So... How EXACTLY do you host and join?

[aleksa6]

I'm really stumped here because I have tried virtually everything with port forwarding and mixing around with the network settings, but it just doesn't want to work. Can somebody please give me a step by step guide to tell me how to host a game and let my friend join?

[Aklyon]

You've port-forwarded on your router, correct?
And looked here for your external IP: http://www.whatsmyip.org/

If you have, go to Multiplayer and hit host server, it should pop-up a new window for the server. Then you can pick whether or not to advertise it, and join it using your external ip.
Pretty sure I didn't miss anything important here, but theres a chance.

[aleksa6]

I actually did exactly what you said but while I can connect (via lan) my friend can't. Even though it has been advertised.

[Hearteater]

Just to be clear, you can connect to him in AVWW, but he can't connect to you?

[aleksa6]

Nevermind, problem was solved. Sorry for the trouble.

[Aklyon]

WHat had you missed?

[aleksa6]

Recently my local IP mysteriously changed in that short time between me setting up the port forwarding. I have no idea how, it's been doing that a lot lately.

[orzelek]

Search in your router options for static DHCP entry.
You can insert your PC's MAC address there to make sure you will always get same local IP. This is pretty much required for successful port forwarding or you will have problems with IP's.