This error really got me stumped.

Connection failed: There was an error with this connection

I get it right after i try to login. It brings up the splash screen of the female wizard, then after a couple of seconds. I hear a error beep and go back to the desktop with that error.

I tried reinstalling from the Stormreach cd's when i got the game a few years ago, same connection error

So uninstalled and downloaded the client and tried, same connection error

Both times i even tried turning off vista's firewall, same connection error.

I don't use a router, my cable modem is plugged directly into my PC.

Did multiple restarts, and still same connection error.

I did tracert's and pings. No problems at all with packet loss that would account for this.