How to get Red Alert 2 working on a LAN
Aug 13th, 2006 by Leendert
Red Alert 2 is fun. It’s even more fun to play it against a human opponent. For example through a LAN. Here’s howto.
Thanks to “Diaz”
- Install IPX protocol, on the nextwork device that will allow networking. (anything from a crossover to a router to a switch to wireless everything will work)
How to: start - settings - Network and dial up connections - right_click on the network device - properties.
A new window will show up with a list of services and protocols. Click install and select add protocol. Select the NWlink IPX/(other protocols). - Now select properties of this new protocol. Internal Network should be 00000000. Under frame type, select 802.3, or experiment with 802.2 or ether II. Change number to a unique network value on both computers. ex: computer1, 00000001. computer2, 00000002. Click ok.
- Find your MAC address: Start - Run - type ‘CMD’ - Command prompt appears. Type ‘ipconfig /all’ and the information of all network cards should scroll by. Find the network card you set up for IPX and note its MAC address. A MAC address looks like this: 00-1A-B4-A2-01-D1 (keep this for later)
- Configure RA2: Options - Network, select the same MAC address in the drop down menu as you took in note the first time. Leave everything else as default (empty). If this fails, try selecting different socket numbers.
- Re-install RA2: Only if nothing else works. That is a last resort, only if you have a software glitch somwhere that doesnt allow RA2 to recognise the new IPX configuration. In my case my original RA2 cd-rom didn’t work, but after removing it and installing an “illegal” version downloaded from the internet it worked! Probably due to the fact that it’s a “fresh” Red Alert 2 installation.
- Have fun!
ok i get it.. but the mac adress is the physical address?
and it says on the internet one, westwood online support library isnt there or not installed right, so what up with that?
Yes, the MAC address is the physical address.
I don’t know the error you mentioned about the westwood online support library not being there. Maybe reinstalling the package after removing it completely might help?
do you have any tips on how to get it to work over hamachi? My friend and I set it up the way you said but could never see each other in the lobby. And what should we enter for the “destination network” in RA2’s lan setup screen?
Hi Matt
There’s an excellent article on the HamachiWiki site (renamed to LogMeInWiki):
http://logmeinwiki.com/wiki/Hamachi:Red_Alert_2
Make sure you use the right version of Hamachi as there might be some issues in some versions:
http://forums.hamachi.cc/viewtopic.php?t=13823
Enjoy the game!
Hey thanks for the quick reply! I was hoping someone made a guide like that- I’ll try it out when I get a chance.
I type down on CMD ipconfig and it says something blah blah doesn’t exist oO wth?
Sorry Lima, I can’t help you with the information you provided. Please copy the message into Google and find out what it means or paste the complete message in here.
Nevermind.
I’m using Hamachi, becase I have a router.
So, I set up on my hamachi network connection on control panel the IP protocol.
The internal number left it at 00000000, picked Ethernet 802.2 and network number 00000001 for me and 00000002 for my friend.
Hamachi frame is 802.2, well I think trying others is pointless, no?
And we both changed the Network card in RA2 Network Options to:
00 00 00 0x : MAC adress corresponding to each other
But it’s not working still, I can’t see him on the lobby
if someone wants to play Red alert 2 on Hamashi ..then contact me on my msn : zangar_zangar@hotmail.com
Hey dude, this is not working at all…
The Network Number should be same…
Thanks for the post. But, I still can’t get RA2 to LAN properly. I have a wireless router connecting to a desktop (wired) and a laptop (wirelessly). After setting up the IPX and getting the right MAC address, my desktop can see my laptop, but my laptop can’t see my desktop…
So that’s the problem… could there be a problem with my router?
Thanks! Without your help I would have been lost! Got RA2 network game working perfectly between 1 wired pc and a wireless laptop.
I had the same problem: try disabling all network adapters but the one you are using (disable your cable-network and Hamachi/VLAN virtual lan things and just leave your wireless as the only network adapter on (in your configuration -> network)
that might work
let us know
How can I get IPX installed on Vista? I’ve tried this:
http://www.starbase01.com/site/index.php?aid=87
It seems to install the protocol, but I cannot modify its properties, nor does Red Alert 2 recognize that I have it installed.
Is there a way to get around this, or is Vista just not able to run RA2 LAN?
Thanks.
Hello fellow comrades
Ive been trying to get RA2 to work over lan/hamachi for a while now, it seems that its really dependent on your network configuration.
So far i’ve managed to get it running between two virtual machines connected using a virtual switch with IPX protocol installed (and left on auto configure) so i know everything is fine there.
there is a really simple way of checking if IPX is working properly, there is a utility called dxdiag (start > run > dxdiag > ok) on the network tab test direct play has an IPX test. As for settings in RA2, i went for socket 12, network 00.00.00.00 (same number that was defined in the internal netwok number in IPX settings), Choosing the adapter is a different matter, the hex numbers dont represent the MAC address, they represent the IPX node binding, you can see them buy typing “ipxroute config” into cmd. I hope this info helps (if not confuses anyone even more). Just remember, there is no single setup that will make it work for you, you just have to check every point along the way to make sure everything works like you expect, start from simple wired network then try bigger. RA2 is an awesome game with just the right balance, i think it deserves a really good remake that does it justice.
But anyway, tomorrow im going to try my virtual machines over hamachi, If i get it to work i would love to play some of you guys, you can contact me on msn fx3_hdrive squiggle hotmail.com (damn you spammers) or 497808608 for ICQ.
Wish me luck
ONLY TESTED WITH HAMACHI V 1.0.0.5 OR V 1.0.0.62
* TO PLAY OTHER GAMES LIKE HL YOU NEED TO EDIT THE ALIAS.TXT FILE AND ADD OTHERS IPs .
HOW TO MAKE RA2 WORK ON HAMACHI :
http://tutorial.destralak.info/
http://logmeinwiki.com/wiki/Hamachi:Red_Alert_2
My Messenger Hotmail : zangar_zangar@hotmail.com
You are welcome
Long Life For Red Alert 2 !!!
very important
With 2 players:
We put the same network number on both pcs and it worked
Hi there,
Thanks for the advice above, my friend and I can now both see each other in the lobby, however, when either of click ‘New’ to start a new game we disappear from the lobby without the new game appearing for the other to join.
Any ideas?
Cheers, Stu
I’m having the same problem as sab. Anybody have any suggestions?
reallllllllllllllllllllllly
i dono how to thank you
really thank you very mutch
i almost lost the hope hhhhhhhhhhhhh
thankssssssss
i tryed it
it worked
merciiiiiiiiiiiiiii
for Stubert,
if you happen to have one computer with the first decade version of the game and the original, there might be some compatibility issues. I resolved this by renaming ra2, ra2md, language, langmd (all .mix files in the YR directory) as .mixf files or something else to make them unreadable, and then copying the original YR disk files onto the first decade computer, which allowed the computers to recognize each other through a regular ethernet cable and IPX protocol. I don’t know if it will work with computers that are not directly connected, but it’s worth a shot.
also, my friend and I are still having problems connecting with Hamachi. One is using 802.3 with network number 00000001 and the other is 802.3 with nn 0000002. Not sure what’s wrong, we can’t see each other in the lobby. Any idea what screwed up?
Hi
i have a problem
this may sound weird but im trying to play ra2 online witohut installing the game. I have the game but my folks wont let me install it on my new computer. does anyone know how to solve my problem?
Also if i wnated to buy a lan connecter could it work without the computer being attached to a phoneline (my old computer has no internet connection)
Plz anyone have any ideas? Thanks
hey guys i have a router in my home and i installed the ra2 in the 2 computer and install ipx network ….but i have only 1 problem when i join a game it tell me different versions between the two computer but i already installed the ra2 from the same cd to the two computers and in the same versions…plz reply
its because your discs code is the same. u have to get two seperate codes or u wont be able to link to the other cpu
Hi,
I did waat says avobe but, both cps are working with their own network and can’t see each other. But when I put on both computers the same netwok number the see each other but we can’t chat, and when one creates a game, the game doesn’t appear and the one who created the game disappers from the lobby.
Hepl!!!!!!!!!
Besides, whats the socket number, and how do I get it
This is meant to help all those who can see names in the Red Alert 2 lobby, but unable to message/create/join games. I’ve been stuck with this problem for a long time.
Turn off all firewalls
After installing RA2, get the patch from the following website and install this patch.
ftp://ftp.westwood.com/pub/redalert2/update/RA21006EN.EXE
Install Hamachi version 1.0.1.5. The later versions seem rather buggy.
http://files.hamachi.cc/HamachiSetup-1.0.1.5-en.exe
Follow the instructions in this picture.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/lv426sk/english.png
From the picture, you can see that you have to Install NWLink IPX/SPX/Netbios protocol for your Hamachi network interface. And for your IPX properties, put the following:
Internal Network Number: 00000000
Frame type: Ethernet II
Network number: 22222222
After that, please restart your computer
If you are using a router, this is the most important part: you need to do portforwarding for hamachi.If you don’t, you will only be able to see other people’s nick names but not able to message/create/join games in the RA2 lobby. Open up TCP/UDP port 3840 for your pc.
http://portforward.com/
Last step: Open up Hamachi’s preferences > Status >Connection Detailed Configuration. Check both boxes for UDP and TCP. Enter 3840 for UDP and TCP.
Click ok. You should be able to mesage/create/ join games in RA2 now.
Thanks a lot to the forum members at BSG Online Games. They are a really helpful bunch
In your RA2 Options> Network, Select the 22 22 22 22:7a 79 xx xx xx option
guys try the ethernet II option it works in my local network
also i play over the internet but i cant play with more than 2 players in game , i use kali
i used kali , hamachi , local network , vpn
hamachi doesnt work maybe i have to update the game to 1.006
if u wanna play or need help tell me
boshcash IatI msn.com
cant set up for IPX to my Vista….any solution?
Hi.. can anyone help me in my problem?
I have Ra2 and i want to play with my friend using hamachi.. i change the setting of my hamachi ipx.. and my friend do thesame thing.. then we also change the network card in ra2 option.. but still we cant see each other in the lobby.. plss help me
Hi everyone,
well, me and my friednd tried to play ra 2, over the net using hamachi,
but we somehow can’t configure it the right way, and I also have problems playing it over LAN.
so please if anyone could help me configure it over MSN, or xfire I would be thankful.
msn:vladtepes1473@hotmail.com
xfire:vladtepes1473
thanks in advance!
Yes. Finally I did it. It works. I had a problem like many others. I’ ve seen second player in Lobby but, I haen’t seen Game. Now everything is ok. It works.
I just entered in the IPX protocol properities: 22222222 for 1st pc and any other ( I’ve entered 22222223) then type of frame: Ethernet II adn external network as 00… in both PC’s. Macs in game as it is. If you had read other posts, you know which.
I haven’t instaled any updates or other, but I suppose that the serial number must be different.
oh… I have my PC connected through wire to the wireless router. The second is Laptop connect with the router wirelessly.
I hope it will help U.
if you have a server for hamachi and red alert2 and wanna play then mail me killflip hotmail dot com
Anyone that is interested in playing some Red Alert 2, I just created a group:
Server: Bitchass RA2
Password: nipples
Hi folks,
i have 2 computers one my bro, the other one mine. On my bros computer (XP) it works everthing, but with mine (Vista) i can install IPX from:
http://www.starbase01.com/site/index.php?id=22,87,0,0,1,0
(or at least it seems like it) HOWEVER i CANNOT go to properties of the connection, configure the socket number and stuff like i did with my bros one. Also Red Alert 2 (the coolest game in the world (with Yuri’s Revenge)!!!) doesnt recognize i’ve installed it… Everything is fine till here. Any help with how to go to properties of it nd change it nd make Red Alert 2 recognize i HAVE IPX installed?
Thanks in advance, contact me with tassilosch@hotmail.com
Thanks and really, help would be GREAT!
Tass
I would recommend you installing Ra2 with different CdKeys, thats the problem me and my friend had before we sorted it out with the cdkeys =o
I just hope someone will help us using vista! i really want to play this game on lan!!
thank you for the help. orayt!
Im currently trying to set up a hamachi network for gaming RA2YR and some other stuff as well, so everyone who wants to play few times a week could sign in there and we could all together try to establish some games.
sry, forgot to post the server data ^^
well:
Name: WorldWideGamers
Password: iamgamer
i have a problem that we are not seen each other in lobby please help
me step by step.thanks
I was trying to play the Yuri’s revenge on lan bt in one of my pc’s i don get the new game option only the join button is visible plus it cannot see the games that are created using the other pc so i cannot join. In the other pc everything is working.
About “Now select properties of this new protocol”…
You are never going to find properties for the ipx protocol.
And about “Configure RA2: Options - Network, select the same MAC address in the drop down menu as you took in note the first time.”
Even if you have installed the ipx fix for vista, you will still find the text “ipx not available” in the drop down menu.
Tried a game the other night on a win xp sp2 machine - turned off firewall (NIS 2008).
I installed IPX on my ethernet card - looked up my ethernet cards MAC / physical address address via network properties - started game - chose CORRECT Mac address in network, leave rest blank - and proceeded to lobby. once i started game - other lan player was able to join wia a wireless connection (once he had set his up as above)
Long time since i played this game - very cool!
Hey this is a good article, I also posted a detailed walkthrough on how I successfully got my computers to play!
http://tinyurl.com/3mlfpj
Leendert: replaced the url by a tinyurl to repair the lay-out)
I just repeatedly got an “Access is denied” error whenever i tried joining a game, until i went into the Properties section of the Hamachi network connection and unticked “Enable IEEE 802.1x authentication for this network”.
After that, it started working fine. This also let it work on Hamachi, too.
Just for the record, I have the Internal Network Number and Network Number set to “00000000″ for both PCs, and frametype set to Ethernet 802.2.
Yah, IEEE authentication has never been enabled on any computer I’ve ever used, ever. I have no idea what the crap it is.
On another note, there may be hope for Vista users and LAN’ing Red Alert 2, I linked to it in my previous post, but here’s a dedicated post:
http://tinyurl.com/3mlfpj
Leendert: replaced the url by a tiny-url to repair the site lay-out
guys i really loveeeeeee ra2 but i havent got some serieus challenges i own my frends very hard and 7 brutals on skirmish isnt a challenge anymore for me 2 anyone thinks he can beat me i got a mate he can join me on a 2vs2 wanna try add me on msn: e.albayrak@live.nl see you soon
note:
i have ra2 no yuris revenge
Hello
I am an active RA2 player, I know a few active networks:
A very big network:
Name: RA2Hamachi
Passw: ra2
A network of me and some friends (dutch):
Name: redalert2netwerk
Passw: aap
Another network:
Name: upsal
Passw: buxus
If you add all of these networks, there will almost always be someone to play with.
Have fun!
–Pascal–
Ok guys for 2 played lan without hamachi
(you can use same cdkey for each player)
In ipx properties
Internal network number: 00000000
Frame Type: Ethernet II
Network Number: 00000001
Have fun!
HEEEEEEEEEy DUDE
THANKS VERY MUCH
THAT WORKED 100%
thanks thanks
i thought that Red Alert 2 is automatically configuring itself to the networks
Dude wil this work on the 202mb rip…which has no video files
Anyone got it working correctly without any problems?
http://xwis.net/xcl/ra2/
Hey guys,is there more servers on hamachi that are avaliable,because I can’t find any that has players.
For all those who can’t use IPX in Vista, try downloading the UDP patch for Red Alert 2. You could Google it, but for your convenience:
http://www.understorm.net/cnc/lan/ts_ra2.php
Spread the good news!
Here is Walid Zangar From Tunisia
If you want to play Red alert 2 Only .No tank rush.No super Weapons.Then add me in MSN messenger and send me an email so i can identify you.
We are : November 2008 and Red Alert 2 Is Still The best .
Here is the new working guide of Red Alert 2 : http://logmeinwiki.com/wiki/Hamachi:Red_Alert_2
Oly tested with Hamachi v 1.0.0.5 or v 1.0.0.62 .If it works for newer versions please tell me by mail.
You Are Welcome
Long Life For Red Alert 2 !!!!
* By the way i have a new announcement out of context :I’m looking for good friends from all over the world to build a network of people who will be the ambassadors of their country.If you are interested and have a facebook account contact me by mail.
Hey,
I installed Hamachi and everything and played RA3 with a friend. I added some Hamachi networks, and there are a few online.
But when I enter the Network-option I can only see myself at ‘Players’
and ‘Lobby’ at games.
Do you know what I should do?