Connecting to the Zone
 

Why can't I connect to the Zone ?

The Zone is always up and running. Our operations team constantly monitors the Zone to ensure there are no connectivity and functionality problems. Of course, it's always possible for the Zone to go down, but that happens very rarely. Note that every Thursday morning our operations team updates Zone information, adds new games, and corrects reported problems. During this time, the Zone may be inaccessible for about an hour.

It's important to remember that when you connect to the Zone, your connection travels through many different networks before reaching the Zone or Microsoft. Your request is first sent through your ISP (Internet Service Provider), and then, before reaching the Zone, through the various routers, switches, and servers that make up the Internet. Anywhere along its route, your connection can become broken, or be slowed by a problem such as large traffic volume and heavy use of network resources. There are many factors that can affect your connection to the Internet.

Can I check to see if I'm even connecting to Microsoft ?

Yes. In your Web browser's address box, type a URL for any Microsoft site. If you can access any Microsoft Web sites, such as /games , then you have successfully connected to the Microsoft computer servers.

I can browse and download files from the Internet without a problem . I only currently have problems with the Zone . Why ?

The Zone gaming service establishes a two-way link between your computer and a variety of servers that perform different tasks. Unlike browsing the Web or downloading files, which is often requesting and receiving a stream of data, this bidirectional link is more sensitive to disruptions in the network and harder to maintain in synch.

Why does the Zone disconnect me from my game ?

The Zone does not disconnect players from a game. When playing a game on the Zone, you can become disconnected if there is a communications problem between your computer and ISP, between the ISP and the Internet, or between the Internet and the Zone.

The type of game you're playing also affects your connection. Games that require a host, such as Age of Empires and X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter, are peer-to-peer games. After the host launches a peer-to-peer game, connections are also established between all the other players. So if a host decides to quit the game, the game will still continue.

What is a suspended Zone session , and does it affect my connection to the Zone ?

Often when playing Premium games, such as Fighter Ace, you will receive a message saying, "Your Zone session is suspended." Only your ZoneMessage chat is really suspended; your actual connection to the Zone remains unbroken. You will still be able to chat with other players in the game, but you will be temporarily unable to receive ZoneMessages or send them to other members. The Zone suspends your chat connection so that the outside Zone chats will not interfere with your gameplay.

Why can't I get into a game room when I'm connected to the Zone ?

Although you are able to connect to the Zone Web site, you may not be signed in to the Zone. Try navigating to the page of a completely different game -- for example, Chess if you're in Spades. You should be prompted for your Member ID and password if you haven't logged in successfully yet.

When you enter a game room, you maintain a connection with the Zone Web site services. When you play a game, you establish a different connection, to either the host of a retail, CD-ROM-based game or Microsoft gaming servers. A connection is made with the host player's computer when you play a peer-to-peer game. With this type of connection, you are subject to the quality of connection that both the host and each player have. A connection is made to the Microsoft gaming server when you play client-server games, such as Checkers, Chess, and Fighter Ace -- games that don't require a CD.

If you are dropped from a game, you do not need to sign on again in the Zone, because you're still connected to the Zone Web site. To join another game, just go back to the setup for that same game or join a different one in the room.

When you access the Internet Gaming Zone through a proxy or firewall, you may be unable to matchmake in peer-to-peer games. Network latency lights may also not be available. An easy way to determine if you are unable to connect because of a proxy is to try playing a game of Backgammon, Spades, or Reversi. If you can host or join these games successfully but are unable to play retail and Premium games on the Zone, it may be because of your proxy server settings. To successfully play these games, you must disable the proxy or firewall setting and select a modem connection.

I want to make sure that I have the fastest connection possible when playing . Can I do anything to ensure that my connection is at its maximum efficiency ?

There are many variables involved in achieving the best connection possible. Make sure that you have the most recent modem drivers available from your modem's manufacturer. In certain circumstances, changes or additions to the modem's Init. String may be required. Consult either your modem manufacturer or your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for help with this procedure, if necessary.

When I'm hosting a game and other players join , the latency indicator shows me with a good , green connection but the other players are displayed with a poor or unknown connection . In chat , the other players communicate that my latency is poor and that their own latency indicators show them having a good connection . Why does this happen and what can I do to fix it ?

The latency indicator is a way to verify your current connection with other players. When you're looking at your own latency indicator, it will always appear green, because you're viewing your own connection. The latency indicator is not constantly updated. It may take a few minutes before the latency indicator updates the current connection between the players. If you are showing that the other players have a bad connection, wait a few minutes for the latency indicator to update. If some of the players still have a poor or unknown connection, the host can ask them to exit out of the game setup and enter back in again.

I'm connected to the Zone , but I'm having problems establishing a game connection . Is there anything I can do ?

Here are some solutions:

  1. Refresh your browser. The link may have been updated since the game was last played.
  2. Make sure Zsetup.exe is not marked as "Read-only." To do this:
    • Go to c:\program files\microsoft internet gaming zone
    • Right-click on Zsetup or Zsetup.exe and select Properties
    • If Read - only is checked, uncheck it
  3. If you are using Internet Explorer, select View\Internet Options in the menu bar.
    • In the General tab, Temporary Internet files section, click Delete Files . This will delete all files in the Temporary Internet Files folder.
    • Click OK .
    Where can I find more information on how to troubleshoot problems on the Zone or Zone games ?

    You can find more information by going to Microsoft's Personal Online Support page. This site maintains a large collection of answers to our members' most frequently asked questions. It also contains product support information about all other Microsoft products. You can also find more information by participating in our technical chats and newsgroups.