can't connect to lobby ,no error message ,just doesn't go there

[JohhnyProzac]

Windows Version (and Service Packs): xp 2002 service pack 1
Processor Speed: 513mhz
RAM:192 mb
Video Card (Make and Model#): not sure ...compaq nx9005 laptop
Sound Card (Make and Model#): conexant acaudio link .....i think
Connection Type (Dialup, Cable, DSL, other): cable
Modem (Make and Model#): scientific atlantia ,web star
Router (Make and Model#): none
Internet Service Provider(company name): telewast blueyonder broadband
Location(State/Province/Locality, and Country): Birmingham UK
Installed Mods: None

Ok Lads heres my problem ( with the game and pc at least )
Sunday morning switched on the pc to play a game and found the pc wouldnt work ,Black screen telling me to select start up options .Selecting those didnt work so I resorted to using my xp office disk that came with the pc (compaq nx9005 laptop).
All seemed to be well apart from the at key not working ..it gives me a " instead .
Undaunted ...I loaded Alleg and tried to log in .AGS worked fine and all went well until joining lobby ,all i get is "connecting to lobby "
no error message ...just a long wait .
Ive checked for firewall and disabled it from my blueyonder antivirous ..but i cant find the microsoft firewall i had before the Big Reboot .
Any thoughts on this lads ,ohh and if i missed out any important tecchie bits please try and fill me in as near to laymans terms as you can ...cos im no programer but i lay a mean patio ...
Cheers lads . /mrgreen.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="mrgreen.gif" />

[JohhnyProzac]

PS ..you all know me know as IrishGuard ..just so as you recognize me .

[beauty]

QUOTE (JohhnyProzac @ Feb 5 2007, 11:24 AM) PS ..you all know me know as IrishGuard ..just so as you recognize me .

I don't have any clear idea of the problem, but have you tried just re-installing?

[Grimmwolf_GB]

You dont have a MS firewall anymore, as you now are back on WinXP SP2. Update your system to the current patchlevel and try again.

[JohhnyProzac]

QUOTE (JohhnyProzac @ Feb 6 2007, 05:24 AM) PS ..you all know me know as IrishGuard ..just so as you recognize me .

ive tried bueaty's suggestion and downloaded alleg again ,after uninstalling via uninstall icon in alleg folder .
Still the same problem .
now im working on grimms suggestion.
I need a map .
I will struggle on ,like a good nan pilot on a winning bomb run .

[ImmortalZ]

Is your Windows fully updated? Try launching Windows Update and getting all the critical and recommended updates. You can skip all the fluff (like WMP11).

[BlackViper]

DX update!

[Tigereye]

So Allegiance says "Connecting to lobby..." but never gives you an error message? Even after like 30s?

I'm wondering - is Allegiance crashing/hanging there?
An easy way to check is to hit Alt+F to turn on the "debug" info at the top-left of your screen. One of the numbers is a "frame counter" which counts up really really quickly. It lets you see "movement" even if the screens aren't moving themselves.

Hit Alt+F before you click "Current Games Listings" to turn on debug info, and then click it. Are the numbers still counting up? Or do they stop cold once you've clicked it?

If Allegiance is crashing, it may be your DirectX as BV suggests - the DirectPlay component (the networking junk) might be borked. Reinstalling DirectX will solve that problem.

If Allegiance doesn't crash... I'm surprised you're not getting any error message........

--TE

[JohhnyProzac]

Lads ...your top blokes .....i followed grims suggestion and looked at windows site ..i now can play alleg .I was missing loads of stuff ,Im now fully loaded up and alleg is working fine .
Thanks all ...Im chuffed at all the responses for help on this ,and i feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing its a great game and a great bunch of lads ....again ..Cheers

[ImmortalZ]

We try /smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" /> Glad to know you got back in.