Ok, Ive had red alert for years and have only recently found out how to get it to work online on xp. I spent ages on google looking for forums and any help i could get.
I still can't believe I finally got it to work!!
Anaway, just in case there is any1 still tryin to figure it out (none of the forums helped me) I thought that I would post this message.

1. Install red alert (and counterstrike and aftermath if you have)im not sure if I did this but try to change all program files in the westwood folder to windows 95 compatability just in case. (right click on files and then properties, then change the compatability)

2. Download the xp patch online. (Type in red alert xp patch in google and look for one which after downloaded contains a file called patch.exe and patch.rtp and a readme. Copy the patch.exe and patch.rtp into the red alert folder and then double click the patch.exe. Now it should work on xp.

3. I dont think that westwood online works any more so I downloaded an 'xwis' utility from the internet. (search on google for xwis, red alert, online or something). You'll need this later on.

4. Download the red alert 3.03 patch. (Again search on google, I found a good download link by searching for red alert 3.03 patch ea(the download is on a forum on ea website) install this patch by following the instructions.
p.s im not sure if this is needed or not but this was the only way i got online.

5. Insert disc 1 (aftermath seemed to crash) and run red alert. The menu should have changed and should show a '4 player internet' logo to the left. Click on multiplayer then internet. Now type in any username and password of your choice, and click connect. The username will automatically be created. It will probably say an update is needed and click yes to download and install it. Once red alert is restarted by the download, again type in the username you want and this time it should connect you to westwood online and will automatically put you in lobby.

Hope this works, it did for me and im happy, post your replies here cause I wanna see if it works. Good luck and happy playing online(you might see me there as DJaaron )

sorry I forgot to say that you have to run the xwis utility after installin patch 3.03, and then click on the 'reset' button then close the application and run red alert. If you cant get online still, run the xwis thing again and this time click on the 'xwis' button and close it then run red alert.
sorry bout missing this out

its really not that complicated , you dont need all those programs or versions , just red alert , either from C&C first decade , or from the replica cd's available for free download at EA. Mini RA also works, they all work... simply go into red alert, click internet from RA starting screen (on version 2.0 for me) .. put in any name and password and go onto ww online. THE REASON it does not work for some people is due to thier router and PORTS NOT BEING OPEN.. not "you didnt try two quick times" or "counting to 3 and tabbing into redalert at the same time" or myths such as the latter.. the SECRET to being able to host games , I figured this out finally , and sinse you all read this far here it is... in your router settings somewhere (usually in advanced tab, tool tab, or "applications") you need to activate something called DMZ (de-materializing Zone) for the ip of your computer. This opens up every single port on your computer. If you dont know how to setup DMZ read further for instructions.. if so , then gg's have fun.

To activate DMZ you may need your ip-adress. Some routers you may have to goto the command prompt (simulated dos mode) to get your ip adress just goto run-> type in command then type in "cd\" then type in ipconfig/all and jot down your ip. when you find dmz , select activate and usually a drop down menu comes up with the various computers on your network.. just select your computer and set the time to "indefinatley" or however long you are going to play for. other routers require you to enter the ip manually , if so , just follow the steps above and fill it in with your i.p. there you have it , you are ready to host games on red alert online now

-by the way i am an ex top 25 wwonline player and still trying to get a community going for the game again. willing to train and show builds on standard maps to people if you are good mannered players, who do not lag too bad and are simply willing to play. ill be on these nicks usually: (Slick8347, iamVrpain, or Svperman) hope this helps,cheers

*WARNING* activating DMZ can be very dangerous , should have included this in my last post. The fact that this opens all the ports to your computer makes you very vulnerable to obviously virus' and other malicious software. My advice, if you arent serious about RA, or any game you use this knowledge for to be able to host games, only activate it for the time you are going to play. Personally i leave it on all the time and have zero problems. As long as you stick to your regular web sites , dont goto www,hackers,com, or try to find underground warez cracks, you will be fine 90% of the time, just a reminder, happy gaming

Hi guys,

I'm running Red Alert with Version 3.03 but when I click on Internet and press "OK" at the window that asks for an Internet Update, it only downloads the file but nothing else happens. I can only press "Cancel" after the download completede which obviously, cancels everything. Any help?

C

OK, just turned my firewall off and restarted the game after the installation. I'am currently alone in the channel. It actually says "WC:2, RA1: 3, 1 NOX: 13". Does that mean that I'm online or not? Are three people playing RA1 or does that just stay for Red Alert 3?

Sorry for asking stupid questions...

Carsten

Could you give a better definition of what this XWIS utility is? I can't seem to locate anything on their website that would help in getting RA1 to work online, nor does THEIR guide on how to play online say anything about it.

Exact file name would be nice. Thanks in advance.