XP Firewall

[Zeqe]

Here is my problem - I use the XP built-in firewall when I connect to my DSL connection but when i want to send files to someone with Windows Messenger the port is blocked and so i manually have to go and turn off the firewall.

Question: Does someone know how to write a small program or script to do this? Or, is there another way to fix this problem?

TIA

-Zeqe

[Miz]

First, read MS Knowledge Base Article, "How to Manually Open Ports in Internet Connection Firewall in Windows" XP for the instructions.

These are the ports Microsoft says Windows Messenger uses:
To enable voice and video communications with Windows Messenger through a non–UPnP firewall, configure the firewall to allow incoming traffic on UDP ports 5004 – 65535.

For other purposes, enable the following ports:

File Transfer: 6891 (to allow 10 simultaneous file transfers open ports 6891 through 6900)
Application and Whiteboard Sharing: 1503
Remote Assistance: 3389

If, however, you're using MSN Messenger, the port to open is 1863, according to this site.

[Zeqe]

Yes, thanks. I realize that I can open this port manually but it is safe to do so? Should it be left open all the time?

What I was looking for is a way that i can open it when i want to send files and then close it when i've finished.

Its only for the file transfer port. Video and voice work fine.

-Zeqe

[morriswindgate]

Kill the windows firewall all together and then install SYgatePE from www.sygate.com. It's free and you can customize what programs are allowed to communicate.