I have set up a static ip on my computer and i have set my router to forward the certain ports that i need forwarded for the PC game Borderlands to work online. But when i use a internet page "http://www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/" to check if they are forwarded it says that they are closed. Also it says that my IP is another than the static ip i have setup though if i check with ipconfig in CMD it says that i use the static ip. What could be the problem? Any answers would be greatly appriciated, i really wanna play Borderlands with my mate!

Thanks, Holobob

Hi Holobob,

What is your router make and model and you Windows version?

The variation in IP addresses is normal. One is your local IP e.g. 192.168.1.20 and the other is your internet IP e.g. 74.128.255.149. This is the address that your router establishes with your ISP.

Some routers take a while (upto a few minutes in my experience) to forward the ports and will only open them when in use so port checkers will not always work.
Can you place your PC into DMZ or disable the routers firewall temporarily. This should show whether the port blocks are coming from the router or your PC. Are you using a firewall? Which one?

i use Windows Vista and a Sweex LW300 router. I don't have any firewall atm since Norton hustled me for a years subscription :P.

To test properly you need a port checker
this can test both tcp and udp ports. Some port checkers dont work as they expect a response from the pc the port may be open but no software running to answer the call. The above program can test for this. goto whats my ip

to find out your ip on the internet as if you dont have a static ip from your ISP it may change everytime you log in

Thanks for the tips, my portforwarding seem to work now because i can host a game with my friend

Great work guys - I'll mark this as fixed.