Black screen after splash screen

[alan-31]

EDIT: Fixed, the RA server must have been offline and now its back.

I just installed RA3. I have the actual game package so its not a copy. I have Windows 7 Home premium, 64 bit with all windows updates and graphic driver updates. It used to run OK on my previous Windows XP computer.
The splash screen comes up, then it shows the mouse pointer and a star at the top right. I can move the mouse and the music is playing. I have to alt-tab and 'end task'.

1. In the CD rom, when I run EASetup.exe, it shows various options including one for "Check for updates". When I do that, the program becomes unresponsive for a few seconds and then says "Could not connect".
2. Could it be a Direct X issue?

Is this a known issue? My internet setup:
- Cable model -> VOIP device -> Router -> PC
On this same setup, World of Warcraft used to run fine with no connection issues. I don't know why this game should require any kind of fixing or adding or ports to firewalls in the router or the VOIP device that I have.

But if there are any reliable solutions, I will try them.
I did some searches and one asked to rename the Movies folder, restart the game and adjust resolution, quit and restore the original folder name. I did that but nothing happened.

[alan-31]

The RA server must have been offline at that time. Everything works now. Cool.