MS Messenger file transfer problem

Could someone tell me the trick to get file transfers to work? I keep getting file was blocked when I try to send a file. However, it is not the receiver's machine that blocks it but rather mine. I read the help on it and it says to enable ports and otehr stuff but doesn't say where. I can't find it under TCP properties or security and there is nothing I can find in messenger itself. TIA.

 

Is this what you were looking for?
To configure your network for instant messaging and file transfer

You didn't mention how you are connected to the I-net. Behind a router and/or firewall?

 

Thanks for the reply but no. That was what prompted the question in the first place. It doesn't say where or how to check those settings.

No firewall, other then XP's built-in firewall. I've tried turning it off but it doesn't help. I'm connected via DSL.

 

Hi, GW ~

Windows Messenger will first attempt to connect directly so that you can use its full functionality. If Windows Messenger cannot connect directly, it will use the same HTTP connection that your default browser uses to connect to the Internet.

If Windows Messenger uses your browser connection, you'll be able to send instant messages, but some features of Windows Messenger—such as placing calls, sending files, or connecting to other messaging services—may not be available.

If you turn off your XP firewall, you have to shut Messenger down and then restart it, then file sending can be successful.

Those settings that John refers to in the link are in 'Internet Options' on the 'Connection' tab. For file transfer, both incoming and outgoing TCP connections use this range of ports: 6891 to 6900. This allows up to 10 simultaneous file transfers per sender. If you open only Port 6891, users will be able to do only one file transfer at a time.

The TCP ports need to be configured so that sockets on a port remain open for extended periods of time.

 

Thanks. I'll give that a try tonight some time and post the results.

 

Actually what I was referring to was opening those ports in the router/firewall settings.

But yeah, turn off your XP firewall, then shut Messenger down and then restart it, then you'll know if that was the culprit.

If it works, you can either do it that way or add those ports to the XP firewall.

 

File transfer may not work if you are behind a network address translation (NAT) device.



This was the problem I had. Most DSL modems are a NAT device. If your ISP has allowed for it (most are password protected) you may be able to Telnet into your modem to open the necessary ports. Each modem has a different procedure so you will have to probably find out that info for yourself.