Connection Issues

If you are having connection issues such as:
Cannot get through pre-launcher
Frequent or random booting while online
No internet connection detected

Please read through the following notes where you may find assistance for your problem.

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Connecting Two Accounts At The Same Time

Many households have two or more pc's and will want to connect two accounts at the same time.  To do so, you will need to disable UPNP in your router.  The following instructions are for a Linksys router, but your router admin will be similar.

Log into your router admin site.  This should be a web page and it may use the same IP number as below.

Type in your browser address bar (this must be done from the pc/laptop using the wireless connection)  http://192.168.1.1  A log in screen will open as below:

User name admin, password admin. 
Once logged in, under Applications and Gaming, place Phantom in the application name, and the ports to opwn are 2302-2305, check the enable box.

Click Save Settings.

Under Administration, disable the UPnP.  Click Save Settings, and close.

Now when you log in, each pc/laptop must check a different port number on the Multiplayer screen.

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If you have previously been able to log in and play, and since an update, or something changed on your pc, you cannot, the first thing to check is your modem.

Shut down your pc. Then shut off your modem for 3 minutes. Restart your modem and then when it synchs up, restart your pc. This will allow your modem to reset and may allow you to log back in. 

Be sure that you check any "exception list" that you previously had for your virus software, router, or modem, to allow access to the Phantom games. Sometimes they can reset themselves to the default values, so this is a good place to start looking.

If you are running XP Home with Service Pack 2 installed, we have to find out if your pc is allowing the connection to the servers.

Go to Start, Control Panel, Security Center At the bottom click Manage Security Settings For: Windows Fireall

On the General Tab, make sure that Windows Firewall is off.
On the Exceptions Tab, check to see that there is a OnlineCasino,
OLCLauncher and Prelauncher with the boxes checked.
If any of the above are not there Click Add Program:

In the Path window, click Browse
Now Click C drive, Program Files, Phantom EFX, Online Casino.

Depending on which of the above files is missing, you can find them here: in the Bin directory, you can find the OnIineCasino.exe and the Prelauncher.exe
In the Launcher directory, you will find the OLCLauncher.exe

Whichever one you need, highlight it and click Open. It will then add that to your exception list.
Do this for any or all of the three files not shown in the Exception list.

Opening Ports:
On the Advanced Tab, highlight your Connection, then click Settings.
On the services tab, you may not have a port open for the OLCLauncher as show below.

Click Add.



In the Description of Service, type in OLCLauncher
In Name or IP Address, type in the IP address of your pc
In External Port number, check the UDP and type in 2302
In Internal Port numer, type in 2302. Click Ok, then OK to close all windows.

When you log in, be sure that Port 1 is checked on the Multiplayer log in screen.
Click Ok and close after this is finished. Then try to connect.

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If you still cannot connect, then try running a tracert to check to see if your pc is communicating with our server, or if there is a connection issue somewhere along the internet.

To run a tracert, go to Start / Programs / Accessories / Command Prompt
At the command prompt type in tracert 147.202.23.10 and hit enter.
Now look at all the individual "hops" between you and us.

If any one of them is timing out, or is taking an inordinate amount of time to connect as compared to the one before it and after it, this may be your issue. At this point call your ISP and have them check the route.

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If you get through the prelauncher, through the launcher and it hangs at the opening screen, then try this.

Delete these files, one at a time, attempting to connect after each one before trying the next one.

In the C:\Program Files\Phantom EFX\OnlineCasino\ Delete the LocalPref.bin and the MP3Directory.txt

In the C:\Program Files\Phantom EFX\OnlineCasino\LocalDB directory, delete the LocalDB.txt file

In C:\Program Files\Phantom EFX\OnlineCasino\LocalDB\OnlineCasino delete the Accountlnfo.raw and Playerlnfo.raw

In the C:\Program FilesYPhantom EFX\OnlineCasino\LocalDB\OnlineSlots delete the Accountlnfo.raw and
Playerlnfo.raw

These files will download again when you log in. You may also need to change ports that you are logging in with.

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Virus/Firewall Software

Many ISP's also offer virus software included with their services.  Companies such as Charter and Cox Cable will offer virus packages dubbed "Security Suite Version XXX". These programs normally are overkill, and many of them do not offer features to allow you to input an "exception" list. Newer versions of ZoneAlarm, Nortons and even AOL Security Suite may prevent you from connecting to the prelauncher.

If you are getting a No Internet Connection message, or cannot get through the prelauncher, you can try uninstalling your virus software to determine if this is your issue. If so, I recommend Grisofts AVG free virus software.
It is an excellent program.

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Frequent or Random boots while online

The online games are highly memory-intensive games. When you are logged in and playing for a long period of time, your virtual memory is quickly depleted. Then you join a tournament, it freezes, you get booted, and the server gets blamed :)

First, check your virtual memory settings. Go To, Start, Settings, Control Panel, System.  Click Advanced tab, then Performance, click Settings.  Click Advanced, and check Virtual Memory. You can set it to 1 1/2 times the amount of RAM in your pc.  then Save.

Depending on the amount of RAM you have installed in your pc, as well as your processor, you may even be able to increase it more. Your system will tell you if it does not support a further increase.  Another thing to remember is this. If you have been logged in for a couple of hours, it is always wise to log out then back in to free up available memory for the game.

Additionally, if you are sitting in the lobby, chit chatting, you will use more memory, and often get "server not responding" messages more.  This is due to the fact that the lobby is continually having players come
and go, and "packets" of information constantly sent back and forth to the server. If you are playing with minimum memory required, have many programs running etc, this can attribute to the lag and the server messages you get in the lobby.|

Programs such as instant message services, automatic updates, screensavers, all can contribute to a disconnect issue you may be having.

To shut down all start up items, go to Start, Run, type in msconfig. Now disable all start up items, reboot your pc and log in.

Another problem that can affect your connection, as well as your lag in the games is spyware/adware. As you surf the internet, you can pick up a lot of spyware. These, like temp internet files, can eventually pile up and slow your pc to a crawl.

I recommend running a good spyware/adware remover at least weekly, along with cleaning out your temp internet files. (see Below)

Simple things such as this can reduce the number of boots you get:)

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What is adware?

Adware is advertising supported software. It is software that can be downloaded free from the web, but contains banner advertisements that create revenue for the company. Adware will usually, like Spyware, install components on your computer that will send marketing information whenever you are online. Unlike Spyware, Adware contains a disclosure telling you that they will be using your information. It is important to read the privacy policy when downloading Adware.

Adware has been criticized because it usually includes code that tracks a user's personal information and passes it on to third parties, without the user's authorization or knowledge. This practice has been dubbed spyware and has prompted an outcry from computer security and privacy advocates, including the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

A number of software applications are available to help computer users search for and remove suspected spyware programs.

Symptoms of a Spyware or Adware Infected Computer

What is Spyware Software?

Spyware software is a program, usually downloaded for free from the Internet, that sends information from the user's computer without their knowledge whenever the computer connects to the Internet. Usually the information sent is benign in nature, mostly concerned with general marketing information (ie., spending habits) rather than specific information like credit card numbers, although some programs are capable of retrieving specific information as well.

The problem with Spyware software lies in the fact that this information is transmitted without informed consent. Additionally, Spyware software programs are sometimes poorly written, containing bugs and causing the computer to malfunction. These spyware software programs do not respect your privacy. It does not know whether the computer user is a child and will destroy the privacy of your children.

Spyware Detection

There are many products available today that are able to detect and delete Spyware on your computer. A quick search of the Internet will turn up lots of companies ready to sell "Antispyware" to anyone with a credit card. You can buy products to protect against Spyware, warn you if Spyware is present on your computer and automatically delete any Spyware detected.

But look a little closer and you will also find many excellent free programs able to detect and remove Spyware. A good resource to start with is Spyware Info, they carry recomendations for all sorts of software products that concern Internet privacy. There are even a site (Spyware Checker) with almost a thousand software titles in their database that will tell you if your software is spyware or not. You just type in the software you'd like to download, and the site will tell you if it's Spyware or not. Other sites will walk you through the process to delete the software without leaving any Spyware behind on you system.

Spyware Removal

There are several different techniques for removing Spyware. You can visit one of the web sites that lists the purveyors of Spyware. Usually they will also give you a step-by-step procedure for removing the Spyware. It is important to follow their steps exactly. If you try to delete it on your own you may inadvertently leave the program that is sending information in your computer.

Another way to remove Spyware, especially if you think you may have more than one program sending out information, is to buy a Spyware removal program or use one of the popular free versions of Spyware removal software like Lavasoft's Ad-Aware. There are several good programs available, and most will not only remove spyware, but they will also act as a "guard dog" to prevent Spyware from making it's way onto your computer in the future.

The most effective way to keep your computer free of insidious software, and to keep your computer and your family safe, is to combine several programs. An "Antispyware" program, like those discussed above, will stop information from leaking out of your computer.

How To Eliminate Temp Files

If you use a Windows computer, you need to have a little working knowledge of temporary files. Windows and Windows applications create temporary files as they run. Working programs store bits of data in files called temporary or temp files. These are files that can be erased when they are no longer needed.

In an ideal situation, these temp files are deleted when the applications close. Yet poorly written programs, improper shutdowns, program hangs, and computer crashes often leave unneeded temporary files on the hard drive. Over time, these files accumulate, eating up hard disk space and, at times, impairing computer performance. If your computer is acting sluggish, deleting accumulated temp files may help to speed it up. In addition, some shutdown problems and download problems can be cured by cleaning up your temp files.

Disk Cleanup Wizard

Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP come with a Disk Cleanup Wizard that streamlines the process of clearing out unwanted temp files. To access the Wizard, click on the Start button and choose Programs (All Programs in Windows XP). Then choose Accessories, System Tools, and Disk Cleanup. (A shortcut is to click on Start, choose Run, and type in cleanmgr.)

The wizard will give you the option of cleaning up all your hard drive partitions, if you have more than one. It will show you how much space is being consumed by unneeded temporary Internet files, as well as other temporary files, downloaded program files, and offline Web pages. This Disk Cleanup Helper will even empty the Recycle Bin for you. Just check the box in front of the item, click OK, and the wizard will clean up your disk. Get rid of at least the temporary Internet files and other temporary files. Remember that the files in the Recycle Bin take up hard drive space, so you may want to have the wizard empty your trash as well.

Eliminate Windows 95 Temp Files

If you are still using Windows 95, your job is slightly harder, because Windows 95 has no Cleanup Wizard. Start by closing all running programs. Then click on My Computer, open the C drive, and then open the Windows folder. Click on the Temp folder to open it. Delete all of the folders and files by highlighting them and pressing the Delete key. You can delete many of these at the same time by holding down the CTRL key and clicking on several files in succession. Pressing the Delete key will erase all the files that you have highlighted. When deleting these files, you may get a message that a file cannot be deleted or is in use. Just skip that file and move on to the next one. If you have never cleaned out your temp files, you may be surprised to find hundreds or even thousands of temp files. Each will end in .tmp, and some may have a tilde ~ in front of their names. All can be deleted. The Temporary Internet Files folder (typically C:\Windows\Temporary Internet Files) can be accessed and cleaned in the same way. Remember that all of these deleted files will wind up in your Recycle Bin, and you will have to right-click on the Recycle Bin to empty it.

Errant Temp Files

Occasionally, a temporary file will find its way into the root directory of the C drive. These errant files can interfere with the computer's operations. Every few months, you may want to click on My Computer, click on the C: drive, and scroll down. If you see any files that end in .tmp, you can safely delete them by highlighting and pressing the Delete key. If you see other .tmp files while you are working on your computer, they may be the files that are open on your computer at that time. You will not be able to delete a temp file that is actively being used. If, however, the .tmp file is not being currently used, you can delete it with no adverse consequences.

Cleaning out your temporary files on a regular basis will help keep your computer running smoothly.

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Bellsouth and the Westell 6100 modem

This addresses the situation where a person cannot maintain an internet connection when using BellSouth DSL and the Westell 6100 modem.

The issue appears to be that because BellSouth does not want multiple computers attached to the same DSL line, they send the 6100 modem out  with several internal features disabled. One of those features is "port forwarding" which is apparently somehow required for use by the MSN chat client.

There are two ways around this issue.

The first way MAY work. The second should be taken AFTER the first has failed.

First, connect to the BellSouth Fast Access Internet log in page by directing your browser to here:
http://192.168.lJ54/

Log in with your account name and password.
On the left hand menu, click on "EXPERT MODE."
Click on Configure from the menu and then NAT in the sub-menu.
Use the pull down menu under "Service Name" and select "MSN Messenger."
You may get a confirming window that for selecting this service.
After that, exit the configuring screen, and give it a try.

If that does not work, try setting up an account through the "Connections Wizard" in Windows.
Go to the Control Panel, and then to Network Connections.
Select "Create a New Connection" and a "Wizard" window appears.
Click next, then select "Connect to the internet so that you can browse the Web and read email."
Click "next" to advance to the next screen.
Select the second option of "Set up my connection manually," then click "next."
Under the next screen, select the second option of "Connect using a broadband connection that requires a user name and password." Again click "next." Type in what you wish to call this connection. (" BellSouth DSL" for
instance.) Click next.
Type in your BellSouth user name, and password, and confirmation of the password. Also, click OFF the "Turn on Internet Connection Firewall for this connection." Click next.
The final screen will ask if you want a shortcut on your desktop. Check the box and have a shortcut put on the desktop.  "Finish" the setup.

After that, with the modem plugged in, you should be able to sign onto BellSouth's DSL service using the shortcut and connection you created.

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Two Wire Modem/Router

If you are using the 2 wire modem/router that some DSL companies provide, you may not be able to log in to Online Casino with it enabled.

The first thing to try is this:

Click on your 2Wire icon on the taskbar, click on Home network and Internet, click on the firewall (lock) icon, then Advance Settings, to your right will be the word Instructions, At the bottom you will see Miscellaneous, uncheck it and click Save. Now try to log in.

If that does not work, below is a suggestion that you may wish to try that
has worked for other users.

Disconnet your DSL router/modem completely, and use a dial up account (even a free one like netzero will work)to log into the games.

^Remember to take ALL filters off your phones when you do this and remember to plug your phone line back into your processor and not the 2-Wire modem"

Once you are logged into the game, stay there - then re-connect your DSL 2-wire modem up to the point of switching the phone line from dial up to placing the filter on and placing the phone line back into the modem from
your processor.

Once you have it all set up, quickly switch the phone line from dial up to the DSL system...you will obviously lose your dial-up connection, but don't worry about that and DO NOT CLOSE anything.
Leave everything alone until your modem connects to DSL and all your lights turn green. When this happens re-connect to the internet via your DSL or an Internet Explorer window.

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Cannot Connect with your Router

In your modem/router advanced setup options, click on DMZ hosting and be sure it is turned on. Check to see if your IP address is correct and complete. If not, got to Start/Run Type in cmd then ipconfig and get your complete IP address. Go back to the Advanced settings in your router, and type in the complete IP address, Save and restart your pc.

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Opening Ports on your Router

The following instructions are generic. Your router configuration may differ from these instructions. An excellent site for obtaining more assistance with various models of routers/modems is Portforward.com

Click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections and then click Network Connections.

If you have a dial-up Internet connection, under Dial-up, click the connection you use for the Internet. If you have a cable modem or digital subscriber line (DSL) connection, under LAN or High-Speed Internet, click the connection you use for the Internet.

Under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.
On the Advanced tab, make sure that the check box Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet is selected.

Click Settings On the Services tab, click Add
In Description of service, type a name so that you can identify the port you want to open. For example: Phantom Port 1. Type a name that will help you remember the service and the port. You can use any name that you want. The name does not have any effect on the functionality but is only to help you remember.

In Name or IP address of the computer hosting this service on your network, type your IP number
In External Port number for this service and Internal Port number for this service, type the port number (the same number in both boxes). The port numbers are:
UDP Ports: 2302-2305 Click either TCP or UDP, and then click OK.

Repeat this process for each port that needs to be opened.

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Intermittent loss of Internet Connection

An intermittent loss of your connection to the Internet is often caused by electronic or physical interference.

-Cordless phones and other electronic devices are the most common cause of intermittent Internet connectivity issues. Cordless phone systems running at 2.4 GHz often run at the same frequency as your DSL modem
or home networking router. If you are experiencing intermittent connectivity issues, you may need to replace your cordless phone with one that runs at a different frequency.

-Large metal objects and electrical equipment such as televisions, home entertainment electronics, and microwaves can also cause interference.  Try to keep your DSL modem and wireless home networking router away from these sources of electronic interference.

-Check with your neighbor. You may both be running wireless networks at the same frequency. The solution may be as easy as changing the channel of your wireless router.

-Physical obstructions such as walls, floors, home entertainment electronics, appliances, and furniture can cause interference if the wireless signals have to pass through them. Move your DSL modem or wireless home networking router to another location so it isn't in the line-of-sight of these potential interference factors.

-Your phone jack may be defective or damaged. Try connecting the modem to a different phone jack, if possible. If the hiss and background noise is gone, the initial phone jack is defective and should be replaced.

-The phone cord that connects your modem to the phone jack may be damaged and need replacing. If your phone cord is over 14 feet long, the signal may be weakened sufficiently that it is intermittently lost.

-DSL filters are needed on all phone devices except the DSL modem. If you have more than one phone line entering your home, DSL filters should also be installed on the second line, even if it is not connected to your DSL equipment.
-The inside phone wiring in your home may also cause intermittent loss of the DSL signal. Shorts, grounds, poor line quality, etc. can degrade the DSL signal.

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Did you know that turning your modem off for 15 seconds can help solve DSL connectivity problems?

Do you have any of these problems?
-Your connection seems slow or you have lost DSL connectivity.
-You only see a "Page cannot be displayed" error message when you open your browser.
-Three green lights do not appear on your modem.
-You have had a power outage or connectivity issue in your area.

To help solve any of these problems you can do the following:
-Use the power switch on the back of the modem to turn off the power, wait 15 seconds, and then turn the modem back on. After waiting 45 seconds to allow the modem to synchronize to the server, try reconnecting
to the Internet.

Note: If your modem doesn't have an on/off switch, unplug the modem from its power source in place of turning the modem off.

-If your modem is plugged into a surge protector, try plugging it directly into the power outlet in the wall.

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