Every time I try to connect to a MUD, I can't connect at all. It doesn't even seem to start trying to connect. I know I entered everything correctly, because I have connected to this particular MUD before (but I can't now).
When I try to connect, I get the normal stuff that pops up from starting MUSHclient (ending with the "connected on [date and time]" message). Then nothing. I've tried waiting (up to half an hour), and still nothing.
What could be the problem?
I'm running Windows 7 64-Bit.
It's a new computer, and I was able to connect the first time. Nothing's changed, but I haven't been able to connect since.
Also what does the window title say? Still "connecting"? There was some problem a while back with some MUDs reacting strangely to some telnet negotiation sequences.
--- Connected on Saturday, December 10, 2011, 10:38 AM ---
OK, so it has connected. You just aren't seeing anything.
I seem to recall this did happen before for some circumstances.
Can you please do a packet debug?
Before connecting go the Edit menu -> Packet Debug (check that).
Then attempt to connect.
Once you see "Connected on" find the packet debug window (behind the main world window) and copy and paste all of that here. Don't have auto-login set (second configuration window, where you have your name/password) so that does not appear in this log. We don't want other people to find your password.
I can't do that, actually. The option to "Debug Packets" doesn't show up when I'm not connected to a world, and after I'm connected, if I select that option, nothing happens.
#$#mcp version: "2.1" to: "2.1"
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Welcome to:
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\ ___ \ _____\ ___ \ \ \ \___ __\ \ _____\ _____\
\ __ <\ _____\ ___ \ \_____\ \ \ \ \ \ _____\______ \
\__\ \ |\________\__\ \__\________\__\ \__\ \__\________\________\
\_|
What do you want to be today? (TM)
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Authors retain rights to materials published in this environment.
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To connect to your character use 'connect <playername> <password>'
To connect as a guest type 'connect guest guest'
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co guest guest
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For a character, ask a wizard. (Use the 'wizzes' command to find one.)
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So the client can handle it OK.
Perhaps remove any plugins you may have installed? Also try making a new world (I did Connection menu -> Quick Connect).
Try a different PC. Are you at a school or workplace? Maybe they are blocking you.
I have no plugins installed, as far as I know.
Just tried making a new world; no luck.
Also, this is my personal computer, and my ONLY computer.
Any other ideas?
Nick: I just tried that; it still doesn't work (I was already using this version anyway).
Zeno: As I said, this is my only computer. I don't own any of the other computers on the network.
Try installing that version again, but choosing a new installation directory. That would rule out some plugin or other artifact you left in the installation directory.
Then just do a "quick connect" (like I did) to the MUD.
If that fails, I would have to suspect:
The operating system (eg. a rule in its firewall)
The router (again, some firewall rule)
Something upstream (eg. if you are at school or at work) may be blocking "non-authorized ports".
Okay, I tried installing it in a different place; it still didn't work.
The problem isn't the router; I just tried a different network, and I still couldn't connect.
I'm not at school or work; I'm at home.
I don't know how to change the firewall in the OS; I've never had to do that before (at least not on Win7). How can I set an exception for that?
I am able to connect to different MUDs, and I can connect to the desired one fine using different clients.
As for the Stunnel thing, I really don't want to install more stuff. Are there any other possibilities?
Okay, I tried installing it in a different place; it still didn't work.
The problem isn't the router; I just tried a different network, and I still couldn't connect.
I'm not at school or work; I'm at home.
I don't know how to change the firewall in the OS; I've never had to do that before (at least not on Win7). How can I set an exception for that?
So you tried the same computer on a different network? Okay, yeah that rules out your ISP and router.
I'm sorry, I've run out of ideas. I tried setting up Windows 7 a moment ago to block MUSHclient, and got this:
Unable to connect to "Untitled world", code = 10013 (Permission denied)
Error occurred during phase: Connecting to world: 173.255.255.197, port 8888
For assistance with connection problems see:
http://www.gammon.com.au/forum/?id=8369
So you definitely get a message if the firewall blocks you. You tried doing a "quick connect" which would rule out strange plugins and things?
And you can get to other MUDs? And you can use other clients?
Well this is a very bizarre problem. I could connect to that MUD once I removed the firewall rule I just added. It's not as if MUSHclient doesn't like that MUD.
Quote:
The problem isn't the router; I just tried a different network, and I still couldn't connect.
I'm not at school or work; I'm at home.
Could you explain that part? You "tried a different network" - at home? How many networks do you have in your home?
Oh, the different network thing. I'm using a laptop; I was at a friend's place and tried his network.
This is incredibly bizarre, since I was able to connect the first time, and I've just been unable to get on since. And I never had this problem on my old computer...
I just don't know. After all, I can connect. You can connect if you go to another house. All the other people on the MUD can connect.
It worked on your old computer. It works with a different client.
If you couldn't connect with another client I would suggest some sort of rule in your router is doing it. But since that isn't the case I'm stumped.
It's hardly the client's fault if, upon moving houses, it works. It doesn't know what network you are on.
My only other guess here would be you are blocked by the MUD - that might explain the symptoms. For example, you insulted their admins maybe? They may have put an IP block on you. Then when you move houses you get a different IP address.
But that doesn't explain why you can connect with another client. Until it sends down client information (which you would see in the packet debug) the other end can't know what client you have.
Its possible that the company you got the laptop from has actually "blocked" certain ports, precisely because they are considered vulnerable. Though, why the hell the firewall wouldn't generate some sort of connection message, or asking you if you want to allow the program, is beyond me. But, that is the last thing in the chain. It has to be the bloody firewall.
I think some firewalls (especially running on the actual PC) can let certain programs through and not others. And possibly on a port-by-port basis. However I would have thought that if you reinstalled you would get a different executable file, and thus it would be rechecked.
If there was some obscure problem with MUSHclient with port 8888, I wouldn't be able to connect either. But I can.
I'm not really a Windows 7 expert, but is there some log file (in Control Panel) you can check to see if there is a message about blocking a port?
Nice to know. And, yeah Nick, even the basic Windows firewall, under XP, if set a certain way, will throw up a message, "Such and such is trying to access the internet, do you want to allow it.", if its not using the standard ports that get used for 'normal' stuff, like HTTP.
