Connection problem

Background.
I attempetd to install Spam Fighter. During the installation it asked to be allowed open ports for access to Bayesian database, or something to that effect. Before, I was able to connect onto P2P networks using Limewire and Soulseek etc.
After this attempt, Spam Fighter froze, forcing me to restart my machine. Then, I could not connect to my P2P friends.
After struggling for a week, I ended up reinstalling XP anew, and now I'm not sure how I can "renew" my love affair with P2P connections.
I've had my IP settings set back to what they were before but still cannot connect. Firewall (XP) is disabled, current max concurrent half-open connections set @ 10,000,000. I am on a LAN and have never had a problem with my ISP. This has to be an XP issues as nothing else has changed, except maybe my computer ID and the assigned internal IP address.
Anyone with assistance would be appreciated.

 

I think you should check your router to see if the special port is blocked.

BTW, honestly, P2P is not friendly to your network security.

 

Thanks Jason.
I do not think it has to do with my router. Remember I was connecting fine before. The problem has to be on my machine.
Can I contact you on gmail soo we can chat there and maybe I can try some of your hints?

 

Sure! You may email me at any time. However, if you post more info here, you may get help from others too.

 

I honestly think setting your computer for 10 million simultaneous connections, and running without a firewall, is very, very unwise.

In any case:

Your router has a port forwarding table. It is based on the internal IP of your machine.

Either use your original IP to match the router settings, or change the port forwarding table on the router itself to reflect your new IP.

See: http://www.portforward.com/default.htm

 

I appreciate the advice, but at the moment I cannot connect out.
Even MSN Messenger cannot, and Internet Checkers can't even find servers. What risk do I run with 1Million open connections. It's just a number. It can only be a risk if I am connected. Of which I am not.
So, unless and until I am able to connect out, the risk issues are well managed.