MSN Messenger problems

[carneydg]

I have recently successfilly installed a Netgear DG834 router to enable my 2 sons to get online in their rooms. Everything seemed fine till son 1 discovered he is now unable to sign in to MSN Messenger anymore.Since this is the way he communicates with his friends he is giving me earache. I guess the router firewall is preventing Messenger working but I have had several unsuccessful attempts at allowing access.

All PC's are running XP pro.

Can anyone tell me how I can configure the Netgear Fiewall to allow Messenger to operate?

Regards
Dave C

[reboot]

Go into router config page.
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/N100725.asp
According to Netgear:
MSN Messenger (Including Voice) See this Microsoft Link for detailed info, including Windows 2000 Problems 6901& 6891-6900
MSN Messenger
(Watch Out! Opens a wide port range!)
NOTE: Shut off any personal firewall programs such as BlackIce, ZoneAlarm, etc.
Ports 6891-6900 enable File send,
Port 6901 is for voice communications
Allows Voice, PC to Phone, Messages, and Full File transfer capabilities.

IN TCP 6891 - 6900
IN TCP 1863
IN UDP 1863
IN UDP 5190
IN UDP 6901
IN TCP 6901
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/app_port_list.htm

[waheed]

Download latest MSN Messenger. There was a security issue recently with msn, prompting people to use the latest version.

I personally dont think its netgears firewall problem unless you are using an adiitional firewall like zone alarm.

I also have a Netgear router with 4 pcs connected to it all running Win XP Pro. None of the pcs experience any problems using MSN Messenger with the default firewall settings.

[reboot]

That's because the default settings in the Netgear are DMZ. It's acting just like a hub, with no firewall active.
Have you set up NAT?

[waheed]

According to my router settings, the defualt DMZ is not active and NAT is enabled. UPnP is is enabled by default.

[reboot]

What ports are forwarded in NAT?
Other than in the config, some routers automatically forward one or two, without telling you, unless you read the fine print.
eg. The SMC Barricade 7004VBR has port 21 open (for FTP), but doesn't say that anywhere, until you dig into the advanced stuff on their website.

[waheed]

I have a Netgear DG834G wireless router. I think the defualt ports (ive not set any myself) that are forwarded are ports 80 and 21.