network play issue

[pkeys]

I get together with a friend of mine to play CC CoI over a wired LAN network but the game is unstable and often crashes, particularly right when a game ends. Here's the environment:

Friend: Older Alienware desktop running XP

Me: Older Pentium M Thinkpad running XP. Game (EXE, maps, etc.) is run from external USB 2.0 hard drive.

Network connection: Ethernet wires through Linksys router

Firewalls and all other programs we can find are turned off

Any thoughts as to what might be the issue?

[Andrew Williams]

I don't know about the external USB drive, that could be a problem.


Who is hosting?

Do the crashes occur if the other person hosts?

Are any mods installed  (which?)?

[pkeys]

Sorry for the long delay in posting. Generally, when I play my friend's Alienware is hosting. We did try it with my notebook hosting once with no problems. No mods installed when playing.