Topic: Question about SFC1, 2, and OP for Online play.

[Magnum357]

I've been trying for months to play SFC: Orion Pirates online on Games Spy but for some reason I can't play an online game.  I don't know why, but one a game tries to get ready to start through gamespy, my system reboots   .  I have no clue why.  I have the latest patch (2538) and have no other programs running at the same time.

Anyway, what about SFC2 and SFC1?  Is SFC2 more stable then SFC OP for online play?  Also, is it even possible to play SFC1 online anymore?  I really want to play SFB style rules for once.  I'm sort of tired of SFC3's limitations.

[Cleaven]

Can you play OP in a direct connect game?
What is your system?
My understanding is that technically OP is more stable than EAW for multiplayer games, and my GSA experiences seem to support this.

 

[jimmi7769]

I was having problems last night on GSA myself(I've never had problems before)

Maybe it's a directX problem.  DX8 and DX9 don't get along well.

[Magnum357]

Ya, I heard about DX8 versus DX9.  Microsoft are being a bunch of greedy sh*ts because they want to force people to buy into DX9 and cut off support for DX8.  That way, MS can keep their lovely OS market going by selling more Windows OS.  From what I have heard from many programmers, DX9 has hardly any additional features compared to DX8 except that MS is going to cut off support for DX8.  Microsoft is scared right now because Linex's "Lindows" (although still early in developement) is going to kick MS's @ss!!!!

As for my system...

P3 600 Mhz
Windows OS 98 second Edition
128 Ram
56K Modem
Integrated graphics card (Intel 810 chipset)

Ok, my system is a tad low end, but it still plays SFC:OP well in single player and I play SFC3 all the time with it.  Just doesn't make any sense why I can't play OP.

 

[Cleaven]

Can you try a direct connect game? As you observe it doesn't make sense.
Also can you confirm that version number 2538 comes up in the bottom right of the opening screen at startup. You may have a bad patch application. Either way my easiest (but not neccessarily best) first solution is to uninstall, delete folder, reinstall and reapply the 2500 -> 3538 patch.  

[Magnum357]

Yep!  When I load OP it says 2538 so I'm pretty sure I have the current version.  I also did a clean uninstall and reinstaled the patch after I installed OP and get the same problems.  

One thing though I'm wondering about is the Install part of Game Spy.  I already have Game Spy installed on my system because I have SFC3 on my system too (I like to play both games).  I've noticed that both games have a Game Spy Arcade install that comes with the game.  I already have GS installed on my system when I installed SFC3, but does that Game Spy have different hookups or something compared to the older OP game?  What I'm trying to say is that since I have GS installed specifically designed for SFC3 (I assume that because Activision took over that part of SFC) that it may not be compatable with OP?

What do you guys think, do I need to also uninstall GSA too and install the one that comes with SFC:OP?
 

[Pestalence]

GSA is it's own system and not specific for any one game... Try getting the latest version of GSA.. V1.03...

you can get it at www.gamespyarcade.com

or for a direct Download of the service

http://launch.gamespyarcade.com/software/launch/launch.asp?forceinstall=1

hope that this helps... also you may want to check with your ISP to see if they have been having server maintainence or outages.. that would affect your gaming experience as well...

P.S. FYI, Windows has officially declaired Win 98 support to be over as of last November, the updates that it gets now are port overs from XP version.

 

[Cleaven]

Okay, just want to check on this.
1. You can play single player skirmish.
2. You can play single player campaign.
3. You can run GSA and go into a OP room and when the game is launched your PC reboots, as if you hit Reset.

What happens if you set up your own room and try to launch OP as the only person in the game? Does it do the same thing?

Also what happens if you try and connect to the D2? Or try to run a direct connect game where you go directly to another IP?
 

[Magnum357]

1. Ya, I can play Single player scrimage
2. I can play a campaign, albeit living with the bugs of OP
3. Ya, I can go into the SFC OP Gamespy rooms on GSA, but alas if I try to join with some other guys my system reboots when we lauch.

I have tried once playing an online game where I was the host and I didn't have anyone else join me.  I was able to play the game, but I don't see how that relates to playing online.  I will have to try it again to see if it works again.

I have tried several times to connect to D2, but my system keeps telling me that "cannot connect to server, you might have a Fire wall in place (which I know I don't) be sure to contact your ISP" or some dip sh*t stuff like that.  So basically I have never played D2 etheir.  As a matter of fact, I have yet played on D3 too.  I just figured you can't play on the Dynaverses is because I'm just a lowly Modem user.

Its very discouraging.  I would love to play some people online with SFB rules.  I've always wanted to play against oppenents ever since I got my first Doomsday edition of SFB.  Where I live, their are hardly any SFB fans.

[Cleaven]

Quote:

I have tried once playing an online game where I was the host and I didn't have anyone else join me.  I was able to play the game, but I don't see how that relates to playing online.  I will have to try it again to see if it works again.
 

Okay, this pretty much eliminates GSA as being a cause of problems.

What else? Not sure. What about your modem connection. Are you using AOL or something that has it's own dialer. Can you possibly try another connection?

The last thing to do is try a direct connect game. Do you have anybody who can do that with you?
 

[Pestalence]

Quote:
1. Ya, I can play Single player scrimage
2. I can play a campaign, albeit living with the bugs of OP
3. Ya, I can go into the SFC OP Gamespy rooms on GSA, but alas if I try to join with some other guys my system reboots when we lauch.

I have tried once playing an online game where I was the host and I didn't have anyone else join me.  I was able to play the game, but I don't see how that relates to playing online.  I will have to try it again to see if it works again.

I have tried several times to connect to D2, but my system keeps telling me that "cannot connect to server, you might have a Fire wall in place (which I know I don't) be sure to contact your ISP" or some dip sh*t stuff like that.  So basically I have never played D2 etheir.  As a matter of fact, I have yet played on D3 too.  I just figured you can't play on the Dynaverses is because I'm just a lowly Modem user.

Its very discouraging.  I would love to play some people online with SFB rules.  I've always wanted to play against oppenents ever since I got my first Doomsday edition of SFB.  Where I live, their are hardly any SFB fans.  

Are you on Dial-up or on broadband? if you are on broadband (Cable, DSL, Wireless), on your cable modem, does it have both Ethernet connection and USB.. if so, there is your problem... most Broadband modems that have both type of hook ups have built in routers on the ethernet port of the modem... If your modem is like this and your connected by Ethernet cable, then that would cause a "Firewall" effect on your end concerning the Dyna and GSA connectivity with other players...

Uninstall your cable modem, then reinstall using the USB connection... that should solve your problem... also entering your IP address into your sfc.ini file (if your IP is static [stays the same]) will also help connectivity... also in your SFC 3 folder in Docs in the help folder, read the network_readme.rtf file in wordpad... that will help you have your connection set up...

Also, SFC does not like internet connection sharing to be enabled on your machine.. if more than 1 PC in your home shares the same internet connection, then SFC will work only on the DMZ (main) PC with the proper ports open on the router... the best situation is to disable Internet Connection Sharing and  run your game machine by itself online disconnecting any other PC's sharing the net with you...... see if it works correctly then.

these are just some ideas...

Network readme listed below is the SFC 3 Network readme :

Network Readme for Star Trek Starfleet Command 3

Warning on Updating Firmware

In order to properly configure a router for use with Starfleet Command 3, that router may need the latest firmware from its manufacturer. In particular, the D-Link 704P and Linksys BEFSR41 v.1 referred to in the setup instructions below may not allow users to connect to each other nor to the Dynaverse without this update. Users should first attempt to configure their router per the instructions below, and update their firmware only if they are still unable to connect and play.

Firmware is not software, and there are inherent risks in updating the firmware of a device. Updating the (software) driver for a device will change the way in which the operating system interacts with the device, but changing the device?s firmware will change the functionality of the device itself. Incorrectly altering a router?s firmware may cause the device to function improperly or cease functioning altogether. Users must consult their router?s documentation and the manufacture?s guidelines for updating the firmware for their device, as well as for obtaining the latest version of the firmware. Activision is not responsible for any damage or defect that may result from the improper update of a user?s router firmware.

DMZ Security Warning

Some portions of this document refer to placing the user?s computer in the ?DMZ? area of a router?s network. When in the DMZ, all incoming traffic on all ports is permitted to pass through the router and to that computer, effectively removing a level of security for that system. Users open ports (including placing a system in the DMZ) at their own risk, and Activision is not responsible for any damage that may result from a decrease in the level of security on the user?s network. It is recommended that before placing a computer in the router?s DMZ, that users consult their router?s documentation to better understand the security risks involved in doing so.

How to find IP address of the local machine

In order for the user to properly configure their router as illustrated in the examples below, they will need to determine the IP address for their computer on the router?s local network. Most routers can only place a single computer in the DMZ or designate it as the target of port forwarding, and Starfleet Command 3 requires that any computer behind a router must have the proper ports open by one of these two methods in order to play. Therefore, only one user can play from behind a router or NAT at a time.

The following methods can be used to determine the IP address of the local machine, based on which operating system the user is running on that system.

Under Windows 98 and ME:

1.   From the desktop, select the Start Menu, and then select Run.
2.   In the dialog box, type winipcfg and select OK. The IP Configuration window should appear.
3.   If you have more than one adapter listed in the pull-down menu, select the adapter that connects your computer to the router or NAT (e.g. 3Com Etherlink PCI).
4.   Once selected, the information relating to that adapter is displayed in the fields below. The IP Address is the number you will use when entering ?the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3?, as mentioned in the examples in this document.

Under Windows 2000 and XP:

1.   From the desktop, select the Start Menu, and then select Run.
2.   In the dialog box, type cmd and select OK. An MS-DOS prompt should appear.
3.   Type ipconfig, and press Enter. The words Windows IP Configuration should appear followed by information about your connection.
4.   The IP Address is the number you will use when entering ?the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3?, as mentioned in the examples in this document. If you have more than one adapter listed (e.g. Ethernet Adapter Local Area Connection 2), most routers assign IP addresses in the 192.168.x.x range. Try using this address first.

About router setup:

The following examples are for routers that use an HTML (Web-based) configuration utility, in which the settings can be adjusted through the user?s Internet web browser. Some manufacturers, particularly with older router models, may require the user to make changes to their port configurations through a proprietary application or by some other means. It is highly recommended that users consult the documentation for their specific router before making any changes to these settings. Incorrect settings could result in the inability for other programs, including email and Internet browsers, to function properly.

The following step-by-step examples are for those users who have read their router?s documentation, are comfortable making adjustments to these settings, and would like specific instructions on how to do so for the models listed below. These have been tested and found to work properly on each model, running the latest firmware from the router manufacturer.

As many routers have similar configuration utilities, these instructions may also be used as a general guide or starting point for those with models not listed below.

D-Link 704P

DMZ:

1.   From the Device Information page, select Advanced from the bottom row of options.
2.   Select Misc. Items from the bottom row of options.
3.   For IP Address of DMZ Host, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3. Then, check the box next to Enable.
4.   Select Save.

Port Forwarding:

1.   From the Device Information page, select Advanced from the bottom row of options.
2.   On the Virtual Server page, under Service Ports, enter the value 6073 for ID 1 (or the first available ID number). Under Server IP, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3. Then check the box under Enable.
3.   Under Service Ports, enter the value 2302 for ID 2 (or the next available ID number). Under Server IP, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3. Then check the box under Enable.
4.   Under Service Ports, enter the value 2303 for ID 3 (or the next available ID number). Under Server IP, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3. Then check the box under Enable.
5.   Scroll to the bottom of the page, and select Save.
6.   Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Reboot.


Linksys BEFSR41 v.1

DMZ:

1.   From the Setup menu, select the Advanced tab at top of the page.
2.   Now select the DMZ Host tab at the top of the page.
3.   For DMZ Host IP Address, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3.
4.   Select Apply. Once you receive the Settings Are Successful message, select Continue.

Port Forwarding:

1.   From the Setup menu, select the Advanced tab at top of the page.
2.   Now select the Forwarding tab at the top of the page.
3.   On the first available line under Server Port Range enter 6073 ~ 6073, under Protocol select UDP, and under IP Address enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3.
4.   On the next available line under Server Port Range enter 2302 ~ 2302, under Protocol select TCP, and under IP Address enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3.
5.   On the next available line under Server Port Range enter 2033 ~ 2303, under Protocol select TCP, and under IP Address enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3.
6.   Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Apply. Once you receive the Settings Are Successful message, select Continue.


Linksys BEFSR81 v.2

DMZ:

1.   From the Setup menu, select the Advanced tab at top of the page.
2.   Now select the DMZ Host tab at the top of the page.
3.   For DMZ Host IP Address, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3.
4.   At the bottom of the page, select Apply. Once you receive the Settings Are Successful message, select Continue.

Port Forwarding:

7.   From the Setup menu, select the Advanced tab at top of the page.
8.   Now select the Forwarding tab at the top of the page.
9.   On the first available line under Server Port Range enter 6073 ~ 6073, under Protocol select UDP, and under IP Address enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3.
10.   On the next available line under Server Port Range enter 2302 ~ 2302, under Protocol select TCP, and under IP Address enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3.
11.   On the next available line under Server Port Range enter 2303 ~ 2303, under Protocol select TCP, and under IP Address enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3.
12.   Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Apply. Once you receive the Settings Are Successful message, select Continue.


Netgear FVS318

DMZ:

1.   From the Main Menu, select Ports under the Advanced option in the left frame of the page.
2.   In the center frame select Default DMZ Server by checking the box to the left of it, and then in the boxes to the right, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3.
3.   Scroll to the bottom of the frame and select Apply.

Port Forwarding:

1.   From the Main Menu, select Ports under the Advanced option in the left frame of the page.
2.   In the center frame select Line 1 (or the first available line) on the chart by checking the circle to the left of it.
3.   Scroll down the frame to the Port Assignment form. In the window next to Service/Game, enter a common language name for the application using the port, such as ?Starfleet Command 3?.
4.   In each of the windows next to Start and End Ports, enter the value 6073.
5.   In the window next to Server IP Address, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3.
6.   Scroll to the bottom of the frame and select Apply.
7.   In the center frame select Line 2 (or the next available line) on the chart by checking the circle to the left of it.
8.   Scroll down the frame to the Port Assignment form. In the window next to Service/Game, enter a common language name for the application using the port, such as ?Starfleet Command 3?.
9.   In each of the windows next to Start and End Ports, enter the value 2302.
10.   In the window next to Server IP Address, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3.
11.   Scroll to the bottom of the frame and select Apply.
12.   In the center frame select Line 3 (or the next available line) on the chart by checking the circle to the left of it.
13.   Scroll down the frame to the Port Assignment form. In the window next to Service/Game, enter a common language name for the application using the port, such as ?Starfleet Command 3?.
14.   In each of the windows next to Start and End Ports, enter the value 2303.
15.   In the window next to Server IP Address, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3.
16.   Scroll to the bottom of the frame and select Apply.


Siemens SS2614

DMZ:

1.   From the Main Menu, select Advanced Setup on the left side of the page.
2.   Read the Advanced Setup warning message, and then select Enter.
3.   Select Firewall under Advanced Settings on the left side of the page. Make sure the Advanced Settings | Firewall option is set to No, then select Enter.
4.   Select Misc under Advanced Settings on the left side of the page.
5.   Under Advanced Settings | Miscellaneous, set the IP Address of Virtual DMZ Host as the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3. Then, check the box next to Enable. Select Enter.

Port Forwarding:

1.   From the Main Menu, select Advanced Setup on the left side of the page.
2.   Read the Advanced Setup warning message, and then select Enter.
3.   Select Firewall under Advanced Settings on the left side of the page. Make sure the Advanced Settings | Firewall option is set to No, then select Enter.
4.   Select Virtual Server under Advanced Settings on the left side of the page.
5.   On Line 1 (or the first open line number) under Private IP, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3. Under Private Port enter 6073, under Type select UDP, and under Public Port enter 6073.
6.   On Line 2 (or the next open line number) under Private IP, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3. Under Private Port enter 2302, under Type select TCP, and under Public Port enter 2302.
7.   On Line 3 (or the next open line number) under Private IP, enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3. Under Private Port enter 2303, under Type select TCP8, and under Public Port enter 2303.
8.   Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Enter.

Norton Personal Firewall

If Norton Personal Firewall has been installed using the default settings, it will detect when any unrecognized or new program, such as Starfleet Commander 3, attempts to access the Internet. Each time SFC3 attempts to connect to the Internet on a unique port, the Internet Access Control window will appear, prompting the user to set the access level for that program. If the user selects ?Permit this application to access the Internet?, and then selects OK for each, the access level will be set the first time the user connects to the Dynaverse, and no further action is needed.

This detection can be preempted by setting the access level for SFC3 before starting the game. To do this, launch Norton Personal Firewall, and select Internet Access Control. Select Add, and the ?Select an application to configure its Internet access? window should appear. Next, double-click on ?Star Trek Starfleet Command III?, and then select ?Play Star Trek Starfleet Command III?. Select Open, and the Internet Access Control window should appear. Select ?Permit this application to access the Internet? and then OK. The Choose Application Category window should now appear, and unless the user has a preference, they should select ?General? as the category and then OK.

These instructions pertain to Norton Personal Firewall 2002, and other versions may require other steps or the prompts and dialogue may be worded differently. If using another version, consult the documentation and proceed using the above instructions as a guide.

Windows XP Firewall

If you are running the built-in firewall provided by Windows XP to secure your Internet connection, you can allow Starfleet Command 3 work through this application without disabling it altogether.

1.   From the desktop, select Start, then Settings, then Control Panel.
2.   From the Control Panel, select Network and Internet Connections.
3.   Now select Network Connections. Icons representing each of your installed network connections will now be displayed. For some users, there may be only one.
4.   The connection that is protected by the Windows XP firewall will appear with a small, yellow padlock in the icon. Right-click on the ?padlocked? connection, and select Properties.
5.   Select the Advanced tab at the top of the Properties window.
6.   Under Advanced, select Settings.
7.   Under Advanced Settings, make sure the Services tab is selected. Now select Add.
8.   In the Service Settings window, under Description of Service, type Starfleet Command 6073. Under Name or IP Address? enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3. Under External Port number for this service enter 6073. Under Internal Port number for this service enter 6073. Select UDP by clicking on the circle next to it. Select OK.
9.   The service should now appear in the list as Starfleet Command 6073, with the box next to it checked.
10.   In the Service Settings window, under Description of Service, type Starfleet Command 2302. Under Name or IP Address? enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3. Under External Port number for this service enter 2302. Under Internal Port number for this service enter 2302. Select TCP by clicking on the circle next to it. Select OK.
11.   The service should now appear in the list as Starfleet Command 2302, with the box next to it checked.
12.   In the Service Settings window, under Description of Service, type Starfleet Command 2303. Under Name or IP Address? enter the IP address of the computer on which you will be playing SFC3. Under External Port number for this service enter 2303. Under Internal Port number for this service enter 2303. Select TCP by clicking on the circle next to it. Select OK.
13.   The service should now appear in the list as Starfleet Command 2303, with the box next to it checked.
14.   Once all three services have been added, select OK on the Advanced Settings window.
15.   Select OK to close the Properties window.

[Cleaven]

Pestalence says, "Let me just whip this out".  

[Magnum357]

Guys, I'm only Dialup.  I have no broadband or DSL connection.  Its too expensive for my budget where I live.  My modem is a Diamond Modem.  Does this help any?  I don't beleive its designed for Etheirnet.

But thanks for the advice, I will give your suggestions a try and let you know in a day or two if I still have problems.

[Cleaven]

At this point I am thinking about the software that you use to control the modem. Is it standard windows issue (in the Dial-Up-Networking folder) or perhaps it's another piece of software provided by your ISP?

The physical piece of hardware which is the modem itself should not be an issue either. Is it internal or external?  

[Magnum357]

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "is it Internal or External".  Well... I did install it myself inside the tower.  Also, the software used for the modem came with it (windows didn't have the drivers to work it), but I don't see how that is releveant etheir.  

I mean, would Drivers not present on my system really make my game not work and try to reboot every time?  I find that hard to beleive too, why can I play SFC3 online all the time yet OP doesn't work at all.  I wonder if each game uses different mechanics in their respective codes online?

Oh, and by the way, I would never use that peice of crap AOL bullsh*t!  I have my own ISP here locally.

[Cleaven]

Well, everything you describe seems normal. You have an internal modem, which could, by a stretch of the imagination, cause a system reset to occur but I don't know how it would do that unless you have a win-modem. Problems like this are the sort I try to solve by identifying the dud component in a system by swapping other pieces on the basis that if it doesn't solve the problem it can at least eliminate some possibilities.

As an option at this point I would try to use an external modem, just in case you are using what is called a Win-modem, which is a type of modem which has cut down hardware, and lets your PC's processor do most of the controlling of the modem. It may just be possible that part of the process of starting up OP conflicts with the operation of the modem and causes the whole lot to drop it's bundle (that's a tech term).

Can you borrow an external modem for a couple of hours and try it out? Windows should not need any extra drivers for your average external modem and should recognise it when you attach it.  


I should clarify that an external modem will be a small unit (fist sized for the newer ones) with it's own power supply or power pack, that only has a cable connection, via serial or USB (easiest to use) to the PC.

[Lepton1]

Cedant Arma Togae?  " Let go the arms of Toga" ?  My latin is rusty. What does it mean?  

cedo, cedere = to go or yield
cedant?  Looks like subjunctive mood verb or is that future tense??
arma?  Is that always plural so that's like objective case for that noun , but that verb should not have a direct object, right? Should be dative case?  Armis??
togae? toga, right?  The clothing or a place name?  Is that nomitive plural or genitive singular??

Argh!!  Latin is nutty!!

[Cleaven]

Quote:
Cedant Arma Togae?  " Let us take the arms of Toga" ?  My latin is rusty. What does it mean?  

I expect a citizen of one of the United States of America to answer this first.  

[Lepton1]

Here's a couple of things I found:

cedant arma togae: Let arms yield to the gown; let violence give place to law.
Cedant arma togae  Let generals yield to civilians (let arms yield to the toga)
Wyoming state motto: Cedant arma togae

Apparently from Cicero:

Cedant arma togae, concedant laurea laudi.
[Let arms give place to the civic gown,
and the laurel-wreath to praise.]

Marcus Tullius Cicero
[De Officiis]



Cedant arma togae, conceday laurea linguae.

Let arms yield to the toga, let the [victor's] laurel yield to the [orator's] tongue.

-Marcus Tullius Cicero,
De Consulatu Suo

A plea for peace.  Well done!!

Togae must be dative case expressing when a noun is "to" or "for" something, kind of like an indirect object,  Hey thanks!!  That was fun!!

[Cleaven]

By George, he's got it! Now what popular movie, featuring a female lead of some renown who wanted to graze sheep in said state, did I pinch it from? And the male lead was well used to handling self-destructing messages.