Greetings to any responding multiplayer-savy GURU.I use to fly 1-on-1 (direct connect) with FSX SP1, XP, router (firewall) and cable modem.Now I've upgraded to Win 7 Ultimate/64; added Acceleration; moved from Comcast cable to AT&T's Uverse digital service.I can connect to the Gamespy server (usually only briefly before getting disconnected) but am unable to connect to a visible session created by a friend for us. Neither could I make a direct connect (by ip address) to a session he created either.Would love to pen, PM, email or chat (teamspeak or skype) about possible solutions... Now that I'm retired, I'd love to do some VFR with some like-minded "old codgers" (and I need to learn that carrier landing stuff...)Loyd

Go to any other lobby than the default, it always has problems.

Go to any other lobby than the default, it always has problems.

We were in the Training Lobby as the flight was being created. When ready to join, it was still no joy after several tries, just like the direct connect attempt. I think the issue is on my system or setup. There's almost always an answer; one just has to find it.Thanks for the thought though...Loyd

Now that I'm retired, I'd love to do some VFR with some like-minded "old codgers" (and I need to learn that carrier landing stuff...)Loyd

Hello Loyd, Sorry about your connection problem. It appears your issue is on your end. I have a modem(windstream.net), router, and several computers one of which is my flt sim FSX computer W7 64 and it works fine direct or via gamespy (gamespy can be a challenge at times). You are welcome to join us via direct at Aspirefsx.com, a bunch of us both USA & across the pond are retired enjoying VFR fly. Check us out! Wish you luck fixing your problem.

We were in the Training Lobby as the flight was being created. When ready to join, it was still no joy after several tries, just like the direct connect attempt. I think the issue is on my system or setup. There's almost always an answer; one just has to find it.Thanks for the thought though...Loyd

Are you getting any error message or is it just not conecting using the 'Join Session' option? I have never been able to get the 'direct' option to work in 4 years so I'm no help there.

Are you getting any error message or is it just not conecting using the 'Join Session' option?

Just the "can't connect" message... Zonk! it's been a long time... maybe the Zone Alarm firewall. I've always used router and ZA instead of the Windows firewall... I'll try switching over to the Windows FW and turn off ZA the next time.BTW isn't there an issue about SP1 and SP2 flying together - or does Gamespy bypass that somehow? I didn't see anyone specifying what version they were flying; maybe it's only relevent when connecting direct.Thanks for the interest.Loyd

Without knowing more about your system, and based on past experiance with ZA, there is a good chance thats your problem. And you cant just disable the damn thing, you have to remove it entirely. As far as SP1&2, I cant help there as everyone I fly with uses SP2 and there have been no issues for us.

Thanks to all who responded... I think this was a Zone Alarm thing.I set up Windows firewall and shut down ZA and was able to actually get logged in to the Aspirefsx session on gamespy - thanks Erv Moore, for the invite.I'll try the ip direct method when Mark T gets his FSX reinstalled... (Murphy was an optimist!)Loyd

Glad ya got it working, multiplayer rocks.

Thanks to all who responded... I think this was a Zone Alarm thing.I set up Windows firewall and shut down ZA and was able to actually get logged in to the Aspirefsx session on gamespy - thanks Erv Moore, for the invite.I'll try the ip direct method when Mark T gets his FSX reinstalled... (Murphy was an optimist!)Loyd

GOOD to hgear you joined the ASPIREFSX session,. Great group of pilots and controllers.With reference to the question about SP1 vs SP2. ( not that it applies to you, as you are obviously SP2 / Acceleration)==============================Most FSX players need to Update to SP2 (FREE). (or to Acceleration)SP2 / Acceleration sessions are not compatible with the old, SP1 FSX.Since most FSX users have updated to SP2 (far better performance), the SP2 upgrade is the way to go , uif you want to join the majority of MP sessions on gamespy.UNLESS ..If you are running a Low End Graphics card, or a Laptop with an early generation low end Graphics Card that cannot do Shader 2.0, then you will need to stick with SP1. :(SP2 requires shader 2.0 support on your Graphics card.Note: If you are forced to stay with SP1, then you will NOT be able to join the majority of MP sessiosn, most of which are SP2.Geoff