Greetings Tony,
If you're seeing this message, it either means you're using some kind of internet sharing
(such as a router) or you have a firewall engaged.
Firstly, if you're using a router, the router must support Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) in
order to send files directly (that is, directly to your contact instead of through the
server -- going direct is *much* faster then the server method). There may be a firmware
update or you may simply need to turn on UPnP in the router in order to do this.
Secondly, the built-in Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP can prevent a direct file
transfer connection from being established. Unfortunately in MSN Messenger 6.x, the ports
are dynamic for file transfer, so there is no way to get around this, besides turning off the
firewall entirely. If you want to do this, firstly make sure that you're up-to-date with
your WindowsUpdates (
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com), then click Start, then All
Programs, then Accessories, then Communications, and then Network Connections. Right click
your network/internet connection, then click Properties. Click the Advanced Tab, and verify
that the Internet Connection Firewall is unchecked. Note that in the next service pack for
Windows XP (Windows XP Service Pack 2), the Internet Connection Firewall will be renamed to
the Windows Firewall and will allow you to simply allow Messenger full access to the internet
connection (and therefore allow you to send files directly without the firewall engaged).
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources -
http://messenger.jonathankay.com