I am attempting to create a server so I can host a game night. Now, here's my problem:

When I open the dedicated server, open Halo CE, go over to multiplayer, select my server, and try to join it, it doesn't let me join. I have my ports forwarded, my firewall disabled. When I join, it says, "The game has closed down".

What is the secret to getting around this. I did it earlier today, and had a celebration at the fact that I could create a Halo CE server. Later, I tried it again, and came up with this error.

If anybody can tell me the way to get past this, I would be very thankful. Thank you.

Are you hosting the dedicated server on a different computer than the one you are using to connect to?
If not, it could be a port conflict, as Halo CE and the dedicated server executables are trying to use the same ports. Try creating a .bat file with Notepad that points to the dedicated server's executable, and at the end specify the port number flag. Then save the bat file in your Halo Custom Edition program folder, and run the dedicated server from there.
Example:

start haloceded.exe -exec init.txt  -port 2390

You should forward the port specified in your bat file, as well as the usual Halo CE ports 2302 and 2303 (substitute the usual Halo CE ports with yours if you have changed them prior to this).

By the way, I suggest that you do not turn off your firewall (it usually doesn't help); instead, add the dedicated server executable to your firewall exceptions list. Also, where possible, run the dedicated server from a separate computer, and do the appropriate configurations.

Edited by sargejohnson on May 28, 2012 at 04:06 AM

Using the dedicated server on a different computer worked like a charm. Thank you.

Anyway, mind the bad pun, but dennis, you can armor lock this thread now.

Haha, get it? I know, it's not funny.