Right then.

My Specs.

Alcatel Speedtouch ADSL Modem, DirectX 9b, All updates installed.

I can't connect to ANY server at all. I can pull up the server list, but as soon as i join it refuses to give me any information as to time or the players in the server. The comp then informs me that the server connection has been terminated.

I have:
Switched off the firewall, makes no difference
Reinstalled mercs/Mech packs
Run Safecast repair utils
Reinstalled DirectX

Nothign Works, any ideas?
oh and i'm in the UK, so No TurboTax is installed

It is a network failure. OS? Routers? What firewall?

OS is Windows 2k and no router, just a USB ADSL Modem.

Firewall is Zonealarm Pro and it makes no difference if i turn it off

Thats try this first:

Make that the program control in Zone alarm is set to medium. (If it is already, then make sure that Mechwarrior IV and MS DirectPlay have access granted.) Sounds like part of the program is being blocked.... make sure to check yes on the programs that pop up asking for access adn you may want to check the box so they always have access.

......

Make sure the win xp firewall is turned off. It caused all sorts of problems similar to yours when mine was on.

Its win 2k.......

Have you been able to solve your problem, Beaker?

If not, here's my 2 cents:

This sounds as if something forbids directplay™ to work, get exactly
the same here when the ports directplay uses are closed deliberately -
server browser works, but it's not possible to connect to a game.

If you are sure that:

- win2k packet filtering is turned off
(hidden behind an "advanced" tab in the
network connections stuff)*
- no "helper" software from your ISP is running,
(if so, check if it has filter options)

that means, if your end is not blocking directplay,
then u should check with your ISP. Maybe they are useing
NAT and/or filter stuff.

If that's their policy, maybe u can get a friendly tech
on the phone who'll open directplay for you, maybe with
the help of dxport from puffinsoft on your end.

In conclusion: If you don't find anything strange on your
end, then you should check with your ISP.

If they are not able to help, you should get your friendly
local internet nerd who works for coffee and a pat on
the head to check if ports 2300-2400 are reachable
on your end. Sorry, can't think of a good way to do
that from your PC at the moment.***
(Not enough coffee )

hope this helps!
- Panzerfritz

* that should be "Network and stuff connections"
the connection with your DSL-Modem, properties,
TCP/IP-Protocol, properties, advanced, options,
TCP/IP-Filter, options, then deactivate the IP
Filter for a try. (Make sure your'e loaded up
with all hotfixes - or else the WORM cometh)**
Also disable file and print sharing on that connection,
you should do fine without it.

** i'm translating here, maybe the tabs have slightly
different names in your version of win2k

*** but it seems there a lot of knowledgeble people
round here who might have an idea.