Stuck in "Downloading Data" screenFollow

Ok, I am having some serious issues with my FFXI and have no idea how to go about fixing it.

Last night my game was fine, was able to run around everywhere just like normal. I logon this morning, well before the update. and get caught on the "Downloading Data" screen when I tried to zone into Port Bastok... then timeout with a FFXI-3001 error. I spoke with a tech support guy and figured out the port forwarding stuff, which didn't help (assuming I did it right..) My chars in Windy Woods and Port Bastok are stuck in the black screen of doom, while my mule in S. Sandy is just fine. I rolled back my system, reset my router, fiddled with the port forwarding, and nothing seems to help.

The only thing I can think that was messed with in the time around my error was I tried out the Microsoft wireless headset for PC. Spybot noted some registry changes, I'm not so sure if that would have anything to do with the problems I have been having. I was able to run around after the changes were noted in the places where I am now stuck.

Any advice as to what I can try next would be appreciated.