Links 2003: Known Multiplayer Issues (330412)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Links 2003 Championship Edtn EN
  • Microsoft Links 2003
  • Microsoft Links 2003 Championship Edition

This article was previously published under Q330412

SUMMARY

This article describes the known issues and behaviors that may occur when you try to connect to a Links 2003 multiplayer game.

MORE INFORMATION

General Connection Issues

Microsoft Gaming Zone

To play a multiplayer game of Links 2003 over the Internet by using the Microsoft Gaming Zone, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Links Match Maker

To play a multiplayer game by using the Links Match Maker, you must have Internet Explorer 5.5 or newer installed on your computer. For information about how to obtain and install the most recent version of Internet Explorer, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Router, Firewall, or Proxy Server

When you try to play a multiplayer game of Links on a computer with a router, firewall or proxy server, you may not be able to host a multiplayer game. To work around this issue, play as a client instead of a host, or run Links 2003 on a computer that is outside the scope of the router, firewall, or proxy server.

Internet Connection Sharing Servers

Internet Connection Sharing servers are not supported by Links 2003.

Note Internet Connection Sharing makes it possible for a Windows computer to share its Internet connection with computers on local area networks.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Dial-Up Issues

Automation Issue

When you try to use the play off-line option, you may not be automatically disconnected and then reconnected when the round is completed. To work around this issue, manually disconnect your Internet connection, and then manually reconnect to the Internet when the round is completed:
  1. Connect to the Internet before you start a game.
  2. After the game is started, press ALT+TAB, and then manually disconnect your dial-up connection.
  3. Return to the game, and then continue to play the game.
  4. When you are finished playing, press ALT+TAB, and then manually connect to the Internet.
  5. Return to the game, and then finish the round.

Connectivity Issue

By default, the Links Tour uses the standard Windows dial-up feature to connect to the Internet. When you try to connect to the Links Tour by using a modem, you may receive the following error message:
A connection could not be made to the Internet. Please check your Internet connection and try again.
To resolve this issue, enable the default connection feature. This makes sure that Links 2003 can dial your default Internet connection. To enable the default connection feature:
  1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
  2. In Control Panel, double-click Internet Options.
  3. On the Connections tab, click Always dial my default connection, and then click OK.

    Note If you have non-standard Windows dial-up connection, such as America Online (AOL) or NetZero, you must manually connect to the Internet before you start Links 2003.

Optimization Issues

  • To optimize multiplayer game performance, make sure that the host has the fastest processor, and the best Internet connection. If possible, do not use a modem to connect to the Internet to play a multiplayer game. A modem connection or a slow processor may cause a delay in game performance.
  • Use caution when you try to send several .wav files, or other large files during game play. If you have too many file transfers in progress, your game performance may become out of synchronization with the other players.

REFERENCES

For additional information about how to troubleshoot network issues, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

819836 Games: How to Troubleshoot Multiplayer Issues

For additional information about the ports that Links 2003 requires, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

330382 Links 2003: Network Ports Are Required with Multiplayer Games

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/7/2006
Keywords:kbConfig kb3rdparty kbinfo KB330412