Though I imagine the problem will be resolved before this question is answered, just in case it isn't, is the server down? I cannot seem to connect.

There hasn't been any downtime lately. You might try connecting on a different port (available ports are: 1080, 5000, 5555, 6660-6670, 8080). If that doesn't work, you can also provide the message you're receiving here so we can try to help you further.

I tried the different ports. All it says is "unable to resolve".

Are you sure that you are using the proper irc server? IRC Server: irc.swc-irc.com

Edit: I had a problem that was identical to this, when I had to download irc again.(it somehow was deleted when I let somebody use my com) As soon as I set the server correctly, all was fine.

I am positive. I go on every day and change nothing.

irc.swcombine.com is an alternate address you can try. Otherwise I'd guess it's your dns servers interfering with your connection.

problem seems to have solved itself. I signed in to a different server for the day, and then my hubby tried the SWC one again and it worked.

I too am having problems connecting. I have tried what is mentioned above but with no luck. Keep getting this message

* [10053] Software caused connection abort

any help would be greatly appreaciated

Time for a new computer Tal.:P I have been having issues staying connected lately, but so far no issues logging on. There have been a couple of situations where I was disconnected and had to completely exit and restart, to reconnect. I have no idea if what I'm experiencing is connected with any other problem, but I guess it's possible.

There aren't any problems with the server. Make sure that the SWC ports you are trying are allowed through your firewall if you have one.

Still no luck. I have a bad feeling that my school has blocked it or something.

That's probable; many schools block IRC ports. 8080 is the most likely to work.

Otherwise, the school may be blocking the software, in case you might want to look into a CGI program like mibbit to connect (although mibbit may not always work because the number of permitted mibbit connections to the server is limited).

I was able to connect using mibbit, does that mean that the school is blocking it? Or could it be a windows update?

If mibbit works, then yes, the school network is blocking it.

yep, works just fine when i take it to my gfs place... looks like the problem is at my schools end.

thanks for all your help