Server wont respond

[enbay1]

Ok, ive been reading these forums for too long, too much crap on the others. So, my problem is that i have the server up, and it says its running, and i can find it in the internet section. but when me, or my friends try to connect i says "failed after 4 tries" HELP im using vista ultimate!
-Ben

[a7m1]

u port forwaded ? , did you gave your friends your external ip ?!
also you should'nt always or ever see the server in internet tab nor connect to it using your external ip:port

http://www.whatismyip.com

[enbay1]

Well i went into control panel and made exceptions for the ports i tried, note im using a VM of vista ultimate. and yes gave them external, and why shouldnt i see it on the internet listing?
-Thanks
ben