Topic: I can't connect, please help.

[Strat]

Do you know what programs you have running in the backround?  A list of them would be helpfull.

You can try the following:

1) Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete
2) Goto the 'Processes' Tab
3) You should see a list of programs that are running in the computer.

If possible, type a list of those programs running for us to see what else may be happening.

If your firewall was not previsously On, Turn it On then back Off.  Mabey that'll reset somethin.

Also, you didn't answer (or I didn't see it) the question..
Do you have a router?
What is your ISP?

-Strat

[Julin Eurthyr]

Now that you're getting out to Gamespy (tells me the router's set up correctly), try using the setup file described in the sticky post at top of the forum again...

I don't know if the "blackfleet" stuff works, but I know the actual IP posted above is 100% functional, as that's what I got going on my system...

[Strat]

If you ping the 'blackfleet stuff' it should resolve to the same IP.

[The_Joker]

I'm not using a router.  Direct cable connection.  I'll try the activate the firewall then deactivate it thing. **edit:  I attempted to turn the firewall on and got this message.  "An error occurred while Internet connection sharing was being enabled.  The dependency services or group failed to start."  This doesn't make sense to me because I don't use Internet connection sharing.

List of processes:

Mediadet.exe
rundll32.exe
ccApp.exe
CTNotify.exe
explorer.exe
ccEvtMgr.exe
spoolsv.exe
svchost.exe
"
"
taskmgr.exe
svchost.exe
lsass.exe
services.exe
winlogon.exe
csrss.exe
smss.exe
nvsvc32.exe
navapsvc.exe
OSA.exe
FINDFAST.exe
ctfmon.exe
msmsgs.exe
jusched.exe
system
system Idle Process

[Cleaven]

You may not use ICS but it would appear to be running. Remove it if you can, because it will be the problem since it acts as a router and forwards or blocks ports like a hardware router.

[Bonk]

I'm not using a router.  Direct cable connection.  I'll try the activate the firewall then deactivate it thing. **edit:  I attempted to turn the firewall on and got this message.  "An error occurred while Internet connection sharing was being enabled.  The dependency services or group failed to start."  This doesn't make sense to me because I don't use Internet connection sharing.

List of processes:

Mediadet.exe
rundll32.exe
ccApp.exe
CTNotify.exe
explorer.exe
ccEvtMgr.exe
spoolsv.exe
svchost.exe
"
"
taskmgr.exe
svchost.exe
lsass.exe
services.exe
winlogon.exe
csrss.exe
smss.exe
nvsvc32.exe
navapsvc.exe
OSA.exe
FINDFAST.exe
ctfmon.exe
msmsgs.exe
jusched.exe
system
system Idle Process

The windows firewall does use a similar virtual adapter setup as ICS, thus the error that seems unrelated. Now why doesn't it start? (not that you really want it to...) Are you using an ethernet card, an on-board ethernet adapter or USB connection to your cable modem?

Also, Norton is still running. (navapsvc.exe, ccEvtMgr.exe) Don't just end the processes, but rather exit the application as intended (control panel or services).

Also you probably want to exit MSN messenger while changing network settings (msmsgs.exe). Sign off and exit.

Though not related, OSA.exe and FINDFAST.exe can go, findfast should be disabled (control panel?) and removed from the office installation (unless you really like it and use it alot - otherwise just deadwood) OSA is just the flag icon shortcut for Office Startup in the Startup menu (I just move it elsewhere - more deadwood). You could also stand to disable some of the Creative Labs stuff if you don't really use it.

[The_Joker]

OK...now I'm ticked.  Here is my NEW list of running processes:

nvsvc32.exe
ctfmon.exe
Mediadet.exe
jusched.exe
rundll32.exe
CTNotify.exe
explorer.exe
spoolsv.exe
svchost.exe
svchost.exe
lsass.exe
services.exe
winlogon.exe
csrss.exe
smss.exe
taskmgr.exe
IEXPLORE.EXE
System
System Idle Process

Here is a copy of my WONServerSetup.gf:

path: C:\Program Files\Taldren Software Inc\Starfleet Command Orion Pirates\MetaAssets\ServerProfiles\Multiplayer

Name="ServerSetup"

[Settings]
SingleThreaded = 1
CreateCentralSwitch = 0
SinglePlayer = 0
BlockSize             = 10000 // How many micro-seconds to spend on server side stuff before doing page flip
DelayMultiple          = 1.0   // What multiple of time to wait before going back to server side stuff
PacketQueLimit         = 75    // What

[CentralSwitchSetup]
Listen = 0

[WONDirectoryServer]
//ServerPath = "/StarFleetCommand2/Game/Release"
ServerPath = "/StarFleetCommand2/Game/Release"
//ServerPath = "/StarFleetCommand2/Game/Release_Test"

[WONDirectoryServer/Addresses]
0="63.101.60.125:15101"
//0="sfc2.west.won.net:15101"
//1="sfc2.central.won.net:15101"
//2="sfc2.east.won.net:15101"

[Clients]
ChatClient            = 1
SecurityClient         = 1

[Launch]

Does anyone happen to see anything else?

BTW, I found the problem with why I xcouldn't start the firewall.  It was a service I already had disabled causing the problem.

[The_Joker]

Just for poo poos and giggles, I tried a fresh install...still no joy.    ???

[Bonk]

BTW, I found the problem with why I xcouldn't start the firewall.  It was a service I already had disabled causing the problem.

What service did you disable?

[The_Joker]

Can't remeber, now.  I re-enabled it, turned on the firewall, turned it back off, tried OP....didn't work.  Disabled it again.  Think it may have been Indexing.

[Strat]

Are there any other services you played with?

[The_Joker]

Yeah.  Using Black Viper's web page.  At any rate, I'm going to go back to windows default and start experimenting from there.  I don't think I disabled anyting that would cause a problem, but at this point, I'm willing to try to find out.

[The_Joker]

Well, I'm about to give up.

Last ditch effort.

The following services are currently disabled:

Alerter
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
ClipBook
COM+ Event System
COM+ System Application
Creative Service for CDROM Access
Error Reporting Service
Fast User Switching Compatibility
Indexing Service
Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) / Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
Messenger
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Network DDE
Network DDE DSDM
PCTEL Speaker Phone
Performance Logs and Alerts
Portable Media Serial Number
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
Remote Registry
Routing and Remote Access
Secondary Logon
Security Accounts Manager
Smart Card
Smart Card Helper
Symantec Event Manager
System Restore Service
Telnet
Terminal Services
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Windows Time
Wireless Zero Configuration

[Cleaven]

I'm wondering how you have disabled the ICS service if it wasn't set up in the first place. If ICS was set up and then disabled through the admin tools and not removed normally you may still have problems.

When you log on to GSA, can you create your own room and host OP games?

[Bonk]

Well, I'm about to give up.

Last ditch effort.

The following services are currently disabled:

Alerter
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
ClipBook
COM+ Event System
COM+ System Application
Creative Service for CDROM Access
Error Reporting Service
Fast User Switching Compatibility
Indexing Service
Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) / Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
Messenger
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Network DDE
Network DDE DSDM
PCTEL Speaker Phone
Performance Logs and Alerts
Portable Media Serial Number
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
Remote Registry
Routing and Remote Access
Secondary Logon
Security Accounts Manager
Smart Card
Smart Card Helper
Symantec Event Manager
System Restore Service
Telnet
Terminal Services
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Windows Time
Wireless Zero Configuration

Holy neutered windows Batman!!! 

I only have 7 services disabled, the only one I disabled myself was the messenger service:

Alerter
ClipBook
Human Interface Device Access
Messenger
Network DDE
Network DDE DSDM
Routing and Remote Access


What is this "Black Viper's web page"?? What are his qualifications to control your windows installation?

I'd say at this point that you should reinstall windows and XP SP2, install OP (before anything else), get it working, then install or disable stuff one item at a time (if you must) and test OP after disabling each item. (though I would only disable the messenger service).

Cleaven has a good point about ICS there too.

[Strat]

Black Viper is a guy that decided to go through the Windows XP Services and decide what services were nessesary to run. 

I saw this, and decided that for the gain, the services were better left alone.  Several he had no idea what they did!  Things may be very screwed up now.  With all the stuff messsing up, I'm sure Windows is now confused somehow

Joker I kinda suggest another install of XP.     This time leave XP as it is.  ONLY service I change is the Messenger service.  Disable that, REST leave alone.  Performance gain is minor, at least with the hardware I have, and my hardware is 2 years old.

1) Install Windows Updates (SP2)
2) Intsall Norton AV
3) Install OP
4) Update OP
4) Edit the file for Dyna IP
5) Make Sure Windows Firewall is OFF first time you run OP. If OP works, you have option to configure it later.
6) Open OP --See if you can hit Dyna.

ZoneAlarm I'd say leave out, as a troubleshooting measure for now.  When we get OP working, you can experiment with it.  I know for a fact though, some people do not like ZonAlarm at all.

Install nothing else, change no settings other than those mentioned.

Lets take this 1 step at a time.

-Strat

[Strat]

   I just realized Bonk said to do pretty much the same thing! Ha!

Well there you got it from 2 people Joker.

'Cept for this:  Blck Viper's settings are riskey, and provide LITTLE performance gain.  Some services he admits to not understanding the purpose of!

Personally, I say leave all accept Messenger service. 
-Strat

[The_Joker]

Why re-install?  You don't think I'm dumb enough not to know what I personally turned off, do you?  I'll just re-enable.  I personally disabled the stuff.  I got the web page from TechTV.  I couldn't connect to Dyna before I started messing around with the Windows install.  Also, the only thing not working is OP.  America's Army, Diablo2, BF Vietnam, BF1942, Ghost Recon, Call of Duty, Tiger Woods 2003, Norton, Zone Alarm, and the entire Microsoft Office suite work just fine. 

Perhaps I'll reinstall from scratch later, but, frankly its not an option until at least Monday.  I'm also not sure if it is worth it to get one game working.

[The_Joker]

Well, I'm gonna try a fresh windows install.  Just ticks me off cause I did a fresh windows install 2 weeks ago.

[Strat]

Well, I can certainly say I understand your frustration...

Been through it many times....