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FSHostSpy
FAQ
(also take a look at the Help page for info on specific features)
FAQ Topics:
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Why can't I find my own session in FSHostSpy?
Probably what's happening is that everyone else can see it ok, but when you try to view it from the same machine, you can't see it. What's happening is that when FSHostSpy gets the list of servers from the Master Server and it finds your IP address, it tries to connect to your own FSHost session to get the current info, and it's not able to connect. Some routers have problems with this type of thing, where it tries to make a "u-turn" connection -- out to the internet and back in to the same machine. Since FSHostSpy can't connect to your FSHost, it assumes that FSHost isn't running anymore, and it removes it from your list inside FSHostSpy -- but it's still listed on the Master Server for everyone else to see. There may be a way to configure your router to make it work (although I don't know what it is), but you can always just get someone else to check FSHostSpy for you if you want to check it. Or go to this URL, which is the Master Server's current server IP list, and look for your IP. If you find it, then you're listed ok:
http://www.chocolatesoftware.com/cgi-bin/fshost_master.cgi?
Ping time is the number of milliseconds it takes for a network "ping" (or ICMP) packet to go from your machine to the server and back to your machine again. Gamers often use it to know which server is best to connect to, so they get the fastest connection possible. These days with so many people having high speed connections, it doesn't matter as much as it used to, but it's sometimes still helpful, especially when having problems on a particular server.
Unfortunately some routers block ping packets, both for incoming and outgoing. This means that some servers may not show a ping time, if they're using a router. It's also possible that you may not see any ping times in your FSHostSpy at all, if your own router is blocking outgoing ping requests.
Occasionally I get reports from people that they start the program and it seems to be collecting data from the server, but they can't see any servers in the list. I think maybe in this case FSHostSpy looks something like this:
If you're seeing something like this, it's because the inner frames have somehow collapsed, and you're only seeing one of the four frames. The easiest way to fix this problem is to download and run a small registry file that will delete the FSHostSpy settings related to the window positioning, and reset it back to the defaults:
Close FSHostSpy first if it's running.
Right-click this link and select "Save Target As" or "Save Link As" from the popup menu. Save it somewhere (like the Desktop) and then run it. When prompted, click Yes to load it into the registry.
Run FSHostSpy, and hopefully you'll see a window with four resizable frames, like this:
Should I really send a postcard?
FSHostSpy is PostcardWare, which means that I don't require any registration fee to use the program. The only thing I ask is that if you continue using it, please pick up a postcard from a store wherever you live and send it to the address listed in the Help / About window inside the program. You can write anything you want on the postcard, or nothing at all. I'll put it on my refrigerator, and every time I see it, I'll know there's someone in that country using the program. I get a big smile on my face every time I open the mailbox and find a postcard from someone like you, and that makes all the hard work worthwhile. Thanks!
I thought you'd never ask! Yes, you can! ;-) Just click the "PayPal - Donate" button on the left side of the screen to make a donation through PayPal. It's very easy, and all donations are graciously accepted and greatly appreciated, whatever the amount!
