Problems with starting multiplayer games are usually related to the method by which you're trying to connect.
Local Area Network Connections
If you're having trouble connecting over a LAN, try connecting using the host IP address rather than searching for the host in the Sessions list. To learn more about direct connections in LAN sessions, see Join Direct to Host and Network Settings.
Internet Connections
The most frequent cause of problems when starting an Internet multiplayer game is that a player's computer is not connected to the Internet. If you're having trouble connecting to GameSpy or via the host's IP address, check your Internet connection.
To resolve most multiplayer issues, perform the steps in this article in the sequence in which they are presented. If the steps in this article do not resolve the issue, you may have problems with your network setup.
Microsoft does not provide support for configuring personal networks, Internet service providers (ISPs), firewalls, or routers. If you suspect that your personal network, ISP, firewall, or router is the cause of your issue, you should contact the manufacturer of your hardware or software, or the provider of your Internet services, for assistance in those areas.
For information about how to contact the manufacturer of your particular hardware or software, see the References section of this article.
Install the Latest Version of DirectX
All multiplayer session participants should use the same version of DirectX. To download and install the latest version of DirectX, visit www.microsoft.com/directx.
If you already have the latest version of DirectX installed, try reinstalling DirectX after performing a "clean boot" on your computer.
Perform a Clean Boot
When you start Microsoft Windows, other software may start along with the operating system. These programs, which may include antivirus and system utility programs, can interfere with Flight Simulator. Consequently, you may receive an error message or be returned to the desktop during multiplayer sessions; Flight Simulator may also stop responding. When you perform a clean boot, you prevent other programs from interrupting Flight Simulator.
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To perform a clean boot on a computer running Windows XP
Note: To complete this procedure, you must be logged on as an administrator or as a member of the Administrators group. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may prevent you from completing this procedure. |
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To restore a normal startup
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For additional information about how to perform a clean boot, visit support.microsoft.com and search for Article 331796: How to Perform a Clean Boot to Prevent Background Programs from Interfering with Play in the Microsoft Knowledge Base. (You will need an Internet connection to access this information.)
Verify DirectX Files
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To test for correct DirectX installation
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Test Your Network
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To test your network
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If DirectPlay test works correctly, you should be able to make the connection from within Flight Simulator without any problems. If the test does not work correctly, contact your network administrator.
Test Your Connection Speed
To test your connection speed, visit http://msn-cnet.com.com/Bandwidth_meter/7004-7254_7-0.html?tag=tool2. (You will need an Internet connection to access this service.)
If your reported connection speed appears to be less than you expect, you should contact your Internet service provider for assistance.
Troubleshoot the Broadband Connection
There are three basics types of broadband connections: direct, router, and Windows ICS. These types of connections typically involve multiple devices, such as an external modem, router, switch, hub, or firewall.
Repair the network connection
If your computer is running Windows XP, try repairing your connection.
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To repair your connection
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This may improve your connection or may provide a message about a problem on your network.
Open the required ports
In most of the above cases ports have to be opened on routers, firewalls, and ICS. See the Verify the Required DirectX Ports section in this article for more information.
Connect directly to the Internet
The best way to determine if the issue is due to your broadband hardware is to connect directly to Internet without any device except the DSL adapter or cable modem.
If the problem disappears when the system is configured without intervening hardware, contact the hardware manufacturer, your ISP, or your network administrator to configure the other hardware correctly.
Set up a perimeter network
Contact your router manufacturer to learn how to correctly configure a perimeter network (also known as a DMZ, or demilitarized zone, or screened subnet). For information on contacting your hardware manufacturer or ISP, see the References section in this article.
Download and install the latest hardware firmware
You also want to make sure to have the latest firmware for your network hardware installed. The manufacturer may have released a firmware update for a router that resolves a particular issue in Flight Simulator. Firmware updates can also install or improve upon existing features of the device, such as Universal Plug and Play. For information about how to contact hardware manufacturers or ISPs, see the References section in this article.
Verify the Required DirectX Ports
To be able to play Flight Simulator over the Internet, the required ports should be open.
Note: In a client/server environment, only a network administrator is authorized to change port configurations.
For information about DirectPlay ports, visit support.microsoft.com and search for Article 240429 DirectX: Ports Required to Play on a Network in the Microsoft Knowledge Base. (You will need an Internet connection to access this information.)
To view specific ports that Flight Simulator requires, visit the Network Troubleshooting Resource Center at support.microsoft.com/?pr=gmsnetw.
Firewall Conflicts
A software firewall—a security system that acts as a protective boundary between a network and the outside world—can prevent your computer from connecting to other computers or servers for a multiplayer session.
You can look in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar to see if a firewall is running on your computer. You may need to show all icons in the System Tray in order to reveal your firewall icon. To see what program an icon represents, pause the mouse pointer over the icon and wait. common software firewalls include Microsoft Internet Connection Firewall, ZoneAlarm, Norton Internet Security, McAfee Security, and BlackIce. Once you find the icon for your firewall, right-click to reveal a menu that may allow you to temporarily disable the firewall.
If disabling the firewall resolves the issue, contact the firewall's manufacturer for directions on how to configure it to work with Flight Simulator. See the References section of this article for information on how to contact many hardware and software manufacturers.
Disable ICF
The latest version of Windows includes Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) software that you can use to restrict information communicated between the Internet and your home network or small-office network. ICF also protects a single computer connected to the Internet via a cable modem, a DSL modem, or a dial-up modem.
You should not enable the firewall on any connection that does not directly connect to the Internet, and ICF is also not needed if your network already has a firewall or proxy server.
For information about ICF, visit support.microsoft.com and search for the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
- Article 283673: Enable or Disable Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP
- Article 234815: Description of Internet Connection Sharing
- Article 320855: Description of the Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
(You will need an Internet connection to access this information.)
Check Your Wireless Network
Depending on the distances involved, the construction of your home, and sources of interference, you may not get the best performance from a wireless connection.
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To verify the quality of your wireless connection
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Multiplayer Troubleshooting Glossary firewall: A security system that helps protect a network from external threats, such as hacker attacks. A hardware firewall is a connection routing device equipped with specific data-checking settings that helps protect all of the devices connected to it. A software firewall resides on a single computer, helping to protect that computer from external threats. firmware: Software information stored in nonvolatile memory on a device. gateway: See router. hub: A device equipped with multiple ports that serves as a central connection point for communication lines from all devices on a network. When data arrives at one port, it is copied to the other ports. ICF (Internet Connection Firewall): Firewall software used to set restrictions on what information is communicated between a network and the Internet. ICS (Internet Connection Sharing): A software feature in Windows that allows computers on a network to access online services through a single Internet connection. perimeter network: A collection of devices and subnets placed between a private network and the Internet to help protect the private network from unauthorized Internet users. Also known as a DMZ (demilitarized zone) and a screened subnet. port: A physical connection through which data is transferred between a computer and other devices (such as a monitor, modem, or printer), a network, or another computer. Also refers to a software channel for network communications. router: A device (also known as a gateway) that acts as a central point for networked devices, receiving transmitted messages and forwarding them. switch: A central device that functions similarly to a hub, forwarding packets to specific ports rather than broadcasting every packet to every port. A switch is more efficient when used on a high-volume network. |
For information about how to troubleshoot wireless networks, visit support.microsoft.com and search for Article 313242: How to Troubleshoot Wireless Network Connections in Windows XP in the Microsoft Knowledge Base. (You will need an Internet connection to access this information.)
Dial-Up Modem Drivers
Important note: A broadband Internet connection is highly recommended for multiplayer sessions in Flight Simulator. Broadband is required for voice communication in Flight Simulator.
Contact your hardware manufacturer to obtain the latest dial-up driver update. See the References section of this article for information on how to contact many hardware manufacturers.
If dial-up issues continue to occur, you may want to try another ISP. Depending on the severity of your connection issues, a faster Internet connection might offer a solution. DSL and cable modem connections are a great way for Flight Simulator users to improve multiplayer performance.
Universal Plug and Play Networks
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is more than just a simple extension of the Plug and Play peripheral model. It is designed to support zero-configuration, "invisible" networking, along with automatic discovery for a breadth of device categories from a wide range of vendors.
With UPnP, a device can dynamically join a network, obtain an IP address, convey its capabilities, and learn about the presence and capabilities of other devices—all automatically. Devices can subsequently communicate with each other directly, thereby further enabling peer-to-peer networking.
If you are buying new hardware, look for the UPnP logo on the box. If you have UPnP hardware as part of your existing network, confirm that it is enabled or contact the manufacturer for assistance. See the References section of this article for information on how to contact many hardware manufacturers.
References
Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.
For information about how to contact your video adapter manufacturer, visit support.microsoft.com and search for the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
- Article 65416: Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, A-K
- Article 60781: Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, L-P
- Article 60782: Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, Q-Z
(You will need an Internet connection to access this information.)
The third-party products discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.