Civ2MGE/WinXP/ZoneAlarm/cablemodem - argh!

[MattBeh]

Help! I have had many enjoyable hours of Civ2MGE on my old machine (with patch 1.3, of course). But now that I am running a new machine with Windows XP, and ZoneAlarm, and a super-fast Optimum Online cablemodem, I can neither host a game nor connect to another game. Yes, I tried disconnecting ZoneAlarm, but it still doesn't work.

For whatever it's worth, all my ports show up as "stealth" on some of those check-it-for-you webpages. That is, even when I have disconnected ZoneAlarm.

What can I do? Please don't tell me a clean install without ZoneAlarm, I do need that program. Plus, who knows, maybe this isn't even ZoneAlarm.

Thanks for your help,
Matt

 

[Smash]

XP has a built in internet firewall.Maybe you have it on?...turn it off.

some cable isp's have firewalls also.

 

[MattBeh]

I figured this out last night, following on the generous advice of my distinguished colleague Smash. I will post it here in case anyone else runs into the problem in the months ahead, as people transition to Windows XP:

Not only do you need to disable (not necessarily uninstall) ZoneAlarm and any other software firewall, but you also need to go into Control Panel, then Network Connections, and then click on Properties on each of your Network connections. Under Advanced, there is something about Software Firewall. Disable it, but you should probably put it back on after the game.

(If anyone has a safer solution other than leaving the machine open to all comers, I am all ears.)

For the record, I have never been given to praising Microsoft, but I am finding that XP is easier to use than ever, very stable, and actually somewhat helpful. Sure, the interface is like being in a Montessori school, but you can't have everything.

Please don't hesitate to e-mail me if you need any advice -- I am matthewbeh on yahoo.

Matt