Cannot Connect using the HexWar Game Launcher

Summary of the Problem:

• On clicking Send/Receive in the HexWar Game Launcher you received the message 'Unable to Load Test.htm'.
• On clicking Send/Receive in the HexWar Game Launcher the launcher appears to hang while connecting.

In both cases above the usual cause is your local firewall settings.

Common Reasons for the Problem

1. It is possible that the 'HexWar' server is undergoing maintenance. This rarely stops the HexWar web service for more than 5 minutes at a time.
2. You may not be connected to the Internet.
3. The most common issue is that your firewall software or hardware is not allowing the HexWar Game Launcher to connect to the Internet.

Connection Solutions

Configuring the Windows XP and Vista Firewall

Click HERE for a graphical 'Step By Step Guide To Configuring The Windows XP/Vista Firewall'.

Check your Internet Connection

A simple way is to use your browser to open a web site that updates regularly (that way it will not be in your local PC's cache) e.g. http://news.bbc.co.uk

Check that you have the latest version of the HexWar Game Launcher

Log in and go to the downloads page.

Check Your Firewall Settings

The simple solution is always to delete all settings in the firewall for HexWar.exe. Load the HexWar Game Launcher again and attempt to connect to the Internet again. Most Firewalls will now automatically ask you if you wish to allow HexWar.exe to connect to the Internet where the answer must be 'yes'.

Some firewalls insist on adding the HexWar settings manually. See the section at the end of the page for 'General Firewall Information' setting none Windows XP/Vista built in firewalls. See the Step By Step Windows Firewall Guide to manually set up the built in windows firewall.

Router Firewalls

The advice from HexWar is that unless you are a techie using a router based firewall is not a good idea. Such a firewall is not dymanic and does not update so can be vunerable to new threats. Using a modern software based firewall is kept up to date by the software suppliers. See the section at the end of the page of 'General Firewall Information' to set up a router firewall.

Two Firewalls

A common issue is a user having two firewalls turned on. Typically installing a software or router firewall while leaving the built in Windows or Vista based firewall turned on. The built in Windows Firewall should meet the needs of 99% of home users and no other firewall should be required.

Uninstalling and Reinstalling the HexWar Game Launcher

Uninstalling and installing HexWar rarely solves anything. If you have a problem downloading the launcher again has the benefit over overwriting any bad files but uninstalling is unlikely to help at all.

General Firewall Information

See the Step by Step Guide for Windows XP and Vista Firewalls

• Many users will have to reset their Firewall settings after installing the 'Full' or 'Patch' versions of the HexWartm Game Launcher.
• The software application requiring Internet access for most Firewall settings is 'HexWar.exe'.
• In most firewalls if you delete all existing settings for 'HexWar.exe' the firewall will set it up again the next time you load the HexWartm Game Launcher application.
• Some firewalls may request additional information.
  • The web site address is 'www.HexWar.info'.
  • The IP address used by HexWar web site is 198.251.67.101 on Ports 80 and 443.
• For further information see the link above for 'Download and Installation Technical Support'.