Playing the CD Version over the Network? - Firewalls

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That's the goal, anyway... open those ports. Now, before we can open them, we have to figure out what's blocking them. Sometimes, there are many things blocking ports. At my home, I have both a router and firewalls on each of the PCs, so I have two things blocking them. You may have only one, or you may have more. Here's how I suggest you progress:

  • Figure out what you have blocking your ports.
    • Firewalls (software like WindowsXP Internet Connection Firewall, or Norton Personal Firewall)
    • Routers (NetGear, Linksys, etc.)
    • Proxy Servers (there are a bunch of these, mostly on corporate, government or school networks)
  • Disable everything that could be blocking the ports temporarily for testing purposes. Make a note of everything you identify. For example, if you find out that you have the WindowsXP Internet Connection Firewall enabled, note it down, then disable it.
    • Firewall software can be disabled, since there are so many products out there I can't cover them all here, but you should check your manual or help files. If you are using Microsoft WindowsXP, you may have the Internet Connection Firewall enabled. You can click here for information on how to disable the WindowsXP ICF.
    • If you're using a modem, DSL or cable modem and have only one PC connecting through that into a pubic internet provider, then you don't have to worry about routers. If you have multiple PCs sharing a single internet connection, then you may be using a Router. Routers offer an interface, usually accessible via web browser, which allow you to configure them. If you figure out what your pc's IP address is, and you can access and configure your router, you'll need to figure out how to do two things. First, configure your router, so that your PC is the "DMZ Host".
    • Test your system to make sure all the ports you need (those listed above) are now available. The easiest way to do this is to set up a Monopoly game as host, and see if it works. If it does, you've temporarily eliminated everything that's blocking your way. If not, you have to figure out what is still in your way. Another way, and the way I prefer to test, is to run a port scan on your system from out on the internet. This eliminates any possible problems your Monopoly opponent might be having. Here are a few free port scans you can try. Again, refer to the two bullet points above, to see which ports you're trying to open, and see if the port scan shows them as being available:
      • speedguide.net's Security Scan
      • broadband reports.com
      • Sygate Online Services
      • AuditMyPC.com--This service allows you to scan individual ports, which is very nice. If you select Option 2 & ADVANCED, you can enter 47624 as your port, and it should report "Direct Play Server", if you're set up to host a Monopoly Game and everything is open. This is goodness.
      • ShieldsUp--This service also allows for custom port probing. Again, you can set up to host a monopoly game and probe port 47624, to see if it's open.
  • Once you've eliminated everything, and documented it all, then you can add it all back in to protect yourself from hackers & worms. BUT, this time, now you need to open just the ports necessary to play Monopoly. So, for example, if you're using the a firewall, check the documentation or help file. Enable it, then open the ports listed above and go to one of the on-line port probing servers and make sure that it still works. Here's how to open a port manually using WindowsXP's ICF. Check the documentation or help file for your firewall software.

If you had a router, and configured it to put your PC in the DMZ, take the PC OUT of the DMZ, then open the appropriate ports. You may also need to disable "Block WAN requests". Most router vendors have great technical support, and if you call them and tell them what ports you need opened, they'll step you through the process. Or you can check the manual yourself. here are some links to websites for some of the more common router vendors:

Finally, once you've added back your firewalls and reconfigured your routers and proxy servers, you can use the port probe servers to test and make sure that the correct ports are still open. Finally, set up as host, and see if the game runs.

If you're still having problems, please feel free to post a message in our discussion forum describing what you've tried and the problems you're experiencing.