Topic: SFC3 Multiplayer Techinical Problems (Read 3207 times)

RubenFett · « **on:** March 16, 2008, 08:02:05 pm »

I'm having problems connecting to the multiplayer server. Can anyone help me? Here's an image of the problem: http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd116/DarthRuben/sfc3probelm.jpg
My internet connection is fine, it's just SFC3 multiplayer that can't connect. Can somebody offer some advice because I haven't played SFC3 in over a year so I am not familiar with its technical areas.

Centurus · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2008, 09:17:53 pm »

Activision no longer maintains the access servers for D3. Dynaverse now hosts the access servers. You can get the access server patch at the following link.

http://starfleetcommand3.filefront.com/file/SFC3_Access_Server_Patch;85299

There's a link here on these forums for download, but I can't remember where the thread is.

RubenFett · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2008, 09:28:23 pm »

Thank you very much F9thCenturus.

Aw man I have a new problem now, sorry. I connect to the server, but after that it starts a countdown and freezes at 29 seconds. Here's an image: http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd116/DarthRuben/sfc3problem.jpg

Centurus · « **Reply #3 on:** March 16, 2008, 09:57:22 pm »

Wish I could tell you how to fix it. Only thing I can think of is to restart the game and try reconnecting. Make sure if you have a firewall to either give the game full access or just turn the firewall off.

It's been a long long time since I've flown the D3.

Hopefully someone from the development team for the patch can help out.

RubenFett · « **Reply #4 on:** March 16, 2008, 11:40:46 pm »

Thanks F9thCenturus, you really have been a big help. Lately my computer has so many small errors and glitches that its driving me crazy.

jimewbi · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2008, 03:44:27 pm »

Okay, this thred really helped me out, but I have a problem now. I have Norton Internet Security on my laptop and as soon as I hit logon, it blocks it from doing so.
If anyone on here knows how I'm ment to sort out Norton/Symantec, please let me know.

Centurus · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2008, 04:13:38 pm »

Normally when a program that Norton doesn't recognize tries to access the internet, it asks you what you want to do.

I'm currently running NIS 2008, but have used Norton for years.

Go into Internet Security. You should see a tab there called Norton Internet Security, and then click on Settings.

You should see something called Norton Internet Security Options. Click it, and open up the settings for the Personal Firewall and then click on Program Control.

You should see a list of every program installed on your computer that Norton has encountered. Look for Starfleet Command, and you should see a drop down window next to it that allows you to configure the game's access to the net. Make sure it's set to Allow.

Then again, what I've done in the past, is just disable the firewall for the time I'm gonna be flying, and then re-enable it when you're done. I do this because sometimes if my firewall is on while I'm flying, and my game either crashes or I freeze up and have to log off the server and back on, my firewall doesn't allow my computer and game server to communicate properly, and the game server will think I'm still online.

RubenFett · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2008, 05:16:14 pm »

I think I have the same problem. This may seem like a stupid question, but where is the interenet security button?

Centurus · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2008, 05:59:02 pm »

Quote from: RubenFett on March 17, 2008, 05:16:14 pm

I think I have the same problem. This may seem like a stupid question, but where is the interenet security button?

If you have Norton, then you should be able to go to Start, Programs, and you should see Norton Internet Security.

RubenFett · « **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2008, 06:02:38 pm »

Can this be caused if someone else has your CD-key?

Centurus · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2008, 06:05:28 pm »

Are you using a router by any chance?

RubenFett · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2008, 06:07:23 pm »

I think so, I'm not really sure. Why?

Centurus · « **Reply #12 on:** March 17, 2008, 06:10:33 pm »

If you're behind a router, then you're gonna need to open certain ports in order to get online.

I have no idea how to do that. You can always enable DMZ on your router. That's what I did. You'll have to go into your router's settings.

RubenFett · « **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2008, 06:21:45 pm »

Yep, it turns out I do use a router. Sorry to bother you again, but where is the router setting?
Also, is there something I am missing, because I looked at another thread about a person who had the same problem and their problem was the server. But am I missing something? Do I need GameSpy Arcade or some other program? SFC3 online worked for me when I still played like a year ago, but now it doesn't work.
Oh and by the way, could the problem be because I am using a backup CD? I misplaced the original disc so I am using a backup CD, but I still have the original CD-Key. Could that be why I cannot connect to the Direct Play Host?

Centurus · « **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2008, 07:12:11 pm »

Quote from: RubenFett on March 17, 2008, 06:21:45 pm

Yep, it turns out I do use a router. Sorry to bother you again, but where is the router setting?
Also, is there something I am missing, because I looked at another thread about a person who had the same problem and their problem was the server. But am I missing something? Do I need GameSpy Arcade or some other program? SFC3 online worked for me when I still played like a year ago, but now it doesn't work.
Oh and by the way, could the problem be because I am using a backup CD? I misplaced the original disc so I am using a backup CD, but I still have the original CD-Key. Could that be why I cannot connect to the Direct Play Host?

I have virtually no experience with routers. Were you using a router when you last played SFC3? If so, and you haven't done anything to your router, then there's no reason the router is causing the problems. If you weren't using a router the last time, then you're gonna have to configure it. But, as I said, I have virtually no experience with routers. Took me 2 days to figure out how to get into my router settings, and that was nearly 2 years ago.

You don't need Gamespy to get onto the D3. And as for your backup disc, unless the disc is damaged or the copy corrupt, there's no reason why your problems are caused because you reinstalled the game using a backup disc and not the original. I made several backups of my install disc and put the original away for safe keeping.

Pestalence_XC · « **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2008, 09:43:55 pm »

OK.. You can not use a router and a firewall at the same time.

You are doubling a firewall.. basically a router is a physical firewall.. Norton is not advised to be used with a router..

On your router you need to configure the ports needed for playing SFC 3.. also your machine needs to be the main one on the network.. You can set the machine in the router to DMZ or you can configure the actual ports for SFC 3 in the router settings..

You will also need to add your External IP to the SFC.ini file under the Networking section.. using IPAddress=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx where the x's are your external IP address..

Port configuration can be found in your Documents folder in the SFC 3 install.

Also if you are using a pirated version of SFC 3.. the Dynaverse checks the CD Keys when you try to access the server directory list.. the game will not allow 2 of the same keys on dynaverse at the same time.. If you don't have a legit key.. you can contact Activision and Purchase a key from them, thus giving you a legit copy.. if you just ask them for a key they will ask you for the UPC code from the box AND the numbers on the inside edge of the game CD.. if you can't provide those, then they will charge for the key.

Personally, I would dump Norton.. it has all the characteristics of being a virus.. it invades many sections of your computer.. For Antivirus.. AVG has a free version that detects a lot more problems than Norton does.. and it is not system invasive (38 MB install compared to Norton's 250 Mb install).. Your router will be your firewall if you read the Routers Owners Manual, you can configure it quite easily.

Also when installing SFC 3, make sure that the Anti-Virus is turned OFF.. then patch using latest version patch.. SFC3_Patch_534b .. this patch must be installed with Anti-Virus disabled. Next make sure you have all the updates for Windows.. and also look for Windows Hotfixes for your Video card..

Make sure you have the Directory server patch installed after the game is patched.. not before.

If you are using Vista.. SFC 3 can make it to the servers.. but when you accept a mission your computer will CTD.. there is no fix for this at the moment.. SFC 3 will work single player and Gamespy Arcade no problem.. but playing on the Dynaverse.. there is a Direct Play issue of DirectX incompatibility and I am still working on a solution...

Thanks for your time.

RubenFett · « **Reply #16 on:** March 18, 2008, 05:14:09 pm »

Wow. Thank you "Terminator."

I will see if I can fix my problem using your advice.

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