How to Set Up Diablo for IPX Play in Windows XP

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By Winterfate

Introduction

A few days ago, I decided to start playing Diablo once again. It's definitely an ageless classic, but given how old it is, special steps must be taken to get the game running over a local area network (or LAN for short). I struggled for nearly 2 hours until I finally found the solution over the Internet. Thanks go to the person who devised this workaround (I forgot his username).

Setting up the Network

Before you can set up the IPX protocol over your network, you have to actually have a network set up. This involves purchasing an ethernet card for network connections (wireless or not, they both work on the same principle), as well as setting it up so the operating system recognizes it.

This tutorial assumes you are using Windows. If you are using a Mac, then the steps will most likely be different:

  • Install your ethernet card. This will prompt Windows to autodetect it.
  • If needed, install the drivers that came with the ethernet card.
  • Then, go to the Start Menu, click Control Panel, and then find the Network Setup Wizard button.



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Network Setup Wizard in Windows XP

This is the first screen in the Network Setup Wizard process.
See all 10 photos
This is the first screen in the Network Setup Wizard process.

Network Setup Wizard (2)

This screen asks for basic information about the computer in which the network is to be set up.
This screen asks for basic information about the computer in which the network is to be set up.

Network Setup Wizard (3)

This next screen asks you for the computer name that will be used to identify it on the network. (My current computer name censored for privacy reasons).
This next screen asks you for the computer name that will be used to identify it on the network. (My current computer name censored for privacy reasons).

Network Setup Wizard (4)

This next screen prompts you for your workgroup name. All computers inside of the same workgroup can interact with each other. Thus, it's important that every computer in your local area network have the same workgroup name.
This next screen prompts you for your workgroup name. All computers inside of the same workgroup can interact with each other. Thus, it's important that every computer in your local area network have the same workgroup name.

Network Setup Wizard (5)

This final screen of the Network Setup Wizard allows you to verify the settings. Pressing Next will set up the network instantly. This must be done for all computers to be set up in the network.
This final screen of the Network Setup Wizard allows you to verify the settings. Pressing Next will set up the network instantly. This must be done for all computers to be set up in the network.

After Setting up your LAN Network...

After this, you will have to set up your network to be able to play Diablo over an IPX protocol setting. By default, you may find that you can see created games, but cannot join them. If you cannot join them, then follow the pics below for details.

Setting up Diablo for IPX Play

The highlighted option in this picture is where we want to go next. Network Connections will allow us to find the Local Area Network you've just created.
The highlighted option in this picture is where we want to go next. Network Connections will allow us to find the Local Area Network you've just created.

Setting up Diablo for IPX Play (2)

Next, you will find your Local Area Network in this window (hopefully, your Network Connections area is less cluttered than mine. :P). Right-clicking on it will bring out the dropdown menu. Click on Properties to continue.
Next, you will find your Local Area Network in this window (hopefully, your Network Connections area is less cluttered than mine. :P). Right-clicking on it will bring out the dropdown menu. Click on Properties to continue.

Setting up Diablo for IPX Play (3)

In this screen, you will find information about all of the protocols associated with your network connection. The highlighted protocol is the one you want to access properties for. If you do not have it installed, find it in the protocols submenu rea
In this screen, you will find information about all of the protocols associated with your network connection. The highlighted protocol is the one you want to access properties for. If you do not have it installed, find it in the protocols submenu rea

Setting up Diablo for IPX Play (4)

Default settings when you enter into this protocol's properties for the first time. Check the next picture's caption for how it should look for Diablo IPX to work.
Default settings when you enter into this protocol's properties for the first time. Check the next picture's caption for how it should look for Diablo IPX to work.

Setting up Diablo for IPX Play (5)

The settings as they should look after edited. You want your internal network number to be unique from all other computers in your workgroup. Your frame type should be set as displayed and your external network number should be identical to all other
The settings as they should look after edited. You want your internal network number to be unique from all other computers in your workgroup. Your frame type should be set as displayed and your external network number should be identical to all other

Conclusion

After doing all this, you should be able to connect to computers in your LAN by way of the IPX protocol. This will, thus, allow you to play Diablo with your friends through the network.

If this still doesn't fix your problem, then it may be due to network issues. In any case, if you need more help, don't hesitate to message me right here in hubpages.com!

Until the next time, take care and have fun! ;)

-Winterfate



Comments

Pente profile image

Pente 16 months ago

Ugh! Wouldn't it have been easier to just play Diablo 2?

Winterfate profile image

Winterfate Hub Author 16 months ago

Lol, it's not THAT hard. Also, this'll work for ANY old games that have IPX/SPX hiccups because of their configurations.

:)

Hello 9 months ago

I think diablo 2 is not good as diablo 1,i like diablo 1 more its good

Justin C 9 months ago

Awesome... now I can rock old school rpgs with my buddys

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