Getting the Game and Correct Patch

Most players use the latest download version from Celeris. Check you have installed the latest patches from :    http://www.celeris.com/games/vp3/patch

If GameSpy Arcade doesn't automatically detect Virtual Pool 3 is installed, you'll have to add it manually. Go to GameSpy -> Options -> Games. Look under More Games, choose Virtual Pool 3 and 'browse' to Virtual Pool 3dl.exe. When you click "Apply" Virtual Pool 3 should appear under "My Games" tab. For a guide on adding games manually go Here  

Create or Joining a game.

Create a Game from with in the lobby using the create game button, or join a game using the join game button. Both are located above the main "chat" section when with in the games lobby.    

Firewalls and Routers

Hosting or joining Virtual Pool 3 requires that you have configured your firewalls and routers. Disabling a firewall will not fix the problem You will need to configure it in order to play this game online.

Xp and Vista Firewalls:

To do this: Click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Windows Firewall. In the Windows Firewall menu, Click on the Exceptions tab and see if GameSpy Arcade and Virtual Pool 3 are listed there. If GameSpy Arcade and the game are not listed, Click on the Add Program button, find them on the list of available programs or browse to the .exe (Aphex.exe and Virtual Pool 3dl.exe) and click the OK button.   There are two versions of VP3DL: 3239 and 3311, both of them are compatible. If you have a previous version of Virtual Pool 3 (Jeannette or Curly), you will need to upgrade to Virtual Pool 3DL to play against others with Virtual Pool 3 DL. This version has plenty of enhancements and is the supported version for online play. You can get information and an upgrade discount coupon here:   http://www.celeris.com/games/vp3/upgrade

For setting up the Vista Firewall see:

The following link, click here   

Router Firewalls

If you have a router, you'll need to configure its built-in firewall in order to play. Guides for most common routers can be found at http://www,portforward.com/routers.htm The ports required for the game are at: http://www.findports.com  

GameSpy Arcade ports can be found at:  http://www.findports.com/article/GameSpy-arcade  There are two programs available that players may find helpful in opening the Virtual Pool 3 ports: http://www.polonet.atspace.com/VirtualPool3/poloroute.html   

Simple Port Forwarding: http://www.simpleportforwarding.com/node/1 

Useful links:  

Celeris Virtual Pool 3 page: http://www.celeris.com/games/VirtualPool3/index.html

Virtual Pool Ladder: http://www.vipladder.com/