Using MSN Messenger when there is a Firewall

[princessjoly]

Can any one help on how to use my Msn Messenger while it is behind a firewall?

[rahulkothari]

Seems your messenger has been blocked by the firewall, chk the blocked-program-settings in the firewall. Actually, when the messenger "first" tries to access internet, firewall usually asks you, whether u wanna allow it access or not...

What firewall do you use ?

[pentachris]

Messenger will also need server rights to function properly so it can listen for your buddies' incoming messages.

[ErnieK]

I posted about this subject a few weeks ago,
( http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19763&highlight=Messenger )
and then searched the net for an answer. Never found one. Possibly because could not find correct search words

With firewall I can talk (type) but CANNOT have voice or video contact. I have tried all settings I can find in (3 different) video conf software and messenger.

Without Firewall (ZA) I have all three. Needless to say I do not use voice and video. MS help files are usless so if any one can find answer, like Princessjoly, I would be very greatful

[mjc]

Found a little bit, the problem maybe ZA itself.

The free version of ZA is just not configureable enough to do it all, without severely reducing your protection level.

princessjoly, what firewall are you using?

[Sylvander]

I’m using “ZoneAlarm” & “MSN Messenger” & “NetMeeting”.

I had a problem when I updated Messenger.
ZoneAlarm did not warn me that the updated version was attempting to go out onto the web and so I could not log in.
I discovered this after I uninstalled the old version and installed the new.
Then ZoneAlarm DID warn me that the new Messenger was attempting to go onto the web.
I found that ZoneAlarm had both the old and the new listed.
I manually ticked both copies to allow access.
End of problem.

I'm using the old copy at the moment because I restored a backup which included this.

By the way, you MUST try NetMeeting.
I’ve been speaking PC to PC to a friend in Oregon.
1. She “shared” her desktop with me (the sharing button in the NetMeeting window, then in the "Sharing" window select "Desktop" and click "Share") and:
2. “Allowed Control” (in the “Sharing” window) and “Grant Control” (back in the NetMeeting window by right clicking on my name in her list of callers).
During 1: I could see everything she was doing on her PC whilst speaking using NetMeeting [a headset is a good idea] or typing live notes in Messenger.
During 2: I was able to control her PC.
I transferred some files to her [they transferred very quickly] and could see them going at my end and arriving at her end.
I downloaded “Mailwasher” and “SpywareBlaster" from the web and installed them for her while I was controlling her PC.

COOOooooL !

[Paul Komski]

Agree. Netmeeting can be very useful. Couple of points: ensure that both pcs are using the same version (eg 3.1) and it is often easiest to first make contact using MSN-messenger (which most non-geeks understand fairly well) and then transferring to Netmeeting.

[Sylvander]

I have just this minute helped her to install her VERY FIRST Firewall [ZoneAlarm] and it immediately cut us off!

So I sent her an e-mail telling her to enable access for Messenger and NetMeeting, but she's not PC savvy.

I wonder if the e-mails will get through!

[princessjoly]

Thanks to all those who tried to extend their help, but the firewall is for the whole network, and I don't have access to it at all.

[Sylvander]

Then the administrator of the network has presumably denied you access.

You would need to contact that person and ask that access be granted.