Maverick posted this a while back…
http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/topic,163362630.msg1122657831.html#msg1122657831 Beyond that, hassles with anti-virus programs and gamespy connections (Registry-Pagefile SNAFU)…
Things that have helped for some in the past include:
1) Remove SFC3, and Gamespy Arcade.
2) Clean-up Registry, Pagefile and boot-defrag with chkdsk.
3) Load SFC3 and patch to v534b. Do not go to multi-player (online).
4) Defrag
5) Load latest version of GameSpy arcade. This will open the ports.
6) Update user accounts as required.
7) This should have you running.
8. For some though they need to uninstall the anti-virus/firewall. Some anti-virus/firewall programs still block the ports. The easiest for some has been to reload and let the program’s installer config the ports to the games.
Hope this helps.