Thanks for the suggestions. I actually already changed my hosts file. Let me find it...
Code:
# Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host
127.0.0.1 localhost
5.5.1.11 ip68-108-180-181.lv.lv.cox.net
Reason for the DNS isntead of IP being (of course) because the host file has to point from IP to name, not IP to IP.
I will try altering my boot5zones to reflect both internal IP's. instead of internal and external. From what your troubleshooting desriptions imply, I think I might be ok. Let me load up my server and give it a shot. I will post with my results soon.
Second question though... when I'm on a client computer and log into EQ (S2k patched) I have problems there too. Forst off, it's never a garauntee that I'll get a server list. I have to keep restarting EQ and eventually I'll get a list. Then, when I finally get a list, I select my server, click play.................. then it times out. If I keep re-logging in, maybe eventually I'll get in. THen of course after that, I find my client feezing at the character select screen.
I'm sure all of this could be attributed toward my current server settings.... but I just though I'd ask about it. Thanks again for everything! : )