Network Troubleshooting Resource Center for Microsoft Games

Highlights & Top Issues

  • Select your product from the following list to view known multiplayer issues.
    Age of Mythology Combat Flight Simulator 3 Freelancer
    Halo: Combat Evolved Links 2003 Rise of Nations
  • Select your product from the following list to find out which ports need to be open for you to play a multi-player game successfully.
    Age of Mythology Combat Flight Simulator 3 Dungeon Siege
    Flight Simulator 2004 Freelancer Halo: Combat Evolved
    Links 2003 Rise of Nations    
    • How to Perform a Clean Boot to Prevent Background Programs from Interfering with Play

    When you start Microsoft Windows with an ordinary startup, several programs start automatically and run in the background. These programs, which may include antivirus and system utility programs, may interfere with the game program and cause it to stop responding (hang), quit, or generate an error message.

    When you perform a clean boot before you start Windows, you prevent programs that may conflict with your game from starting automatically. To perform a clean boot, follow the steps appropriate for your version of Windows. Watch a video that shows you how to do this.

    To return your computer to an ordinary boot after you finish troubleshooting the issue, follow the instructions in this Knowledge Base article. Watch a video that shows you how to do this.

    Last Review : July 30, 2009