Hey, here is the situation. Whenever I host a game of Age of Empires II (TCP/IP connection for DirectPlay), sometimes I get an issue depending on who is playing.

Me (DSL) + Friend 1 (Cable) = Works Fine
Me + Friend 2 (DSL) = Works Fine
Me + Friend 3 (56k) = Works Fine
Me + Friend 1 and 2 = Doesn't work
Me + Friend 1 and 3 = Doesn't work
Me + Friend 2 and 3 = Works fine

In the situations that it doesn't work, it will just go to the loading screen and say it is waiting for someone. If any of my friends leave, the game starts up. From the information above, it seems like the problem is either with Friend 1's PC
(joining with others) or mine (in hosting). Does anyone know how to fix something like this, if its portforwarding or with ISPs. Completely lost on how to fix this

have you tried others hosting sometime it does make a difference. contact me for more help. anakin.ryan@gmail.com ill get back to you as soon as posible.

sometimes the person with the slowest internet has to host