OK... I've recently gotten into playing some RTS games. One of them, Generals w/ the Zero Hour expansion is pretty fun. For some wierd reason, though, I can't get online playing to work between a friend of mine and I. We've gone on the EA site to play on their servers, and one of us is kicked off (connection time-out issue). We've created a VPN and tried a direct network game, and can't get to connect. Odd issues... I KNOW the game is installed correctly and updated to similar patches. I'm just wondering why we can't seem to get the two games to 'talk' to one another.
Windows firewall disabled and/or exeption granted to C&C Z.H.; direct connect using specific IPs no good... a bunch of different troubleshooting processes exhausted.
What's wierd is that I can often 'See' his computer when we're getting all set to go (in VPN/Network mode) but his can't see mine. Also, when on EA servers, we can get to the point where we launch the game but whoever is hosting ends up losing connection. Very odd.
I've done some searches for this... admittedly, I'm still searching. Anyone seen anything out there of any KNOWN issues on this?
I'm going to post more if I find out any leads but figured I'd post here first to see if the Ars-hive mind had anything to say.
Helpful input/links appreciated
Sorry for the n00b-ness of this post. I'm just hoping someone out there can say: 'ah... throw switch number 3 and that will solve it for you...' I'm tired. -- View image here: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --
TIA
- co

Problem with multiplayer using GameRanger My friend wanted me to try the game with him so I suggested we use GameRanger to avoid any hassles with port forwarding and/or Hamachi. It's a fairly old program but still worked fine and we were instantly able to connect to a game together and play. When you host a game in GameRanger, other joining players need to be able to connect to your Mac, but when the incoming connection request reaches your router, your router does not know which Mac it should forward the request to, so instead it just ignores the request.

Note: As an alternative to the Direct IP method of connecting there is a program called Game Ranger that simplifies the multiplayer process.
http://www.gameranger.com/

Gameranger Connection Problems

1 Known issues 1.1 Gamespy 1.2 LAN 2 Solutions 3 Router configuration 4 Automatic port forwarding 5 Firewall configuration for hosting 6 Alternate server browsers 6.1 GameRanger 6.2 SkUT 7 Virtual LANs (VPN) 7.1 Hamachi 7.2 Tunngle 7.3 Garena 8 Direct Connect 9 Force Borderlands to use the correct interface 10 Slow loading players timing out 11 Host-Leave-Host trick Cannot host public games.
47,629 likes 14 talking about this. Popular multiplayer online gaming service for over 700 PC & Mac games. Lets you play without the usual hassles of network problems.

If you cannot seem to complete the process of connecting in a multiplayer game, the most likely cause is that the ports required for multiplayer games are closed or blocked by firewall software on your system.

To troubleshoot general ports issues, please try the steps outlined in this technical support article:

General Rules of Thumb for Multiplayer Connections

1. You need to allow DirectPlay ports through your firewall if you have a network router. Configure Port 47624, and ports 2300 to 2305 for both TCP and UDP. For information on how to configure the ports please refer to your router documentation.
2. You need to set up port forwarding if you're using a network router. See this page:
LSPN Post on Port Forwarding
3. You need to allow LinksMMIII.exe access through Windows Firewall or any other software firewall you may be using.

Specials!

Add items to your cart to see the discounts

Gameranger Can't Connect To Server

Pro Shop Deals

Gameranger Connection Problems

Get the Links 2003 Combo Pack and all 47 add-on courses for $14.95!
Add this Deal Now!
Already have Links 2003? Get all 47 add-on courses for only $12.00
Add all 47 Courses Now!
Links 2003 Combo Pack Only$8.49
Add it Now!
Buy two or more single add-on course for $1.25 each

Gameranger Connection Issues