XP SP2 Networking Games

[dom]

I have XP SP2 installed with the "limited or no
connectivity" message. The PC is connected to a D-Link
switch. I can share files with the other PC on the
network (both 98SE).

My problem is when I try to play games over the LAN. When
I try to play NBA Live 2004 it says no network found.
However Madden 2004 plays fine over the LAN. Both are EA
Games and both worked before the upgrade to SP2.

I just did a format and reinstall of XP & SP2 &
the "limited or no connectivity" problem reoccured. My PC
is an Abit AT7 with realtek onboard LAN


FYI: the only reason I upgraded to SP2 was I could not
access the properties in my network settings & the add new
connection wizard was gone (it is a documented problem,
but none of MS's fixes worked).

 

[Hans-Georg Michna]

I have XP SP2 installed with the "limited or no
connectivity" message. The PC is connected to a D-Link
switch. I can share files with the other PC on the
network (both 98SE).

My problem is when I try to play games over the LAN. When
I try to play NBA Live 2004 it says no network found.
However Madden 2004 plays fine over the LAN. Both are EA
Games and both worked before the upgrade to SP2.

I just did a format and reinstall of XP & SP2 &
the "limited or no connectivity" problem reoccured. My PC
is an Abit AT7 with realtek onboard LAN


FYI: the only reason I upgraded to SP2 was I could not
access the properties in my network settings & the add new
connection wizard was gone (it is a documented problem,
but none of MS's fixes worked).

Dom,

The "Limited or no connectivity" warning is not a problem,
provided the other computers have no fixed IP addresses set
either and are all in the 169.254.x.y range.

If the warning gets on your nerves, it can be suppressed. See
http://www.michna.com/kb/WxSP2.htm for details.

If your Windows XP computer is not connected to the Internet in
any way, then disable its firewall entirely. If it is, you may
have to add exceptions for the game programs to the firewall.
They may require some sleuthing, to find the exe file paths to
enter into the firewall.

Alternatives are to open particular ports, but that's a bit more
difficult again.

A better way is to look at the game manufacturer's web site and
read the support recommendations for these games. Every game
maker worth his salt will have the required settings on the web
site.

Another question is whether some of these games absolutely
require the IPX transport protocol and you have that installed
on the other computers as well. First check if you need it and
have it. If so, disable all bindings to that protocol in the
network connection, advanced setttings. The bindings, for
example for File and Printer Sharing, should only be to the
TCP/IP transport protocol.

Hans-Georg