Tried everything and cannot join or host online games.
If I click online after about 10 seconds this message is displayed:

Online Error
Connection Failed. Please check internet connection or ask system administrator for assistance.


Some Details:
Hawx patched to ver 1.02

Win XP Pro SP3
Nvidia 7600 graphics card
1G RAM
Intel P4 2.8GHz

8Meg DSL connection
Router is Linksys ADSL 2+ via ethernet

I have turned off the router firewall
and tested on site "sheilds up"
Still all my ports are stealthed but I fail
the test as my PC responds to pings.

I am running as a restricted user, but the game
fails to get online as restricted user or as administrator ?
Thanks in advance

Having the port numbers this game requires to be open in stealth may not be enough. I would recommend that you open them instead of setting the port numbers to stealth. If that doesn't work, I would try connecting with just your modem and bypass the router just to make sure there isn't some kind of conflict going on with the router. If it works, try checking for a firmware update. Also, DSL modems sometimes have built in hardware firewalls, you may need to check this too.

You may have to update your router to a newer router. My old Linksys Wireless G left me with a NAT 2 which wouldn't allow me to hook and Xbox 360 to Live for gaming. Switch to a dLink DIR-655 which left me with NAT 1 and the Xbox and PS3 run just fine. Hooked the Linksys to the dLink and then tried running the games through the Linksys and it wouldn't allow them (or the PC) to run the games. Switched the configuration so the DIR-655 was hooked to the Linksys which was hooked to the cable modem and all gaming stopped. Took the old Linksys out of the loop and I can play games through the net.

hmmm......

If you don't want to upgrade, you might try configuring your router and hook-up to use a DMZ which might open your ports, but if you are concerned about security, the best thing to do is

1. Have a PC computer specifically dedicated to gaming and don't use for anything else (i.e. no personal stuff). No firewall, no antivirus, bare bones system so nothing interferes with your games (i.e. much like an Xbox or PS3). Be sure you back up the main HD

2. I personally leave the box open and just plug drives in and out. One drive is dedicated to boot for games. If a virus comes in and trashes the HD, then I just reformat it and put the OS back on, then reload the games.

3. Abandon the PC for games and just go with a console unit (Xbox 360 or PS3). While you can't play against other PC players, you are at least assured the thing will play.