For xbconnect, I have my xbox connected via the "setup E" option. Wireless laptop, and have the xbox connected to the laptop via a crossover cable.

Anyway, when i try to host, my xbox does not have a ping, but registers on the list as FW, and no one can join. I can join others, but cannot host correctly. I have the firewall turned off on windows and my router.

Any ideas? I cannot figure it out for the life of me.

I take it your using XP with SP2? If so its a hit or miss with that version of the OS. But, as far as your router goes. Did you DMZ it or did you forward ports 8602 UDP and TCP to the computer?