Checked again the firewall settings, there is no problem there. His computer is using Window XP Pro with service pack 2+3. I will try uninstalling the game and the mod manager etc, sweep the registry of any remnants and reinstall in the hope that this may cure the problem.
Thanks for all your replies.

Thank you for your response’s.
Yes he and his mates have installed the globalworkaround.
DirectPlay is permitted in his firewall and the router/firewall ports are set to those recommended in his manual by Microsoft.
According to the mod readme the globalserver workaround is not needed for 4.85 but we installed it anyway to see it that would cure the snag.

Hi, Just wondering if anyone has a solution to a problem my son has with his own server. He has installed Mod 4.85, Flmm 1.3 along with Ioncross Freelancer Server Operator. He can see and connect to his server in the list but his mates as far as New Zealand cannot, but they can connect using the fldirectip function in Freelancer EXE Folder.
His firewall is set correct and I see no conflict with the game online with his security suite, I seem to remember this problem arising during my time on Freelancer but as a few of the forums I was a member of have closed I cannot find the solution.
My son wants to have his server available to more players as he is mad about the game.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks.