Cannot Connect to Host on Internet Game

[Neil]

This is a re-post from another board (hence the "updates" toward the end).

I have tried to play NTW on my desktop gaming computer that goes through an 8-port D-Link router using DD-WRT firmware. I continually got the "No response from host" error every time I tried an internet multiplayer game. I even tried port forwarding. This was a number of years ago. Recently my friend and I tried again, having the same issue. I have a gaming laptop that goes through a different router (DIR-615, factory firmware) and we tried it there and all worked great! However, connecting to the wi-fi off of the 8-port the connection issues were seen for the laptop as well. This isolated the issue to the 8-port router, it would seem. On a whim I removed the port forwarding, and much to my surprise the game worked through 8-port for both the desktop and laptop. Problem solved!

Or so I thought.

Today we tried to play through the 8-port again and the connection problem is back. Ports are still not forwarded, nothing was changed on the router since the time it was working (other than being unplugged and plugged in again).

So I'm looking for ideas of what to try next. Switching the routers is not an option. Neither is hard wiring the desktop to the other router (not only are no ports available, but is on the other side of the house). Oddly enough, the working router connects to the 8-port, which in turn connects to the internet. I'm not a router expert by any means, but I've had some success working with them.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

1/31/2018 Update: Now it's not working through either router. Odd that at times one router works and at other times (most of the time) it doesn't. I tried adding a router between the 8-port and the desktop, but, of course, that didn't work either.

2/2/2018 Update: I've tried a number of things, none of which have worked.

Connected directly to the cable modem, bypassing home network.
Booted in safe mode.
Connected to a hotspot off my iPhone.
Disabled all anti-virus and firewalls.
Set the computer IP in my router to DMZ.
Verified files through Steam.
Turned off Family Mode in Steam
Running program in Windows 7 compatibility mode.
Running program in Administrator mode.

At this point I'm thinking it has to be an issue with the program, or perhaps Steam. My friend across the country has no problems and is running through Steam. This is pretty weird.

[Coola]

Same here... I have no problem with Shogun 2 or Attila or any other game, but Napoleon just constantly telling me that Host is not responding, or game doesnt exist....

[Simon Lancaster [ANWF]]

Port forwarding or setting your Steam region to something else are among some of the suggestions to this problem.

[Simon Lancaster [ANWF]]

My friend actually has this problem. He can host okay, though. Others can join his game. I suggest another workaround would be to get some friends together and host the game yourself.

[Neil]

Thanks for the replies.

My friend and I don't have any other common Total War game. I may have to buy one he has and give it a try.

I had port forwarding and that wasn't working years ago. Oddly enough when I took it off we were able to connect one time. But nothing since then.

Not sure I understand aobut "Steam region", I'll research that.

Just tried hosting and my friend couldn't get in. I'm not at home and using a different wifi, so I'll have to try it once I get home.

Thanks again for the replies.

[Simon Lancaster [ANWF]]

Steam - Settings - Download. You can change the region of your Steam server. It has worked for some people.

[Neil]

OK, tried that with two differnt download sites and no joy. :(

[Neil]

I may have found a solution! When you have Steam create a desktop shortcut, such as I have, this is a shortcut to a URL: "steam://rungameid/34030". I presume if started from the game library page in Steam the same URL is used. I have instead gone directly to the executable and run that instead. I'm now able to join Internet games! Creating a desktop shortcut for the executable also works, as one would expect.