POL Error 0260: I can Login to POL, but get stuck at "Retrieving Friends List Data"

[Tomcat100]

Details:
The issue began this weekend after I networked my computers to share an internet connection so my GF can start her own FFXI account and play with me. The internet works perfectly on both computers and Playonline was even working at first and allowed me to log in to patch the game, but now on either computer it will Error out on POL Error 0260. It logs in all the way after the verifying password step. At that point I can even see in the back that I am successfully logged in to POL since it shows my POL profile picture, but at that point it says "Retrieving Friends List Data" and sits there and times out to a POL Error 0260.

Steps on how it occurred:
1. Set up a shared internet connection over a network.
2. Everything worked fine, it lets me log in and update POL.
3. I leave the new computer updating final fantasy.
4. The next day neither computer will get past "Retrieving Friends List Data"
5. Tried Rebooting all devices several times, and even tried in safe mode.
6. Logged in as a guest on a friend's computer to confirm it was not my account.
7. The problem persists and consistently prevents me from getting past "Retrieving Friends List Data"
8. I called Playonline's Support number and waited for over 2 hours on hold before giving up and trying this Forum, and here I am.

Since the problem is so specific, I'm hoping there is a known fix to the issue.


Date/Time: Approximately 10/05/2013 at about 2:00am

Frequency: Always

Platform: PC

PC: Home Built: 2.66 Core 2 Duo, 2gm RAM. >1TB Free Space

OS: Windows XP Home 32 Bit SP3

Graphics Card: ATI Radeon HD 4670 w/1GB DDR3

ISP: C-Spire (Cellular South)

Internet Connection: 3G with Franklin U772 USB Modem

Thank you in advance for the assistance. I have been unable to play since this happened, and my GF is waiting for me to resolve the issue to start her account.

[Tomcat100]

I have resolved this issue on my own. Instead of using Windows Internet Connection Sharing, I installed a third party Internet Sharing Utility (Wingate) and I have not had the problem again.

[Philotreu]

Greetings Tomcat100,

We are happy to hear that you were able to resolve the issue; as such I'm going to close this thread. If this does continue to be a concern, please create another thread to further try to discuss resolutions or contact the Support Center at support.na.square-enix.com for assistance. Also, please state the steps you have attempted to resolve this issue.

Good luck and have fun!