Why can I not accept a file sent via MSN Messenger in XP?

[Rooster697]

Hello,

This worked just fine in Win2K, but has never worked in XP ever since I did a fresh install (of XP). I have updated my MSN Messenger to the latest version, 4.6.0085. I can send a file to someone without a problem, but cannot accept one they send me. When I do, I get an error message stating that the transfer did not complete. The error message on the other computer belonging to the person who is trying to send me the file implies that it is my computer which is at fault (transfer has been blocked). I can send this same person files via MSN without difficulty as long as I originate the transfer.

Obviously, I have a setting which is impeding reception. I am running both a hardware router/firewall, and Norton Personal Firewall. I have the ports open on my hardware firewall, and have disabled Norton. It still fails every time I click Accept. I redid the setup for Norton, and created a Custom setting for IN/OUT when using MSN. It still failed (unlikely to be Norton as it still fails when I disable Norton). I read that XP has a built-in Firewall. Perhaps this is blocking the incoming port?

My router is a Netgear RT314. I already know it does not support voice conversations with MSN on XP, however I know perfectly well that it works for file transfer as I still have Win2K dual-booted and it works just fine. Therefore, it is something within XP which is preventing transfer. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Rooster

 

[bsobel]

Don't be so quick to assume it's XP and not Messenger, the 2k and XP versions work differently (for example, best I can tell the latest XP version supports connecting over HTTP port 80 while the 2k version does not).

Can you put your computer outside the hardware firewall for a test, I suspect that is what is really causing the problem (unless you have some port forwarding setup, how will the external computer be able to reach you to do the transfer?)

Bill

 

[bigcfromcinci]

XP has built in firewall but it's DISABLED by default.
do what bsobel suggested:try putting it in the dmz zone and see it that works..if so..you know it's a router setting..I don't suggest you leave it in the dmz zone though.