REWARD: I cannot play and I am desperate!

[Ximen_Benitez]

Sounds like a very similar problem like Avast had/has. In installation you needed to turn Network shield off. Or something like that. I can't remember it off-hand. I gotta go rummage the forums a bit to find it.
EDIT: The option that has to be turned off is called 'web shield'
Maybe the similar installation time option will solve the trick for you too. If you are willing at worst case to go through with un-install/re-install

I've tried to find this option, but it seems to not exist.

This is a wild suggestion but if you have a machine powerful enough to run Vista or Windows 7, it might just work:
Install VMware (latest version), make an XP virtual Machine, and install Freelancer in the Virtual Machine.
Make the Virtual Machine Network connection Bridged (so the VM is like another real PC on the network)
Try to play and see what happens.

You may have to tweak the graphics and 3D engine in VMWare....

Good luck

I'll try this if this other fellow cannot fix it via MSN.

Have you allowed ports 2300 through 2304 to be used on your router's firewall? Not the computer's - the router's.

And you may need to knock the antivirus right down to its most basic functionality, though mind that even then a few antivirus programs are incompatible with Freelancer.

I can connect when my firewall is not installed, and other computers in my house behind my router can connect, I'm pretty sure it's just mine.

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