Re: Call Of Duty MP

Tech-Archive recommends: Fix windows errors by optimizing your registry

In message <O$8E1CN9GHA.1012@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Jimmy S. <nosp@xxxxx> writes
Hi Fenster,

When LAN games don't connect, there are a few variables to consider, for
example check for a patch at: www.avault.com/pcrl/patches_list.asp?letter=a

I checked this out and I'm patched beyond the patch available on this site. There was an ATI patch but I assume I don't need this as I'm not having problems with the graphics side of things. Also, I'm a bit concerned about the "independence" of the patches. What I mean by that is that the site has a patch to V1.4 and an ATI patch and I'm already patched to V1.5, does this mean the ATI patch is already incorporated? Would it matter if it was (if I applied it 'again')? Or is it no longer necessary? Or might it cause a problem for later/other versions of CoD?

1. Disconnect from the Internet by physically unplugging the cable or DSL
line, and then since there's no longer danger of outside attacks, turn off
your software firewall (Norton's, McAfee, Zone Alarm, Outpost, ICF,
etc.) as these firewalls could be blocking data to and from your system.

2. If you use a router, it could be blocking you as well:
Routers have built-in port blocking firewalls based on NAT technology.
DirectX games require that ports be open in order for the data packets
to be able to travel from one system to another. Here's How to Configure
a router for Multiplayer: http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits/PortRoute.html#howto

3. If Step 1 applies to you, but you want an alternative solution, pick up a cross-
over cable from your local supply shop to directly connect one computer to
the other on a 2 player LAN, especially if both computers are close together.

4. If you have multiple network adapters, the game might be using the wrong one
To verify this behaviour, click Start / Control Panel / System / Hardware Tab
/ Device Manager, click the + next to Network Adapters, right click the adapter
which accesses the Internet, and "Disable" it from the right-click menu. If that
works, open Control Panel / Network Connections, click Advanced / Advance
Settings / click the LAN Connection and then the UP arrow to change it's priority
so it's at the top of the list. Test your Internet games to see if they work this way.

I have multiple IP addresses, one for the NIC attached to the switch/LAN and one for my ISP (via USB ADSL modem). I'll try the order/priority but my concern is that because the ISP connection isn't there all the time, specifically at power-up, the order may be changed by the system and the local IP placed at the top of the list.

5. DirectX may need to be upgraded on both systems:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.aspx

I'll check this but I think that all machines are the same version of DirectX. I think it's quite recent too but I'll check that as well.

6. Universal PnP might need to be disabled in your router, or in Windows XP:
a) To enable or disable UPnP in XP, click Start / Run / type: services.msc
and you can then right-click Universal Plug and Play on the list to Start it.
b) Consult your router manual for the UPnP instructions for your model.

7. Network Adapter drivers may need to be updated on one or all machines.

8. You may need to specify the target IP using a game specific method.
Consult your game manual or readme file in the game directory. For MS
games: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;gmsnetw

Using this method I can connect any machine to any other for multiplayer games. The puzzle, as previously mentioned, is that even if I force a connection to the game server via the internet I still end up connected via the LAN. This may be down to ICS being "clever" and saving me the time and effort to out into the wide world and back but it makes me doubt everything. If I specify a server by name and it finds a "shortcut" I would consider it's doing its job well, if I specify an address I would consider it broken that it's not using the address requested.

9. You might be specifying the Public IP instead of the Private (LAN) IP.
To easily find the Public and Private IP numbers of the computer you
are using, visit: http://www.u.arizona.edu/~trw/games/nat_or_not.php

Not sure what you mean here. Whichever IP I specify from a local PC it always connects using the local IP (as per previous comment). I checked out NAT or not, it's very clever and more than a little worrying how much information can be pulled off your PC without your knowledge.

For more in depth troubleshooting, try this MS Network Troubleshooting article:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/columns/russel/02april08.asp

... and this exceptional Windows XP MVP Network Troubleshooter:
http://www.michna.com/kb/wxnet.htm

--
Cheers, Windows_XP_MVP_Shell/User
Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Thanks Jimmy, this is all very useful, helpful stuff.
F.

--
Fenster
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Can share files but cant play LAN games.... (help plz)
    ... Nays wrote: ... > I've been trying to get our LAN connection to allow myself and my roomate to ... > play LAN games together. ... However, when it comes to playing games, inside ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: hosting a game for hidden and dangerous 2
    ... If you use a router, it could be blocking you as well: ... DirectX games require that ports be open in order for the data packets ... the other on a 2 player LAN, especially if both computers are close together. ... If you have multiple network adapters, the game might be using the wrong one ...
    (microsoft.public.games)
  • Re: DirectPlay troubleshooting
    ... DirectX games require that ports be open in order for the data packets ... the other on a 2 player LAN, especially if both computers are close together. ... If you have multiple network adapters, the game might be using the wrong one ... | out directplay by establishing a 'chat' session, ...
    (microsoft.public.games)
  • Re: XP SP2 Networking Games
    ... >My problem is when I try to play games over the LAN. ... >I try to play NBA Live 2004 it says no network found. ... network connection, advanced setttings. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: LAN Gaming problem
    ... firmware on my router however to find that it didn't help. ... - all games I've tried to LAN are running the same version, ... connect to the wireless LinkSys router and play games without reconfiguring ... - No specification required in any games I've tried so far on this network ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.games)