How do I setup Windows Firewall to allow the game to connect to the internet?
To configure or update your Windows firewall to allow the game files to connect to the internet, please take the steps below:
Click on the Windows "Start" button
Choose "Control Panel" from the menu
In Control Panel select: "Security Center" > "Windows Firewall" >"Exceptions" tab
Windows Vistausers should just choose Allow a program through Windows Firewall
Scroll through the list in the
"Programs and Services" list that comes up, looking for these files:
LotroLauncher.exe
LotroInvoker.exe
lotroclient.exe
Important Note: If they are listed there already, click on them to select them and then click the Remove or Delete button on the bottom right. This will take them out of the Exceptions list so that they can be re-added manually.
This step is typically necessary after the game has been updated or patched. The firewall bases its exceptions on several factors and one of these is the version of the program file you tell it to allow. When the game is patched the versions of lotrolauncher, lotroinvoker and lotroclient have changed so the firewall no longer recognizes them as the same files you previously told it to allow.
These are the steps on adding the game files manually to the Windows Firewall exceptions list. This process is somewhat similar if you use a non-Microsoft firewall, some of which are detailed further down in this article:
Click the "Add program" button
Click on the "Browse" button on the next dialog window (this will open a Browse window to locate the files)
On the left side, click the icon labeled "My Computer" or just "Computer". Find your C: drive in the list (it might show up as Local Disk C:)
Double-click on C: and then double-click on these folders:
- Program Files (Use Program Files (x86) instead if you see that one listed)
- Standing Stone Games
- The Lord of the Rings Online
In that folder, you should see the three files detailed above. Starting with lotroclient.exe (they should be listed alphabetically), click to select it and click the Open button toward the bottom-right.
Next, click Add to add the file to the Allowed Programs list.
Now, repeat those steps above doing the same procedures for the other file: "LOTROLauncher.exe"
This will allow the game program files to connect both inbound as well as outbound. In some instances you may also need to add exceptions for the ports the game uses to communicate as well.
Using those steps you may need to setup exceptions for the following ports for LOTRO: 9000 through 9100, and 2900 through 2910 as TCP/UDP port connections.
I don't use Windows Firewall. What can I do to configure mine to allow the game files a connection?
If you have a non-Microsoft based firewall application or similar internet security suite, check with your program's support for directions on adding programs and ports to its exceptions. They are most likely similar to the above, but the options and menu titles or locations will most likely vary.
We have listed some of the major software firewall providers below for your convenience. If yours is not listed, we would recommend referring to the program's readme help files or Contact us info for details on reaching them.
http://www.zonealarm.com/
http://www.symantec.com/
http://www.agnitum.com/
Important: If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) included internet security software such as a firewall/internet security suite with your service and you installed it, you may need to contact your ISP regarding its configurations for allowing program files to connect.
Are there any other firewalls I have to be aware of?
Yes. For instance, the network hardware you use (e.g. your router and/or modem and even the network card itself on your computer) may also employ a built-in firewall that also can block programs not explicitly allowed through user interaction. You should check with your router, modem and related networking related peripheral providers to determine if they utilize a firewall and the steps needed to setup exceptions for the game files and ports.
Are there any other programs that might cause issues with the game if they're not told to allow it?
Yes. There are some antivirus, web security and similar utilities (usually they are all-in-one security suites that have a firewall included in their protections) that are known to prevent the game files from connecting and sometimes using the ports they need as well, we have listed some of the more common ones below:
CA (Computer Associates) Internet Security
Telus Security
Shaw Secure
Kaspersky Internet Security
Outpost Firewall
PC Tools Firewall
Panda Antivirus
Vipre Antivirus
Typically, these and similar applications have additional stricter security settings/profiles that affect the game's connection, but generally they have similar options for creating exceptions and exclusions for specific program files and ports that may be required.
If you are using any of these listed above or a similar suite, refer to its publisher's support site, most likely they have detailed guides on setting up game exclusions or exceptions for programs as well as port use.
If you need further assistance, please follow up with Technical Support.