Tracert requests all timing out for one specific server

Kyle Grady 0 Reputation points
2025-03-08T10:53:21.8566667+00:00

Hey,

I was recommended this forum from the official microsoft forums -

So I've been having this issue for about 6 months now since I moved to a new address and switched networks from Virgin Media to Sky.

The issue is with major packet loss to a specific server (162.249.72.1) This server is for the EU servers of an online game played on this PC and is causing big problems within the game itself causing random stuttering. I have tried with other random servers like google and they all work perfectly.

After being in contact with the game's support staff, I tried every fix they showed me and none could solve it, so they suggested I contacted my ISP (Sky in this case) Which I have done but they can see no issues at all and are 'looking into it' for the foreseeable which makes sense since every other part of the network and all internet connections are brilliant and stable.

The control I'm using to test this bug is the tracert command, now over the 30 hops it tests, only 1, 2 and 5 work every time without fail, every single other hop is shown a 'request timed out' even with the wait time before a ping timeout increased to 10 seconds.

Results below:

Image

I am completely stuffed with what to do as I believe I have tried everything.

Attempted fixes:

Miscellaneous fixes such as mouse polling rate adjustments / In-game settings etc.

Updating all possible drivers including graphics, network drivers etc.

Deleting and re-installing all associated programs with the game using RevoUninstaller to ensure all registry items are deleted too.

sfc /scannow (no issues)

Network reset

IP reset / refresh

Changing DNS settings around

Changing configuration from IPv6 to IPv4 and back

Adding exceptions for all game services into antivirus/firewall settings

Port forwarding

Changing ethernet ports used from router

Enabling Inbound/outbound rules on firewall settings page relating to ICMP echo requests

Completely resetting PC

Reverting windows updates / using a previous system restore from when it was working

Changing protocol to WPA2 and back

I have changed absolutely nothing from my last address apart from the network provider, and in every other aspect the internet is brilliant, even in game there is no packet loss shown or connectivity issues indicated and the bug can only be seen when the game is being played with random stuttering. It seems to be an issue with only my PC too, not the server itself as millions connect and use it every day with no issues.

Now I am really no advanced user / developer at all but I have tried every tutorial/video/blog I can find for any advice and I am really hoping someone here can guide me into any sort of reason why just this one server won't connect as it's driving me nuts..

(And it is also stopping / has stopped me playing this game I enjoy for the last 6 months!)

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Networking | Network connectivity and file sharing
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  1. Geoff McKenzie 865 Reputation points
    2025-03-13T05:35:09.4766667+00:00

    Hi Kyle,

    You will get limited value from tools like Tracert and ping in this situation. Many internet routers, gateways, etc. block/drop ICMP for security and performance reasons. You may be better off with some sort of TCP ping tool. Test-NetConnection in powershell is a basic one but there are options that will give you ping.exe like output for a tcp connection.

    However, for your situation I would start with a simpler test (assuming it is 'simpler' in your circumstances).
    If you have a relative or friend who plays the same game and uses the same server at their home and do not have any issues, then, invite them over, have them plug in to your network and see if they have the same problem.
    If they do then it may be something environmental (to do with your location or network).
    If they don't then it may be something to do with your machine or configuration.
    Eitherway, you will know where to focus your investigation.

    Good luck


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