Can't get passed the "Connecting..." box

Is anyone else experiencing this problem? After I pick which character I want to create (RP, or PVP), the "connecting..." box comes up, but does not connect. I've contacted GW support and they suggested I try unplugging my wireless router and plugging directly into the modem. I did that, but the results are still the same. Please let me know if anyone out there is having this problem and just how to fix it. Thanks.

Are you behind a firewall? I believe winXP has it activated when you install it, so should try turning it off, i don't really know if this will help, i don't have the game as of yet so i can't test what i'm saying.

I have tried deactivating my WinXP firewall, but the problem still remains.

Same problem here.

Using WinXP and an ATI card with the latest drivers.

Upon selecting RP or PvP Character Type, I am actually Immediately sent to the "View Accessible Content" under the "Manage Account" menu. Is quite odd, and I cannot play.

You DO have a pre-order package do you?
Forgive me if i sound like a complete moron
I don't have the game yet and i can't recall when you get the char selection screen.
Did you already type in your key? and did you go to the character creation screen after that? If you have a retail package you'll have to wait untill tomorrow until you can play, the retail servers aren't up yet, so that would be a logical explaination.

I just pressed cancel, and it brought me to my character select screen. Wo0t!

do what I did, and it might just work.

That is exactly my problem. Was reading on forums that the servers would be up as of 12:01AM this morning, not realizing it was for a select few. I just bought the game off the shelf and installed it.

Looking now in Account Key Management, I see I am approved for play at midnight tonight. Thank you for your help.

I pre-ordered, but it says that I can't play until tomorrow I bet EB was supposed to send different boxes and they just sent the retail. Thanks EB!

Please don't take this as a slant on you or your post (especially as this is my first post ... and I don't want to sound negative).

When people suspect firewall issues, they do tend to leap in and say things like 'turn off your firewall'.

This is obviously good for testing and narrowing down the fault, but, please, please, tell users to turn the firewall back on after testing and create a firewall rule instead of just leaving it switched off.

Again, I apologise if I offend, but with the malicious users that abound on the internet, it's an absolute necessity to do all you can to protect yourself.

You're right, and i just told them to try and turn off their firewall because it was the only thing i could think of, but it seems the server is/was down or something, a lot of people had the same problem.

im having the same problem i bought it at gamestop today so are we sure that it is the server for retail isnt up yet or its some tech problem?

the retail server will be up the 28th, those with pre-order packages could start today.

whats the difference between the 2? like i understand what pre order means and such but like whats the difference or is there any?

If you pre-ordered you get a special in-game item and early acces, the early acces for pre-order was today and you would have a copy of the retail reserved for you, if you only have a retail, you don't get an in-game item, and you can't play untill the 28th.

I pre-ordered the game and have the collectors edition but am stuck at the "Connecting..." screen. Do I have to wait till the 28th to play?

I just want to thank all of your for putting me at ease! I bought this game today and I too couldn't get past the "connecting..." loading screen. I was getting fed up and I was going to take the game back. I want to jump in and my character. I'm really stoked about this... unfortunately I have to wait until 12:01am. Ugh. Oh well. At least there is light at the end of the tunnel.

One question... I know it is recommended to have a mouse for this game. Is it absolutely required? I play on my laptop and don't have a mouse.

Thanks for the help guys and maybe i'll catch some of you online sometime.

Later,

Chris~

12:18 am EST, same problem persists.

You're waiting for 12:01 PST, so it will be 3:01 EST before you can play.

Still waiting...2 1/2 hours left

Same here... chomping at the bit to get this party started. I've got "Fallen" on the TV right now trying to pass the time. Very demonic movie, perfect for this situation.

Here's to hoping waiting another 3 hours will be worth it.

Later guys...