I need to perform a Network Reset each time I wish to log into Path of Exile?
I need to perform a Network Reset each time I wish to log into Path of Exile?
The issue I'm facing is that when launching games such as Cod, Marvel Rivals, Overwatch, and Path of Exile (Discord included), I can't progress past the login stage. Either I encounter a connection error or it becomes stuck at "logging in." My internet seems stable; other online games function properly (Counter-Strike, Battlefield, etc.), and Discord works both in-browser and with the same accounts on my laptop when connected to the same router.
I've attempted numerous solutions and the closest resolution has been performing a network reset. This temporarily lets me log in and play these games successfully. However, it's only a short-term fix—closing and reopening the game causes me to get stuck again or face the "connection error" message. This method doesn't work for Path of Exile 2 either, as I repeatedly receive an "unexpected connection occurred" alert after about ten minutes of launching the game. Essentially, the network reset gives me roughly ten minutes to log in before issues resurface.
These are the steps I've tried so far:
- Disabled firewall and anti-virus (Kaspersky)
- Added games to the antivirus allow list and Windows firewall
- Turned off antivirus temporarily
- Ran virus scans via Kaspersky and Windows
- Used command prompts and system settings
- Checked DNS servers and VPN options
- Switched Discord on and off
- Updated Windows and AMD graphics drivers
- Reinstalled all games, including Discord
- Removed and reinstalled Path of Exile 2
I'm also thinking about taking my PC to a tech store for further assistance, as I'm running out of ideas. Thank you in advance for any suggestions or tips that could help.
Does your system support wireless connection? If yes, try connecting through wi-fi to check for improvements.
3. Is there a fixed IP address assigned to the device?
4. Can you disable IPv6 settings in the adapter configuration?
This adjustment unfortunately doesn't function properly for Path of Exile 2 because I experience an "unexpected connection occurred" each time I start a new session after more than 10 minutes. Essentially, the network reset forces me to wait about 10 minutes before being able to log in. How reliable is this 10-minute timing? Should I check the Task Scheduler for any entries with a 10-minute trigger? It would help to review all tabs and read them carefully. It might be that an earlier installation introduced a rule now interfering with the process.
I would turn off the virus and firewall features for a short period. Because you're just playing the game, I think you don’t need to be concerned about viruses... nothing should directly threaten your machine over the internet due to the NAT in the router.
It’s difficult to say, but it might be related to one of GGG data centers. I’d keep the resource manager active in the network settings. You’ll be able to observe the IP addresses it connects to. Sometimes certain ranges of IPs or servers experience problems, while others remain stable. Whenever you switch zones in POE, a new session opens multiple times on a different server.
If there’s no clear cause, you could try running a Wireshark capture. You’ll end up with large files without filters, but unless you understand TCP/IP traffic well, it’s tough to filter effectively. Usually, you wait until the issue resolves and then examine the captured data. It would be useful to check whether the session actually connects with the new server or is simply ignored. The important part is the SYN packets sent from your machine to the server’s IP address—these are the initial packets in a new connection.
What stands out is that resetting the interface resolves the problem. This isn’t unusual—you’re not creating thousands of sessions and hitting limits in Windows. I often assume VPN-related issues when strange behavior occurs. VPN programs don’t always remove completely, and their activation settings can still leave VPN hooks in the operating system. After reinstalling Windows, I usually disable VPN on my machine and use an external router instead. In my experience, testing various VPNs might have contributed to the problem, but some VPNs are particularly difficult to uninstall.
I resolved the issue by checking Task Manager. I discovered my antivirus (Kaspersky) was still running in the background even after pausing and closing it. When I ended the task, it would reappear multiple times before stopping properly, allowing everything to function correctly afterward. After clearing all antivirus remnants, it worked perfectly. It became clear then that the antivirus had been active despite the pause, likely due to a network reset preventing immediate startup of background apps. I also ensured games were allowed through the firewall, but that didn’t help. Thanks for the advice!
In general, the Microsoft firewall and virus protection are more than sufficient. Most attacks today aren't actually viruses; they try to deceive people into executing a program. While some software can detect these, it ultimately depends on the user's caution. It's unclear what to do when hackers are paying large sums to promote fake sites at the top of search results.
For personal use, Windows Defender suffices. It functions well most of the time and rarely causes issues.