Cant get past server screen or char select? Look here.

[Tommy Lambo]

OK I am currently in Reading UNI CAMPUS.... the problem i am having is exactly as the thread stated- I Can Update
I can log in
It will take me to the server Screen and everything is jolly and fine. UNTIL I CAN'T JOIN INTO THE ROBERT SERVER OR ANY OTHERS ...Its like a lottery WHEN THE HOURGLASS APPEARS.....Seriously now since the patch restarting the laptop doesn't help, shutting down the laptop doesn't help.

I normally have enough patience to keep playing this extra lottery game FLS have made but today i have been trying for the whole day going on and off for 8 hours going off to watch films or doing other things and try to log into a server SOmetimes i watch a film on other sites and when i try it it works but i have tried all my lucky solutions and today its crossed my breaking point because i am actually typing in the thread not because i like to whine or anything but just telling anyone else to speak out if they are having this problem( it isn't a problem ITS A FLAW).

I have tried all ur 'Solutions'.BTW

[Scooder]

Originally Posted by Tommy Lambo Lotsa text, minimal punctuation

This sounds like an issue with you being behind a university firewall.
Check this thread and this KB article.

[Morrena]

Last week when they had the new "patch", I have been playing PotBS a week, ( have 3 characters). Really enjoying the game with some slight lag issues. After the patch, I tried to log into the game, I got the following message when I came into the server selection window (which was blank) "Unable to connect to server. Please exit the game and try again".
I have talked to 2 agents at Sony and 1 at FLS. They all said it was either a firewall problem or a port issue.
I asked everyone of them, why was I playing a full week with only slight lag missues,, and now no game.??
I am still playing WoW, with my firewalls on = No Problem.
I turn my firewalls off and try to play PotBS = No Server Connection.
Please fix this issue on your end.. it cannot be all of us.
We have waited too long for this game to come up short after a patch to not be able to connect to any server.
Concentrate on fixing all the server connections before you move on to anything else.

[Action Frank]

We need more information to diagnose these kinds of problems. Can you open a support ticket following all of the steps in support article 36 and submit the information along with client logs in a support ticket. Once you post do that post the incident number here.

It would also be nice to know what server you are using and what Operating System.

[Morrena]

Hello Action Frank,
I have 2 character on the Kidd server and 1 character on the Antigua server.
You did see me sate that there were no servers listed in the server window when it came up after I went through the log in process to get into the game.
Anyway, here are some "Incident" numbers that I have from various people trying to help.
On 2/25/08, I had an on line chat with a SOE support agent. Incident # 080225-003166
also from 2 FLS customer service personel on the same day, also 2/25/08.
reference; incident # 080225-000146.
>
As regards to my system.; I have an Alienware,, Pent. 2.8 with a GeForce 5900 Ultra graphics card. with updated drivers. 1024 ram. It might not be the latest out of the box system, but I was told that I would have no problem playing PotBS.
>

[-k4el]

First off sorry for being out of contact. I got very sick recently and i've been digging my self out of the backed up home work pile.

Secondly. If you read my OP i have resolved the issue specific to me. I contacted my ISP and after much searching the techs at my isp confirmed it was their traffic shaping policies, similar to the ones people on college campuses are experiencing. They used the fix suggested by FLS and it worked after a little tweaking.

[Morrena]

I copied the "solution" to the problem off the help page.. it explained about having the router adjusted to except the ports to play the game. I think it was 7000 - 7100 range.
Anyway, I brought my router to my local ISP office, showed them the helpful hint print out to solve my problem. ( I live in a rural area and use a local ISP) the technician made the necessary adjustments.
I went home, re-hooked the router up, started my system and before I launched the game turned off all firewalls. I logged into the game with my password, got to the server selection screen,, same thing,, NO server listing.
Just to make sure my system was working correctly, I logged into World of Warcraft, no problem what so ever.
I am not sure whats going on, so far all my friends on line say it is no my system or connections, the problem lies at the other end. They also ask me the question, how can I play other on line games with no problem and for some strange reason,, after I was playing PotBS for a week,, and after the patch that was downloaded over 2 weeks ago,, I get the server selection problem.???
I reall wish that FLS change what ever they put into that patch, so I can play the game. I am approching the end of my first billing month, no solution, then I will have to cancel my account. That would be such a shame, I have been reading and waiting for this game to come out since 2003, only to have this happen

[-k4el]

@Morrena

You're in the right thread it sounds like. I too live in a rural area and use a small local ISP. We're likely in the same boat.... well not really cause we can't log in can we?

From what you're describing and from what i've been experiencing i think your ISP like uses a program called "Packeteer" to control traffic over its system. There is currently an issue with packeteer that causes it to see traffic generated by POTBS as file sharing traffic from a program called Gnutella.

In essence the data packets from POTBS look alot like the packets from Gnutella so its isn't simply a question of opening ports or allowing certain IPs. Packeteer it self needs to be patched and unforunately the company has no connection with FLS and really has no preasure to release a fix in a timely manner.

I've got my fingers crossed that FLS will find a work around so we don't have to wait on these guys at Packeteer. The best way to confirm this is to find some one helpful at your ISP that will turn the packet shaper off for a few minute and let you try to log in. If that works then you've got your problem ID'd. If that doesnt... well best of luck to you.

You're not in Cheney, WA by chance are you?

[Gray Noten]

I don't have the question number handy, but there's a KB article with exact step by step directions for how to allow our traffic through a packeteer. You should pass that on to any ISPs that are using packeteers and are blocking our traffic.

[-k4el]

Originally Posted by Gray Noten I don't have the question number handy, but there's a KB article with exact step by step directions for how to allow our traffic through a packeteer. You should pass that on to any ISPs that are using packeteers and are blocking our traffic.

Here ya go Gray

Answer #211

Gray was the one who managed to help me get in contact with my ISP and start talking with them. This issue really isn't on FLS. Hopefully you have an ISP thats willing to help.