XP has a built in firewall??

Wow, I must have missed that when I bought this emachine with XP already installed, maybe I better read the user book more carefully! Where is it? Why doesn't it show on the programs, is it called something other than XP Firewall?
Ever since I signed up with MSN, the messenger service tells me it can't sign me in because it appears I am behind a firewall, and that prevents me from having a direct connection to the internet. I've never been able to sign in with the messenger.
I had bought and installed MCAfee Internet Security with firewall, but misused it, so I uninstalled all of it. I couldn't figure out why messenger kept saying I am behind a firewall, so now I know! I would uninstall xp firewall if I knew where it was.
How do ya'll get around the firewall to use your messenger service?

 

Well, to disable your firewall:
Click Start, Control Panel, double–click Network Connections, select the Internet connection, Network Tasks, Change settings of this connection, Advanced tab, Internet Connection Firewall, uncheck or check the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box.


The way Billy Says to do it.


As for the second half...... I truly don't know?

 

The easiest way to use Messenger with a firewall is to get a firewall that communicates with you rather than just sitting in the background, blocking stuff until you figure out how to open ports through it...which is what XP's firewall does.

In addition, XP's firewall doesn't block anything going out. Messenger doesn't work with it until you open ports through it basically because it will let your computer send a signal out but won't let it reply when the other computer/server sends a signal back, trying to negotiate a connection. (a simplified explanation but you get the picture)

The firewalls that make it easier for you are Zone Alarm and Sygate Personal Firewall. Both are free downloads. There are others but I haven't used them so I can't give you any information about them.

If you decide to go with ZoneAlarm, I strongly recommend you use version 2.6, which you can get from
Oldversion. The newer versions try to do too many things and create problems; version 2.6 sticks to doing what it does very well...being a firewall.

There is information about the ports Windows Messenger uses and how to coordinate Messenger with firewalls and routers onthis page in case you need it.

 

Thank you, Daizy. Thank you, Miz. I'm sure I will be able to get my messenger up and running now with all this great info. Never, ever worry about being too basic with me, shoot, I know better than to get over confident! Ya'll have a most excellent day, and I will try my new stuff tomorrow and will let you know if I'm successful.