that you think you disabled.

[pharalax]

It is V6 I have.

Forgot to mention that I already disabled IPv6.
Disabled Net Bios Helper though but to no avail.

No leftovers are running in the background according to my HiJackThis log either.

I am now left with that it is somehow my router that does it. I have tried letting everything through to my IP... I even made this computer DMZ host
Have to try another router then and see if that helps.

Thanks for the help so far would never have though about net bios

[Echo-7]

Ah!!! DMZ host = bad idea. It's not about letting things through your IP, it's about opening your port; http://www.portforward.com/
lots of info about how to set up port forwarding on any brand/model of router.

[Verminard]

What router are you using? Although I have never heard of having to custom forward the ports for FL, it may be the problem. Try setting the DMZ to point at the machine with FL installed on it. You could also try forwarding the port (2302) that the void uses.

[pharalax]

I am using an Level one FBR-1418TX router. Normally I don't have any problems at all as soon as I forward it to my IP.
That site says the same as I already did. :/

Now I even tried uninstalling all windows updates back to 31. of december 2008 because I read that worked for someone. Still nothing.
I will try and disconnect my router at a time when noone is using my connection.

Have tried DMZ and no luck, so now it is off again.

Even though I am not in the game yet, I appriciate the help alot

[pharalax]

Here is an update. I now know that it is not my router. I haven't tried without it on this system but I installed freelancer on my netbook (that actually runs it pretty well) with windows XP and with that I had no problem. I don't know what the problem is with Vista but it is something other than router, Antivirus, Firewall or IPv6.
I will just do it like this... at least for now. It works pretty well and I am finally able to play this great game.
See you in game