posted 03-10-10 02:41 AM EDT (US)
It seems that lots of people are still struggling with failed to join (FTJ) all these years after AoE3's release, perhaps because they're buying new routers/computers and don't know how to get past new connection issues. So I thought we should make a check-list for people who are plagued by this problem, with a list of options that have worked to fix the FTJ issue for some people at least.
I've added a few options for people to try below. I will add more tried and tested options if people bring them up.
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I've added a few options for people to try below. I will add more tried and tested options if people bring them up.
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Power cycle your hardware
Turn off your router and PC. I imagine that many people have never done so with their router, and often you need to do so after installing certain software to ensure full connectivity.Head into quick search
Apparently some people have had success with this option when experiencing FTJ. Both players experiencing connection problems need to go into QS and search for a 4v4 with TWC enabled. When you have 'found' each other in the search (you'll see a '?' come up for a 2nd player), close down QS and re-host your game.Restart your game
Try closing then re-opening AoE3.Opening extra game slots
Open extra slots in your game (say up to 7 players for a 3v3, then close the 7th slot once the person experiencing FTJ has successfully joined the game).Re-hosting games
Let the person experiencing FTJ issues try host the game themselves. If you routinely see two people failing to join each others' games, then they should try options #1-4 listed above - given that those options are basic quick fixes that can work temporarily for many people.Create an exception rule for AoE3/TWC/TAD
Virus checkers are pesky things that often prevent programs from connecting to the internet properly, or at all, until you create an exception rule for those programs. Open your virus protection software and navigate through the settings to find the option to unblock any of AoE3/TWC/TAD if they aren't already.Need help finding such an option in your virus protection software? Ask and we may be able to help. Forward your ports
AoE3 requires certain ports to be open on a router for you to be able to play the game online. First you should set up a static IP. Most routers assign dynamic (random) IP addresses every time you reboot your PC, so you need to set an IP address that will remain constant and will allow you to forward ports. You can find instructions on how to do thathere.
Now, look up the model number of your router andfind the corresponding tutorial on portforward.com. Follow the steps provided to open the required ports.
Once you have opened the required ports, download theirport checker software and test whether the required ports are in fact open. Some ISPs block certain ports, so if you still can't open the required ports, contact your ISP to ask them whether it is possible to unblock those ports. Turn on your router's 'gaming mode'
Some routers have something known as a 'gaming mode'. Try looking through your router settings for any such option and try it out.Try disabling firewalls
You may have multiple firewalls running at the same time, and any number of them could be interfering with your connection to other users on ESO. For example, there is Windows Firewall, then the firewall on your virus protection software, and also a firewall on your router. Try disabling each in turn and see if it has any effect.
If it turns out that it is your virus protection software's firewall that is blocking your connection, then consider changing to a different brand. A firewall is important to ensure the security of your computer, so if you have to turn it off then you should be looking for better software.Enable DMZ
This should be your last option, and is dangerous if you don't have the proper precautions in place. Enabling DMZ forwards every port on your router, which can leave your computer vulnerable. It does however allow you to connect to most people on ESO.
To enable DMZ, you will need to set up a static IP for the PC you wish to play this game on. Once that is completed, you need to head to your router admin/options and enable DMZ on the static IP you have set up.
I would recommend turning DMZ on only when you go to play on ESO, and then turn it off straight afterwards every time. Furthermore, make sure you have good firewall software to protect your computer, and perhaps close unnecessary programs to prevent them from connecting to the internet and further placing the security of your PC at risk.If you need help enabling DMZ, post below and we'll help out. Get a new router
Some routers just refuse to allow you to connect to many other users on ESO. If you've tried all the steps here, then perhaps you need a router more appropriate for online play. Ask in this topic and you'll receive suggestions for routers that have been proven to work with this game.
[This message has been edited by A_VipeR (edited 03-10-2010 @ 02:45 AM).]
