I can't connect to any online steam games. I can create servers (probably no one else can connect but me... but I wanted to see if I could create them) and I can play singleplayer games. I can update steam and chat with friends.

I continue to get the error: "Connection failed after 4 retries"

I have seen via other forums that others have had the same issues, but I can't fix it. Not even sure if they could.

I have tried:
- shutting down windows firewall
- completely uninstalling AVG antivirus
- forwarding ports 27000-27050 for both TCP and UDP on my linksys router
- shutting down other background programs such as Google desktop, ipod stuff, downloader programs, TeaTimer, webcam software

Anyone got any other ideas?

uninstall AOL.... HA HA ha ha huh humm.... I thought it was funny!

Anti-virus/firewalls, would be the 1st thing I'd go after...

2nd thing I'd do is connect the PC directly to the modem, to bypass things like, "block wan requests/filter anonymous internet requests" and NAT. You could probably get away with using the DMZ port (if enabled) instead, but is best to bypass entirely, and work your way up...

I've never needed to forward ports to join any game, ever, just for hosting things...

Is there a logfile you can check? hopefully it lists the 4 tries, with alittle more info...

Are you using a wireless router, foyleman? A Netgear router by chance?

@ Please... are you just repeating what I said? lol.

As for the log file, it's just what you read in the console. Those are the ip:ports , 4 in a row. That's it.

@ PCinvasion... nope. I'm wired using a linksys router. I can see the servers and the server details. I just cannot connect.

Some answers::

Open up Steam and select "View" from the menu. Pick "Servers" to load the server list (not from the *insert game name here* in-game menu). Click on the "Change filters" button in the lower left. Set the Game to *insert game name here*.

Go to the your Steam folder, then into the config folder. In there (make sure Steam is not running) delete the serverbrowser.vdf and masterservers.vdf files. Then start Steam up again.

Thats what google found, apparently this is a huge problem, and many many people have it, plus some answers work for some people but not for everyone, wierd. Makes me wonder why I don't and have NEVER used steam....

foyleman writes...

I can see how it'd seem that way... lol

Mostly I was pointing out the port forwarding isn't needed, and that WAN port options are more likely the issue if it's the router & I was hoping for the log to have more...

Damn it all!!!

I connected directly to the modem and it works. No problem joining servers in any game.

Do I have to replace this router yet again? I replace it every year and a half due to one problem or another.

D-Link 615. Never had any issues with it. The admin panel is actually the most comprehensive I have seen compared to both Belkin and Linksys routers.

New router and I'm good.
Damn routers.