If you're getting a "Logging On ..." message that just hangs for a while and then says "Failed to Connect" (if you wait long enough), your client is not finding the server at all. The first thing I would verify is that the information in your internet.cfg file (in your Shogun game folder) is correct.

For Shambles' server, the information should be:

ChatserverIPAddress = ShogunTW.no-ip.info
ChatserverPort = 8793
NewsserverIPAddress = daphne.eagames.co.uk
NewsserverPort = 8797
ShogunTotalWarWebsite = www.totalwar.com

I cut and pasted this information from mine, and I can access Shambles' server without problems.

Once you get to the message "Logged On," then your client has "found" the server. Any subsequent problems are most likely going to be related to communication between the fakeserver and your installation of Shogun. All you need to supply is a nickname and Japanese surname. Password and CD-Key are not used by the fakeservers.

Do remember to repeat the log on process several times if it stalls at "Logging On ..." or "Logged On," as even my attempts get stuck occasionally. Repeated attempts (2-3) usually get past the problem (assuming the server is running and the information in the internet.cfg file is correct).

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As to the constrasting opinions/experiences regarding playing different game versions on fakeservers, theoretically you should be able to play others if game type and versions match (for Shogun original there is still potential for version mismatch between 1.0 and 1.12). However, I do know that Shambles has installed the same version of the original on his two PCs and tried to play MP on his server without success (the fakeserver's game window does not display), so obviously something is not working on his server that has on others (as I do know there have been those who've played MP with the original Shogun successfully on a fakeserver).