Can not log into character/server

[Shadowhusky]

I've uninstalled and reinstalled POL/FFXI twice now and I keep getting the same problem. Every time I get to the character selection screen and try to log into my main or my mule, I get the downloading data in the corner and it stays there for about 30 seconds before timing out. I've had a friend try and log me in on their computer and it works fine for them no problems. So it has to be something on my end. I've tried logging in with and without it running in a "window".

I'm going to try later tonight on reinstalling it yet again. Any ideas on what could be causing it?

[Day]

What's changed since the last time you logged into your character on your PC?

Edit:
To me it sounds like you need to look into port forwarding, or disabling some Firewall/Virus software... kind of hard to tell at this point, but your network is timing out for some reason or another.

What OS are you on?
If Vista are you running program as admin?
Are you using Windower? If so any plugins?

[Shadowhusky]

I've reinstalled XP home on my computer since the last time. It's all the same settings as it was before I reinstalled. As I said in my first post, I tried logging in without the windower and it's still timing out.

[Day]

Ok wasn't sure if you meant SE's windower or the real windower.

Hmm, I'm not sure whats happening, sounds like something is blocking the connection to your specific server. Not sure how all that works... I'm probably not going to be a lot of help sadly, but I'll think it over.

So reinstall of XP is what's changed... Windows Firewall or some other AV software possibly blocking it?

I'll do some googling for my last hour of work :D

Edit: Tried powercycling modem/router since installing?

[Shadowhusky]

I'm using a COMODO firewall and it's set to allow FFXI run. I've turned off the windows firewall as well.

[Day]

Couple things... Can you try disabling all your Firewall stuff for just long enough to test?

Also I came across the below post in response to others with your exact issue. Make sure you got Pol.exe allowed as well as polboot.exe. Can also try the port forwarding as described below.

I noticed allot of posts regarding error FFXI-3001. I had the same problem. I have Symantec (software) Firewall and a Linksys Router on my system. I did some research on these boards and I notice allot of people where saying disable your firewall. While this works it has the potential of being very dangerous to your system. Disabling your firewall now opens you up to the many vicious attackers out there, this is HIGHLY NOT SUGGESTED.

Here is my suggestion to you, this worked for me:

1. On your router. If you have the option to add "Applications & Gaming" ports. Enter POLBOOT.EXE with port range of 50000 - 65535 protocols are “BOTH” (tcp/udp) and then what ever IP address of your machine is.

2. On your router, again. If you have the option to add "Applications & Gaming" ports. Enter POL.EXE with port range of 50000 - 65535 protocols are “BOTH” (tcp/udp) and then what ever IP address of your machine is.

3. On your firewall you must add the above two applications you set in your router, now on your firewall. You should be able to add polboot.exe and pol.exe to a list of programs your Firewall permits and denies. For these two programs you want to "Permit All" for their "Internet Access".

-This worked for me and it should work for you. This is not set in stone, but has been a proven solution. In addition, if anyone has another useful suggestion, please let us know.

[Shadowhusky]

I'll try this later tonight when I get around to reinstalling FFXI.

[Shadowhusky]

Okay so I thought it was the hardware firewall blocking the ports. But I guess it was my software firewall that didn't lean to let it through. So the problem is solved now, thanks anyways.