WIN XP Networking Problem? No Internet within applications

[quiksil903]

Hi, hope someone knows what I am talking about and this is a simple fix.

I have an AT&T cable modem running through a hardware SMC router to a network of 5 computers who don't experience this problem (so I don't think it's an IP thing or settings on the router).

My general internet connection works fine: I can use my browser, messenging service, e-mail, etc.

The problem comes when a program/application tries to connect to the internet (for updates or whatnot). The result is that programs like Kazaa that have internet browser-type interfaces don't work. Kazaa, Morpheus and the like require within-application internet connections to appear in a frame-like interface, and all I get is the "cannot load" error message.

This problem appears too when I want to connect to the Internet for updating information in Microsoft Money or when Norton Antivirus wants to access new virus definitions. All of this seems to point to the same problem...except I have no idea what it is!

Is it my network settings? My internet options? Everything looks identical to everyone else on the network...

Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sohcrates]

sounds like you need to do some port mapping

read about it in your SMC manual

basically, programs like Kazaa and what not use specific ports, which you need to "allow" your router to let through

 

[Tallgeese]

If this SMC is a SOHO model (7004 BR or ABR) then it's exactly like mine. I have not mapped any ports for those applications at all.
Your t-shooting is correct so far. Sounds like something on the machine is not kosher.
If we're talking about XP, are the built-in firewall features enabled?
If not, is any OTHER firewall software loaded?
If not, has ANY firewall software EVER been loaded on this machine?

 

[quiksil903]

I don't think that port mapping is necessary because other computers on the same network function fine while connected to the router.

The XP firewall is not enabled. I have ZoneAlarm installed but not running.

Also, one thing of note: if the internet conks out for a while or we power-cycle our cable modem or router, my machine loses the connection and doesn't bounce back without a reboot. I run a Dell XPS T500 machine with Win XP Pro and my main point of comparison on the network is my roommate's XPS R350. His machine doesn't require a reboot to pick up the connection when it comes back.

Also, his machine, without fail, can connect to the router through the browser-based interface whereas mine does not always

any more thoughts?

thanks for the help so far.

 

[Tallgeese]

Uninstall ZoneAlarm and see if your apps start working.

If it still doesn't work right after that, completely remove all networking components from your machine, then reinstall.
Make sure you have the latest, fully XP-compatible drivers for your NIC.

HTH

 

[quiksil903]

Thanks TallGeese,

I just uninstalled my ZoneAlarm firewall software, which I wasn't even running, and seemingly application interent funcion is restored. I am skeptical that this solved the problem, given the fact that I hadn't run the program in a good long while. It makes me think that there must be options within the ZoneAlarm application that would allow internet usage back and forth. I'm surprised it effectively bottled other programs' connections to the internet even while not running.

Anyway, unless anything else goes horribly wrong, I identified the problem. Now all I have to do is figure out a way to let Norton Antivirus update its virus definitions AND firewall my computer to protect it (seems like a safety catch-22 that would be laughable if not so dangerous).

So stay tuned for future updates on having your cake and eating it too.

Thanks for the advice