Age of Empires II: Unable to Connect by Using Direct Cable Connection (260911)

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use the following methods in the order in which they are presented.

Install the Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 2.0a Update

Install the latest update for Age of Empires II: Age of Kings. The latest update, Microsoft Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 2.0a Update, includes multiplayer performance enhancements.

To download the Age of Kings 2.0a Update, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Close the Existing Direct Cable Connection

If a Direct Cable Connection is already established, close the connection, and then start Age of Empires II, The Age of Kings.

Install and Use the IPX/SPX Network Protocol

If your computers are connected with a parallel cable, install and use the IPX/SPX network protocol:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Network.
3. Click Add, click Protocol, and then click Add.
4. Click Microsoft, and then click IPX/SPX Compatible Protocol.
5. Click OK, and then click OK again.
6. When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.
7. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
8. Double-click Network.
9. Click IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol, and then click Properties.
10. Click to select the I want to enable NetBIOS over IPX/SPX check box.
11. Click the Advanced tab.
12. In the Properties box, click Ethernet 802.3 in the Frame Type box.
13. Click Maximum Connections, and then select or type 10 in the Value box.
14. Click Maximum Sockets, and then select or type 10 in the Value box.
15. Click to select the Set this Protocol to be the default protocol check box.

If you use this method, make sure that you establish the Direct Cable Connection before you start the game, and make sure that you select an IPX/SPX game instead of a Direct Cable Connection game.

Note NetBEUI is an unsupported network protocol for all Microsoft DirectPlay games. Do not use the NetBEUI network protocol to play a DirectPlay game when you use Direct Cable Connection.

Make Sure That Direct Cable Connection Is Properly Installed

To make sure that Direct Cable Connection is properly installed:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
3. Click the Windows Setup tab.
4. Under Components, click Communications, and then click Details.
5. Click to clear the Direct Cable Connection check box, click OK, and then click Apply.
6. Under Components, click Communications, and then click Details.
7. Click to select the Direct Cable Connection check box, and then click OK.
8. Click OK again.
   
   Note You may be prompted to insert your Microsoft Windows CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.

For additional information about how to install Direct Cable Connection, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: