Basic questions:

• What is DC?
• What are the differences between DC++ and Direct Connect?
• Where can I get the programs?
• How do I install the programs?
• What is a Hub?
• What is an Operator?
• How can I become an Operator?
• Can I get Redirections?
• How can I set up my own Hub?

Questions about using DC:

• How can I connect a Hub that is not on the Hublist?
• Search won't work or I can't get any results, why?
• What is a NAT
• Should I use Active or Passive Mode?
• What is (my) IP number?
• What kind of files I shouldn't share?
• I have been banned, why?
• A Hub is asking for a password, why?
• What is Fake Sharing?
• How can I check my own Share List?
• What do all the icons mean?
• DC++'s special features
• The Error Messages, a guide for the rest of us

CD-images and movies

• How can I burn a .*** file?
• The sound or the image of a movie file doesn't play properly.
• How do I enable external subtitles?
• Where can I find subtitles?
• Movie and subtitles are out of sync, what to do?
• How can I watch unfinished movies?
• How can I make MPEG or DivX movies myself?
• Add a question

What is DC?

DC is an acronym for Direct Connect software developed by Neo-Modus. Direct Connect is a kind of a chat program that is classified under the category of P2P software (Peer to Peer). Practically this means that you can also transfer files with it, directly from a user to another. DC++ is similar and fully compatible software that was developed later as an option to DC.

What are the differences between DC++ and Direct Connect?

Direct Connect is the original client software for DC protocol developed by Neo-Modus. Jacek Sieka had developed his own equivalent program DC++, with open source.

DC++'s advantages

• Localizable to many languages.
• DC++ is much stabler, it uses less memory, is lighter and smaller in every way and it can handle long File Queues more efficiently. One of DC's worst weaknesses is that it leaks memory and resources by time.
• You can connect many Hubs simultaneously and search for files from all of them with one search.
• If the first user leaves, DC++ can continue downloading the same file from another user. It compares file contents, size and name before continuing to download from another source.
• You can see timestamps in the chat. The chat wont jump to the bottom by itself when you are scrolling back the old messages.
• Bot messages won't pop up as new windows, and you may also filter them completely off.
• No ads. Search is more versatile. You may also choose from various Hublists from multiple sources.
• On startup DC++ renders your own file list much faster than DC does its own.
• Customizable favourites and automatical connecting to selected Hubs on startup, automatic reconnection if a connection is lost.
• You may disable Hub redirectioning.
• Default port is 1412, which Firewalls accept more often than the standard port 412.
• Program is under active development and open source. http://dcplusplus.sourceforge.net.

DC++'s weaknesses:

• Some Hubs wont allow DC++ because they fear users that connect dozens of Hubs with only a couple of slots open (kicking is scripted nowadays).
• There is no Hub History, and Upload History is still quite a new addition (came in version 0.172).
• There are some bugs, but program is still actively developed and bugs are being fixed.

Where can I get the programs?

The installers of both programs can be found from our Download page. Direct Connect can also be found from Neo-Modus and binaries of DC++ can be found at SourceForge.

How do I install the programs?

The easiest way is to download the simple installation programs, run the one you like and follow the instructions. If you download the latest binaries from SourceForge and want to update formerly installed DC++, it's easiest to unzip the package and copy DCPlusPlus.exe to folder where you have DC++ installed (usually C:\Program files\DCPlusPlus). Personal settings will remain as they were. You can remove DC++ with "Add/Remove Programs" panel in the Windows Control panel.

If you want to use a specific language file in DC++, choose settings , pick Appearance and browse the options for your prefered language file.

What is a Hub?

"Hub" is a kind of a router, it helps clients to connect each other. The reason why it is not called "server" in this case is because it doesn't host any files, it only routes chat and search requests. All file transfers are made directly between clients, not trough the Hub.

What is an Operator?

Operator is a person who supervises the chat and the files that are being shared by users. Operators may temporarily or permanently remove abusive users by their own consideration. You can recognize an operator of the key icon they have in the userlist. (Some users with keys are usually bots. Follow the chat window and you will surely notice the difference).

What is a Bot?

A Bot is an automated program that follows all traffic on the Hub and routinely scans for any abusive behaviour, such as spam, forbidden files and Fake Sharing. Basically it does all the duties of a human Operator, but just as well as it's programmer would have done it. The best results are usually gained by simultaneous use of a Bot or more and some active human Operators.

How can I become an Operator?

You shouldn't ask or beg operator rights, it is generally considered rude and annoying regardless of the medium. Just prove by activity and mature behaviour that you are worth of the confidence and wait for an invitation. The FinX network doesn't need new Operators often, and decisions of new Operators are made by voting amongst the existing ones.

Can I get Redirections?

No, you don't. Do not ask for Redirections no matter how withering your Hub is. There are enough Hubs in this network for all users to find a place for their needs. For those of you who do not know, Redirection means the process where a Hub transfers a new user to another Hub, usually because the first Hub is full or the user hasn't met the Share or connection requirements set on Hub.

How can I set up my own Hub?

If you can't make DC++ work in Active Mode with your connection, forget it. In other cases you should really consider, but if you are determined, go to Neo-Modus's site, download Hub software, install and run it. If it doesn't work, install Direct Connect client software too. If it still doesn't work, tweak your firewall. You can find scripts from http://scripts.dcstats.net. You probably shouldn't spam your new Hub address on other Hubs, unless you are specifically looking to get banned. If your Hub does't show on Hublists and/or you haven't got any users, wait, wait and wait. If you are not patient enough for this or don't know what you are going to go through, you should also forget the whole thing.

You should dedicate your computer to the Hub software only. NMDC Hub doesn't work well with more than 700-800 users. With some processing power and memory you'll also need some upload bandwith, approximately this much:

How can I connect a Hub that is not on the Hublist?

There are only 750 randomly chosen Hubs in Neo-Modus's public Hublist at a time. With DC++ (version 0.173 or newer) you can use multiple Hublists by putting the Hublist addresses to "Download Public Hublist" field in the page Settings>Advanced

There has occasionally been malfunctions in both Neo-Modus's and Lichlord's (the default of DC++) Hublist servers.

Other Hublist addresses:

• http://www.neo-modus.com/PublicHublist.config
• http://dcplusplus.sourceforge.net/PublicHublist.config
• http://dcpp.lichlord.org/PublicHublist.config
• http://dreamland.gotdns.org/PublicHublist.config
• http://www.Hublist.org

Search won't work or I can't get any results, why?

Reason is usually NAT or Firewall. Easiest way to get around the issue is to switch to Passive Mode, but then you can't connect to other users in Passive Mode. If you want to try to make Active Mode work, read the section "Active or Passive" in this FAQ.

What is NAT?

NAT is an acronym for Network Address Translation. It is a method to save public IP addresses and is being used by some Internet Service Providers, communities and companies. Local Area Networks use network number spaces that are different to the ones used in the Internet. When necessary, a NAT router changes local numbers to public ones.

In the Internet protocol there are three ranges reserved for Local Area Network, and they are:

• 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255
• 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255
• 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255
  

If your IP number is on some of these ranges, you are behind a NAT. By normal ways (the Connection Panel found by double-clicking your Internet connetion icon or typing "ipconfig" to DOS prompt) you will see only your internal IP number, but Active Mode uses and unfortunately also requires your external one. Therefore you must find out your external IP and set it to the Force IP field in the DC++ Settings menu. Otherwise the packets you are are supposed to receive from external source are sent to your internal number that is recognized only by the Local Area Network of your ISP.

Even nastier fellow is PAT that stands for Port Address Translation but is sometimes also refered as NAT. In PAT network more than one machine uses the same external IP at a time. PAT sorts out the traffic not only by IP but also by a randomly selected port number attached to a user. In this case there is no way to have Direct Connect work in Active Mode because the Direct Connect port itself misguides PAT traffic and causes eventual loss of it.

More information for the techies: How NAT works?

Should I use Active or Passive Mode?

One's first choice is always Active Mode because it sets no limitations to the clients you can connect. A Passive user can't connect other Passive users at all.

Always try out Active Mode first, without forced IP number. The ports that are recommended are 2412, 1412 and 412. Then try to Search files by a single dot ("."). If you get results, everything works fine and that's all you need to know about it.

If you do not get results, then you must find out your external IP number and put it to the Force IP field. You'll find help with your external IP from here.

If you still do not get results and you know you are behind a Firewall, try to open ports 1412 and 412 for incoming TCP and UDP traffic.

In Zone Alarm Pro the settings are tweaked as follows:
Firewall>Main>Internet Zone Security>Custom...>Internet Zone
- Allow incoming UDP ports: 412,1412,2412 (depending on the port you have set in the Settings page of DC++)
- Allow incoming TCP ports: 412,1412,2412 (depending on the port you have set in the Settings page of DC++)

In Norton the process is a bit more complicated:
Personal Firewall -> Internet Access Control -> Configure>System-Wide Settings -> Add ->
Choose Permit Internet Access -> Next ->
Choose Connections From Other Computers -> Next ->
Choose Any Computer -> Next ->
Choose TCP, UDP and Only the types of communication or ports listed below -> Add ->
Choose Induvidually selected ports and Local ->
set port 412 1412 2412 (depending on the port you have set in the Setting page of DC++) -> Ok -> Next ->
(you don't need the checkboxes) -> Next
(name your new rule, for example as "DC-ports") -> Next -> Finish
You now have to raise the importance of the rule you just created. Scroll the list down, choose your rule and press the Move Up button until the rule is the highest, then press OK.

If all this failed, the last resort is to switch to Passive Mode and bear its disadvantages.

What is (my) IP number?

IP number is a serie of four digits between zero and two hundred and fifty-five separated by dots. The IP numbers direct all traffic to the supposed destination in TCP/IP networks like the Internet. You will see your own IP by double-clicking the connection icon in the toolbar and viewing the Details XXX from the line "Client IP Address". Another option is to type either IPCONFIG or WINIPCFG in the DOS prompt.

If you see only address of an internal network (they are between spaces 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255, 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255 and 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255), try some of the following pages that have scripts that show viewer's address.

• http://ankka.com
• http://www.edilex.fi/ip.php
• http://www.facultyof1000.com/whatsmyip.asp
• http://www.sas.upenn.edu/~elew/support/ip.html

Note that if you use or are forced to use a Proxy or a Cache in your browser, this IP is also false. Try to turn the services off if you can and reload.

If your IP number happens to be also dynamic (changes every time you connect your ISP), you will have to set the newest one to Force IP field every time you want to use DC++.

What kind of files I shouldn't share?

Useless trash that is no good for anyone is forbidden. This means .tmp and other temporary files, content of the Recycle Bin, unfinished downloads like kazaa's .dat files, scandisk .chk files et cetera.

You shouldn't share files that break any laws. Copyrighted material, pirated software, .wav files from CDs and .vob files from DVDs are forbidden. Bots control these kind of files, and if forbidden files are found, kick anyone out without questions. Notice that if you share your whole hard disk your emails, bank accounts, saved passwords, personal files etc. will be shared too. It is also forbidden to share installed software like games or the Windows directory. Sharing your "My Documents" directory also makes many of your personal files free to read for anyone.

Don't share the folder where you download your files, in some point they are unfinished there anyways. Move new files to some shared folder only after you have completely downloaded them.

Read the Hub rules from welcome message when connecting to the Hub, they may vary a lot on Hub basis. Many Hubs deny certain offensive files like some kinds of adult entertainment and racist material.

I have been banned, why?

You have probably shared some forbidden files, had too many Hub connections at a time or too small Hub/Slot ratio, and a Bot has noticed it. Clean up your Share List (Windows' Search tool is a good help with the files mentioned above) and learn the rules to prevent it happening again. Temporary ban that comes with a kick usually lasts from just a few to thirty minutes.

Another option is general bad behaviour, breaking some other Hub rules or disconnecting your uploads, you probably know if you have done the first or the last. Frequent kicks can result a premanent ban, and after it you will not get to the Hub before the ban is manually lifted. Operators may remove a ban, but they only do it if you correct your habits and also make them believe you will. Faking Sharing results an immediate and permanent ban without warning.

In some cases someone else with a NAT or dynamic IP number may cause an innocent user with same address to have a ban without a reason. This is very rare, though.

A Hub is asking for a password, why?

Most probably reasons are a ban or your name is registered to some other user. This is a feature that some Hubs offer to its users.

What is Fake Sharing?

Using a separate application or modified client to falsely heighten your shared amount or sharing same files manyfold is called Fake Sharing. There are many means to cheat, but sooner or later even all the new ones are become commonly recognized by Operators. It's really not worth it in the long run.

Fake sharing is always followed by kick and an immediate ban, with no warning nor withdrawal, ever. Usually ban also affects from all Hubs that our network Operators happen to have Operator status on, this also applies to outside the FinX network. Fakers have no friends anywhere.

How can I check my own Share List?

With DC++ it's easy to check your shares. Open File -> Open File List, move one level up in the directory tree (to DCPlusPlus directory) and open "MyList.DcLst".

What do all the icons mean?

Icons of Direct Connect:

Icons of DC++:

DC++'s special features

DC++ has some commands that work in some or only in the chat windows:

/away <message> - sets an away-message that is sent automatically whenever someone tries to contact you in private.

/back - removes the Away status

/clear - empties the chat window

/close - closes the window.

/grant <user> - grants an extra download slot for the specified user.

/refresh - refreshes your Share List. Important if you add file(s) for your list while DC++ is on.

/ts - timestamps on/off.

Toolbar icons:

The Error Messages, a guide for the rest of us

No users to download from
You tried to download a file that has ceased to exist on the user you have specified earlier. You may search for an alternative source.

No slots available
The user you are trying to download from doesn't have any free slots for new downloaders. Wait nicely until one is free, begging doesn't usually pay off.

Remove all subdirectories before adding this one
You are trying to share a directory that has shared directories in it. Remove the subdirectories so you can share the parent directory.

Search spam detected from <user>
Someone made over five searches in seven seconds.

Directory already shared
You are trying to share a directory that is already shared. Shame on you, you would get banned if you survived to a Hub with it.

A file of equal or larger size already exists at the target location
You tried to download a file that you already have in the target directory. Remove the previous file or go to your local health center to be checked for other symptoms of the Alzheimer's syndrome.

Could not open target file
You or your DC client tried to open or modify a file that is write protected. The most probable reason is that the file is currently in use, most commonly in some sort of media player. Another option is that Windows XP is trying to make a preview shot of a movie file.

User went offline
The person you were downloading from hit the road, in other words "left". Wait until he comes back or try to find another source for the file.

Invalid number of slots
Very funny, smart guy. The best options for the amount of slots are between zero and ninety-nine.

Press the follow redirect button to connect to <address>
The Hub you tried to connect is full, closed or you didn't share enough to access it. If you want to go to the recommended Hub, press . If you want to try again, press .

Connection reset by server
Your connection to the Hub was lost for some reason. It may be your of the Hub's fault, so don't panic.

Port <port> is busy, please choose another one in the settings dialog, or disable any other application that might be using it and restart DC++
Port 1412 or the one you have specified earlier is being used by another program. First make sure you haven't got more than one DC++ running and if not, change the port to something else from the Settings page. Large port numbers between the range 1-65535 are prefered, small and handy ones are more commonly reserved for another uses.

A file with a different size already exists in the queue
Just what it sounds. There is a file with same name but different size in your queue. Usually it is good advice to remove the smaller one, it's incomplete with larger probability, and at least lower quality.

You are being redirected to <osoite>
The Hub you tried to connect is full, closed or has higher requirements for shared data than you reach. The Hub automatically reconnects you to another Hub that is available and/or more suitable for your weight class.

Rollback inconsistency, existing file does not match the one being downloaded
DC++ compares some parts of two partial files you are trying to combine, and if they do not match it results this error. Either try to find a source that has identical file to your existing one or start the file all over again.

Unknown Address
You mistyped a Hub address or some of the popular free redirection services (for a common example, dns2go) are having a vacation again. We wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth though, would we?

Connection timeout
The Hub you tried to connect didn't respond to your request fast enough and your client program stopped trying. Usual causes for this error are heavy traffic or some wider connection problems at the Hub side, lousy connections overall (at low bandwith and high distances), your misconfigured Firewall, your bad karma or possibly a voodoo curse.

Disconnected
Unspecified loss of connection. Try again, and if it doesn't help, try again later.

How can I burn a .*** file?

• .BIN CDRWin, CloneCD, Nero, Daemon Tools, IsoBuster (usually needso also a .CUE file, with Nero you need sometimes to set block size to 2048/2352 beforehand)
• .BWI BlindWrite
• .BWT BlindWrite, Daemon Tools
• .C2D WinOnCD, IsoBuster
• .CCD CloneCD, Daemon Tools
• .CD CDi, OptImage, IsoBuster
• .CDI DiscJuggler, Daemon Tools
• .CDJ DiscJuggler
• .CDP NTI CD-Maker
• .CIF Easy CD Creator, DiscJuggler, IsoBuster
• .CUE CDRWin, CloneCD, Nero, Daemon Tools, IsoBuster (needs usually also .BIN file)
• .DAO Duplicator, IsoBuster
• .FCD VirtualCD, IsoBuster (unpacked)
• .GCD Prassi, IsoBuster
• .GI Prassi (Global Image), PrimoDVD, IsoBuster
• .IMG CloneCD, IsoBuster
• .ISO Easy CD Creator, Nero, DiscJuggler, BlindRead, IsoBuster, Daemon Tools
• .MD1 Gear CD Suite
• .MDS Daemon Tools
• .NCD NTI CD-Maker
• .NRG Nero, IsoBuster
• .P01 Toast, IsoBuster
• .RAW DiscJuggler
• .PXI Plextor Image file
• .RDB Gear CD Suite
• .SUB CloneCD
• .TAO Duplicator, IsoBuster
• .VCD VirtualCD
• .XA Gear DC Suite
  
  
• For more detailed help about file types and CD-burning in general is available here.
• If you want to use the image file directly from hard drive without burning it in CD, try Daemon Tools or some other virtual-CD software of your preference.

Movies slowen my Windows XP:n, what to do?

The thumbnailing feature of the Windows XP tries to open all movies simultaniously. This is of course a very heavy, slow and stupid task if many files are involved. You can disable the feature by altering the following registry keys:

• Start>Run REGEDIT.EXE
• Find branch HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\.avi\shellex\PropertyHandler from the registry tree
• Delete the key "Default", it has value of "{87D62D94-71B3-4b9a-9489-5FE6850DC73E}"

Apart from this, handling (moving, deleting) large movie files can still be slow in some cases. As first aid, do not commence your operations immediately: after first clicking the file, wait for a second or two and give your commands only after that.

The sound or the image of a movie file doesn't play properly.

Common solutions:

• Try another player.
• Get the missing codecs, (Nimo pack is a good collection and the AC3 sound codec missing from it can be found here. XviD also needs updating after Nimo is installed).
• Update codecs to newer versions... (DivX or install any DVD player if you are trying to watch mpeg files)
• ...and naturally, if your version is the newest one available, try some older version
• Remove all codecs and start troubleshooting from the beginning

How do I enable external subtitles?

• Apart from the movie, you also need a subtitle file for it.
• The subtitles should be either in format .txt, .srt or .sub, the bitmap subtitles (.sub) created by EasyDivX aren't supported by all programs.
• The movie and the subtitle file should have matching names and be in same directory. For example, flick.avi and flick.srt.
• The most popular programs that support subtitles by default are BSPlayer, MicroDVD and Radlight (Note! Radlight contains spyware, so Ad-Aware is highly recommended)
• The handiest way to get subtitle support might be a codec add-on, for example DirectVobSub (which comes with the Nimo codec pack), that makes subtitles work on Windows Media Player. DirectVobSub supports only subtitles in .sub and .srt formats, though. You can convert subtitles from format to another with a program called Time Adjusterilla.

BSPlayer:

1. Find, download, install and run BSPlayer.
2. Open the movie (Open... with right mouse button) or press L.
3. If subtitles are in same folder with same name, you should see the text "Subtitles: Yes".
4. If the text did not show up, right-click the mouse in panel window and choose "Load subtitles...".
5. Right-click the mouse in movie window and check the "Subtitles" menu.
6. Check that "Show subtitles" is checked.
7. Go to menu "Font", choose nice font and size and check that subtitle color is white.
8. BSPlayer needs sometimes little tweaking with text placement and rewind/fodward buttons, but those should show up anyway.

MicroDVD:(© Superlokki):

1. Get Micro DVD Player (mdvdp12.exe)
2. Install it and run
3. Press M button show there should read -dvd in top left, and F button next to it so that there reads -dvd quickini- in the left
4. Then the hardest part, getting the "options" button to show up from the front panel... :D in the middle of the screen is -panel- which turns when clicking from it right side...
5. When panel is turned, click options button in lower right and switch to subtitles tab... uncheck -use transprent subtitles-...
6. Then open the movie from the button on the right... choose first movie file (avi, mpg ...), next sound file (if needed, otherwise press cancel) and lastly subtitle file (micro dvd player should detect all kind of subtitle files)
7. Check that there reads white -sub- text in bottom left. If you cant see that and subtitles are installed, press -choose subtitle- next to options button or press U
8. Enjoy the movie with subtitles

Where can I find subtitles?

• http://dvd.box.sk
• http://www.subtitles.cz/en
• http://www.divxsubtitles.net
• http://www.subscene.com
• http://www.divxsubs.com
• http://www.sunpoint.net/~finsubs
• http://subtitles.kelesh.net
• http://www.hot.ee/subland
• http://www.winsubs.fi
• http://www.finsubs.net
• Don't forget this either.

Movie and subtitles are out of sync, what to do?

There are many applications that you can use to adjust the framerate (pictures showed per second), the handiest might again be Time Adjuster.

1. Open the subtitle file in Time Adjuster.
2. Choose File>Synchronize.
3. Choose from the upper menu "First 50% of file" and take some random line of text from the beginning of the movie.
4. Press the "Or use AVI player to point me that line"-button from the upper menu.
5. Press the Open-button and choose the movie that the subtitle file is associated with.
6. Rewind the movie to the spot where the chosen line of text SHOULD be and press the "Line below is playing NOW !" -button as precisely as possible.
7. Press Ok if you managed to click satisfyingly, press Cancel if you would like to try again (for example with some other line of text).
8. Choose from the lower menu "Last 50% of file" and some suitable line of text from the ending half of the movie.
9. Press from the lower menu the "Or use AVI player to point me that line" -button.
10. Repeat phases 5-7 with the line from the ending half.
11. Save the subtitle file.
12. Enjoy the movie.

How can I watch unfinished movies?

• MPEG- and MPG- files can usually be viewed when they are partial.
• Partial DivX-files can usually be viewed with DivX Player 2.0 Alpha that comes bundled with Divx 5. With partial files the program may be sensitive to crash and external subtitle files do not work.
• With DivxFix you may construct new index block (the part necessary to decode the file) to the unintentional end of the file and remove it after you want/can continue where you stopped before. To avoid nasty surprises it is recommendable to use a backup copy of the original file when working with DivxFiX.

How can I make MPEG of DivX movies myself?

• Vellu has written a nice and newbie friendly guide, DVD2DivX for beginners, that is available in two of the most important global languages. The programs needed in the process are embedded in the guide.
• Forget MPEG-1 (Video-CD) and MPEG-2 (S-Video CD), use DivX that is both more compact and causes less loss of quality.
• For novice use, easy and handy software for DVD backups is EasyDivX. For better compatibility subtitles should be made separately with SubRip instead of using the bitmap format of the EasyDivx.
• For conversion from analog to digital format through a TV-card, and other mpeg-related tasks, there is software called Vidomi. With it it is also easy to cut off commercial breaks.

More information:
DVD2DivX for beginners | dvd.box.sk | www.divx-digest.com | Google