Read this file before you do anything, it isn't that long!
Downloads
| This program requires you to either enter IP addresses into it or know
the URL of a server configuration file.
Steps:
|
Server IPs and/or pre-built Server Configuration Files
Go to http://zone.msn.com/allegiance then click on the Free Zone Staging Area link to get into a chat room where another player might be able to help you. This is where the IP addresses and server configuration file URLs are usually tossed around whenever the Free Zone is down.
Distribution
Read the license agreement carefully. You can (and should) give this to your friends but you can't redistribute it to the public en-masse without my permission. What this means is that you ought to e-mail it to all your buddies, but don't copy my code onto another website for download unless you've first asked for and received my permission.
Introduction
SOVRoute is a program that listens for Microsoft® AllegianceTM to attempt a LAN connection and, when it does, forward routes that request to servers of your choice. It modifies absolutely nothing in your system; this is not a hack and violates no warranties. The creator of this program is in no way affiliated with Microsoft. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Allegiance is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
How to use it
If SOVRoute doesn't show up when you start it then double click on the little SOV icon in the taskbar next to the clock. You can use File/Add to put in a title and IP of someone's PC which is running the Microsoft Allegiance Stand-Alone Server. When you minimize it the utility will go back to the task bar. If you use this a lot then you can put it in your startup folder and forget about it. Apart from the very first connection request that Allegiance makes this program is totally intert and has basically no overhead if you leave it running.
Help for the Microsoft Allegiance Stand-Alone Server
Don't waste your time asking me for help with running a server because it's not my product and I don't support it. If you have problems then you might want to post a message and ask other Allegiance users using the board at http://vnboards.ign.com/board.asp?brd=5049 . Oh yeah, I'm not affiliated with them either.
One common issue, however, is updating the version of the server. The first time you execute Microsoft's server you need to tell it to make a public game because this will cause it to check for, retrieve and apply a version update. After it ends do a destroy game then tell it to make a private game.
Troubleshooting: When I click on LAN it says "Searching..." and never locates a server!
First, ensure you have one or more valid IP addresses entered into SOVRoute (check out the Server IPs section above).
Second, I have heard of a few people that have encountered this problem when they had a large number of IP addresses entered into SOVRoute. Try eliminating all but one that you know to be good and retry.
Third, I've encountered a few AOL users that experience this trouble. Run WINIPCFG and use the drop-down box to cycle through all of the (virtual and real) network adapters. If you see any that show an IP of 0.0.0.0 (probably with a mask of 0.0.0.0) then this might be a problem. One AOL user reported back to me that he used Control Panel/Networking to remove the 0.0.0.0 entries and then SOVRoute became functional (I've not heard back from the other AOL users). If you want to try something like this then you are on your own. I would definitely recommend having someone guide you through any modifications to your network settings if you are at all uneasy about doing them yourself as it can really mess up your machine if done incorrectly. I am uncomfortable with trying to guide anyone through these type of changes but I think this is probably the correct path to pursue.
Fourth, I've encountered Windows 2000 users that, when they run IPCONFIG, have their dial-up connection appear with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.255. I suspect this to be related to the problem.
Fifth, Grimmwolf reported the following interesting info:
“I think I found out, what made my Alleg work with SovRoute. I have to launch sovroute, then the standalone server, open a public game, then launch alleg. After that I check lan and it works. I don't know why, but I tested it a few times, and the server seems to make the difference. After having connected to a game, I close the server.”
Uninstalling this stupid program
Hey, just cause I like it doesn't mean you will! I don't store anything in the registry so simply delete the following files: SOVRoute.exe, SOVRoute.hlp, SOVRoute.ini and SOVRoute.bkp (if it exists).
Reporting Bugs and Feedback
If you encounter a problem while running SOVRoute please send an e-mail to VenCain@hotmail.com. Please let me know the version of SOVRoute which you are running (click on Help then About). First though, please check the site you go this from to see if there is a newer version. I might have already fixed your problem.
Version History (boring stuff!)
1.1 Build 006 - 25 Jul 02