Can't connect to my self-created new ofp server

[XPeter 0]

Sorry to add one more new topic in this sub-forum...

I have searched around most of related topics to my problem including the "Avon Lady's OFP FAQ", but none could solve my trouble.

Before I state my problem, I just brief the steps of creating a non-dedicated own hosted OFP server.

1. start OFPR.exe

2. Click Muliplayers

3. Click New (other setting by default , e.g. socket, 2302)

4. Map selection screen, in which there are 2 messages supposed to appear at Top-Left corner in very few seconds , for example:

Player Peter is connecting......

Player Peter is connected......

5. Select a map, then go to pool screen.

6. Select a role  ---> start mission.

I have got this problem for a week as far as I relize it. The signs of problem is that at step 4, the 2nd message (Player Peter is connected) is not popping out, or it takes long time (>15 sec) to come out.  So if I select a mission without 2nd message, the Pool screen would show nothing except "XXX".

More over, if I want to Cancel MP back to Main menu, it hanges the OFP, making hard for me to switch into (Ctrl + Tab) Windows desktop.

I have got Norton Firewall 2003, and share internet with my friend thru a Router. However , during that problematic instance, my friend is able to connect to my server with 2 messages popping out immediately, but nor could my OFP.

I tried to turn off Norton Firewall, but this didn't seem to work, however, it became absolutely NORMAL, if I disconnected my internet, or disable LAN, even the firewall was still turned on.

It doesn't appear to have problem with my router setup, coz I forward all ports correctly, and other internet OFP friends were able to connect to my self hosted OFP server perfectly in the past, or as long as I am able to host the OFP server presently.

In short, I couldn't connect to my own created OFP server with internet on.....

can anyone tell me what is the problem with my OFP ?

my PC setup is:

P4 2.4 GH  512 RDRAM,  Ti4200 128MB, on board AC97 soundcard, DX9.0

OFP GOTY 1.96 (official) with many Mods installed, but all in @mod format, which doesn't affect with official addons.

[XPeter 0]

I am using Windows XP pro + Sp1 edition.

As I have read by searching the related topics, I have checked that the ICS & ICF are not activated in my Win XP.

[Mister Frag 0]

Make absolutely sure that the XP Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) is turned off, it is separate from the Norton firewall.

Are you using sockets or DirectPlay? Does the problem happen with both network code implementations? If you use DirectPlay, does DXDIAG report any problems? Have you tried going into the Network tab in DXDIAG, clicking on "Test DirectPlay", created a session on port 2302, launched a second instance of DXDIAG, and tried to join that session?

[XPeter 0]

Yes, I have checked ICF had been absolutely turned off for sure.

whether ICF is on or off could not be absolutely garrantied. But in the network properties, under Advanced Tab, I only see that the ICF is off , but no any ICS options.

However, according to Windows XP "Help and Support" topic, the ICS functions should be under Advanced Tab with ICF.

So, that is strange, or perhaps I didn't activate it at all during networking setup Wizard.

I have passed the DX "Test DirectPlay" simulation, it connect each other perfectly well. But same problem occurs if i use DP mode to host OFP...

Plz keep helping me..........