Microsoft KB Archive/330412

= Links 2003: Known Multiplayer Issues =

Article ID: 330412

Article Last Modified on 1/7/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Links 2003 Championship Edition
 * Microsoft Links 2003
 * Microsoft Links 2003 Championship Edition

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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.



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:

http://www.zone.com

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:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.mspx

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.

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.

