No firewall, no router, different programs.... not clever (unconnectable)

[johnnybee1981]

I've been using bittorrent for about 4 years now, I've used 3 different computers, with and without routers and firewall.... I've used different programs.... and I've never had a problem making myself connectable.
I recently bought an HP Pavillion dv9612ca, and no matter what I do, I absolutely cannot seem to become connectable to peers.
I do have ZoneAlarm (free version) installed, but I've tried both turning it off and actually uninstalling it. I had a connection through a router, and port forwarded properly (and yes, after setting up a static IP), but when I wasn't connectable I tried 2 other internet connections, one wireless and one not... neither through a router, still no dice.
I've used both Azureus and Utorrent, both of which I've used before with no problems whatsoever. When I first installed Azereus on this computer recently, I found a connectable port after trying a few, but after about half an hour, I was again unclever, and have been since.

I have no idea what this could be, but I'm chalking it up to either some component of the computer or Windows Vista, as these are the only new factors in the process for me. If anyone has any idea, or any questions which could narrow down the possible solutions, I'd greatly appreciate it.

The only other thing I can think to add that might be helpful is that today I couldn't sign in to MSN Messenger, even though my internet connection was great, and the troubleshooting found that the problem was that the "key ports" were blocked.

Thanks,

Johnny

[bobcageon]

Aside from the basics, windows fiewall is turned off, etc... is there a driver upgrade available through HP Help site for your puter?

[johnnybee1981]

Hi,

No... everything is completely up-to-date.

Thanks for replying.

[bobcageon]

is that according to HP's website or microsofts? There is a difference

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?product=3626996&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&lang=en&cc=us

Select ure version and double check.

[johnnybee1981]

Both... I actually checked updates today through both Microsoft and HP.

[kiri_9]

May I ask, what kind of modem are you using, what ISP (Verizon, Cox, Time-Warner?), and are you able to be connectable using a different computer on this same modem? Westell's are notorious for this.

EDIT: Just wanted to clarify WHY I asked this. Recently upgraded to a new system on our setup here. It seems our ISP noticed the additional heavy bandwidth useage, and within a half hour or so the new system became not connectable. (Didn't notice our other systems also were no longer connecting until later). The Westell modem has a built-in firewall that configures much like a router. You have to punch a hole in it also, or turn off the firewall in it. Turns out they were resetting our modem to factory specs from remote. Once we figured it out (several hours later), we called and complained, told them we were downloading stuff onto our laptops for work and would be doing this on a regular basis. They stopped resetting the modem. Once you stated you had tried several modems, this eliminates this possiblity from the equation. Sorry that I didn't explain this earlier, I reread it and yes, it did look as if maybe I was asking something irrelevant at the time.

[johnnybee1981]

Right now, I'm connected through a D-Link DSL-300G ADSL Modem.... but the thing is, my computer has the same problem connected through any modem I've tried (3 besides this one, can't remember the models).
Thanks.

[kiri_9]

Hope it is ok to post a link to help.. this person seemed to have a similar problem, and it has lots of ideas on things to try.
http://forums.phoenixlabs.org/archive/index.php?t-15718.html
Vista is truly a pain when it comes to ports and the firewall.

[Krell]

I've been using bittorrent for about 4 years now, I've used 3 different computers, with and without routers and firewall.... I've used different programs.... and I've never had a problem making myself connectable.
I recently bought an HP Pavillion dv9612ca, and no matter what I do, I absolutely cannot seem to become connectable to peers.
I do have ZoneAlarm (free version) installed, but I've tried both turning it off and actually uninstalling it. I had a connection through a router, and port forwarded properly (and yes, after setting up a static IP), but when I wasn't connectable I tried 2 other internet connections, one wireless and one not... neither through a router, still no dice.
I've used both Azureus and Utorrent, both of which I've used before with no problems whatsoever. When I first installed Azereus on this computer recently, I found a connectable port after trying a few, but after about half an hour, I was again unclever, and have been since.

I have no idea what this could be, but I'm chalking it up to either some component of the computer or Windows Vista, as these are the only new factors in the process for me. If anyone has any idea, or any questions which could narrow down the possible solutions, I'd greatly appreciate it.

The only other thing I can think to add that might be helpful is that today I couldn't sign in to MSN Messenger, even though my internet connection was great, and the troubleshooting found that the problem was that the "key ports" were blocked.

Thanks,

Johnny


I'm going to show you how to get this thread on track.

Variable 1 - "I recently bought an HP Pavillion dv9612ca" = new OS and features.

Variable 2 - "I do have ZoneAlarm (free version) installed, but I've tried both turning it off and actually uninstalling it" = 3rd party software and RTFM, you cant turn off ZA, it has a kill switch in it to keep virus and trojans from using this as an exploit. Disable it and instant no connectivity.

Variable 3 - "I found a connectable port after trying a few, but after about half an hour, I was again unclever, and have been since." = Aha! a crack in the case? . . half an hour then no clever, and why what might cause this? 4226 errors! Requirement - Vista 4226 patch and turn off UAC from the User Accounts in Control Panel.

Variable 4 - "The Unknown" = this exists everywhere, and it could be hiding with the Vista Firewall settings, with a fuxored TCP/IP stack or socket. It could be the router that he isnt telling you about, it may be the college LAN that is filtered . . .

So . . what really needs to happen here is to quicly get back to a known good state, and slowly proceed from there. How does one obtain a known good state with the OS? Use the Restore CD.

Otherwise, account for the settings in a router or LAN etc.


.

[Feather]

I'm going to show you how to get this thread on track.

Variable 1 - "I recently bought an HP Pavillion dv9612ca" = new OS and features.

Variable 2 - "I do have ZoneAlarm (free version) installed, but I've tried both turning it off and actually uninstalling it" = 3rd party software and RTFM, you cant turn off ZA, it has a kill switch in it to keep virus and trojans from using this as an exploit. Disable it and instant no connectivity.

Variable 3 - "I found a connectable port after trying a few, but after about half an hour, I was again unclever, and have been since." = Aha! a crack in the case? . . half an hour then no clever, and why what might cause this? 4226 errors! Requirement - Vista 4226 patch and turn off UAC from the User Accounts in Control Panel.

Variable 4 - "The Unknown" = this exists everywhere, and it could be hiding with the Vista Firewall settings, with a fuxored TCP/IP stack or socket. It could be the router that he isnt telling you about, it may be the college LAN that is filtered . . .

So . . what really needs to happen here is to quicly get back to a known good state, and slowly proceed from there. How does one obtain a known good state with the OS? Use the Restore CD.

Otherwise, account for the settings in a router or LAN etc.


.

And this is why Krell can be so cocky (dramatic pause) because (another dramatic pause(wait for it)) he can. Nice post my friend

[johnnybee1981]

Wow, sorry I didn't get to reply earlier... had a very busy past few days. Looks like I've finally found the place to get the help I need. And once again, I'm on my way out the door... but I did just get to disable UAC, I'll be trying the rest of your suggestions as soon as i get back, and I'll post the results. Thanks you very, very much. I really appreciate it.