Blocked due to open proxy?

I'm being blocked at the Guild Wars login, with the following message:

You may not log in from this location because this internet address (IP address) is believed to be running an open proxy or relay. You must connect directly to Guild Wars. Please see www.GuildWars.com/support/open-proxy.com.html for further information. (Code=225)

I've searched the forum and haven't found a thread that addresses this issue.

I understand the motivation for this filter is to prevent or inhibit third-party gold sellers and farmers by denying access to the game to those who mask their IP by using an anonymous proxy. Despite the fact that I haven't participated in these activities, the software has flagged my IP address. Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to remedy this, so I'm turning to the Gurus for advice.

I've scanned my machine with Norton and haven't detected any malware which may have opened my ports or somehow zombified my computer. Also, I wrote a quick html code that would analyze my connection (with the help of ip2proxy) and it appears to not be an open proxy. Still, I'm unsure of that fact and am not sure how to difinitively determine that or how to close it off.

Secondly, the block message I receive upon attempted login directs me to a third-party website (njabl.org) that has a form for removing one's IP from their blacklist. This is probably a dumb question, but how do I find my IP address, so I can petition for its removal?

Also, how does one obtain a new IP address? I was under the impression that my router received a dynamic IP from comcast every time I turned my machine on. Shouldn't a simple reset bypass this whole issue with Guild Wars? Apparently not.

Finally, does anyone have a suggestion on how I can "connect directly to Guild Wars"? I'm at a loss on how to correct this latest issue, and would greatly appreciate any thoughts y'all may have.

Thank you!

You can force Comcast to change your IP by assigning a new MAC address for your router. I am not sure which brand or model you use, but look for MAC address clone, and make an address similar to 00:0C:41:xx:xx:xx changing xx to whatever you want. You could also try bypassing your router and connect directly to the cable modem, this will also make Comcast assign a new IP since a new MAC address is being detected.
It sounds like you got an IP from another user who abused their service in some way, and now you have to pay the consequences. I use to go through this a lot with my last ISP. Never had the issue with Guild Wars, but my IP was banned from Google many times. You can check your current IP at http://checkip.dyndns.com/ or your router should have this information on a status page.

Thanks for the info fusa. I saw your posts in the http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...php?t=10268457 thread about changing the MAC address. I'm trying to figure out how to do that now. I've got a D-Link DIR-600 wireless 150 router. The current MAC address stamped on the side of the router is 00:24:01:xx:xx:xx. Of course the X's aren't X's, but if I understand your post, simply changing the final six digits is enough to "clone" an address that's different enough to secure a new IP but similar enough that comcast will still recognize it as a viable router. Is that accurate? If so, where do I go about changing that MAC?

Try this: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/rogers/8_Routers#5069 - dunno how recent/accurate that is. That was the first viable hit on Googling "MAC address clone dlink"

It would probably be wise to keep a note of your original MAC address just in case it all goes tits-up.

If Snograt's link doesn't help, you try asking directly with Dlink support or their forums. It should be easy to do, and quick to undo. The first 1/2 of the MAC address represents the code assigned to the manufacturer (00:0C:41 = Linksys/Cisco and 00:24:01 = DLink) of your router, or LAN card/motherboard. Those are the ones you want to be sure are valid, the last 1/2 can be whatever you want.

Really appreciate the assistance guys. I think the situations fixed itself, however. Or the njabl.org form removed my IP from the blacklist. I was able to log in this morning Still, I'll hang onto this information in case this happens again. Useful to know how to get a new IP number. Thanks again!