MSN Messenger on a LAN

[shybearuk]

I use MSN Messenger from my home LAN to communicate with my partner, but for some reason, am unable to 'Send Files or Photos'. I know several other, very techie, people who also have the same problem, but can find no answer to it. Please don't suggest that I ask Microsoft, as they want me to pay �40 for any technical support. Can anyone give me any reasons for this? I am not behind a firewall, and am using Windows ME an the gateway computer to a network including one other machine, running XP Pro

[shybearuk]

I've searched the Microsoft Knowledgebase, but the one answer that appears to deal with the issue, in fact, doesn't. I'm using the most up-to-date version, and can receive files with no problems. Oh yes, and the XP machine CAN send and receive files

[lisaj]

Is your partner on the same network as you? What's the end to end network topology? From your question I assume that ME is being used as an Internet gateway of sorts, ie. you have your machine, the XP machine and the ME machine on the LAN, with the ME machine connected to the Internet, forwarding requests from you and the XP box?

[shybearuk]

My partner is not on the same network as me, no. He has a stand-alone machine elsewhere in the country. And the network topology is Internet->Cable Modem->My machine (WinME)->Network Hub->Other network machine (WinXP Pro). I hope this is what you're asking for. Networks really aren't my thing.

[lisaj]

The Microsoft IM protocol states that when sending or receiving a file, the sending machine issues an invitation and then opens a port for the receiving machine to connect to and pull the file if it accepts the invitation. This would insinuate that if you can receive files your machine has no problems opening outbound ports, and if you can't send files, it's because the recipient's machine can't connect to the port on your machine, either because of a fault at your end, or because they can't open outbound ports. You mention though that it works from the XP box, so the problem is most likely at your end with ME.
So, how does the XP machine connect? ICS? Wingate? A proxy? SOCKS? Have you got inbound port ranges mapped through to the XP machine? Do you use any firewalling software on either box?

[shybearuk]

It's not only my partner that I can't send to, so it must be something at my end. The two machines are sharing the connection using ICS. no proxy, no firewall (that I'm aware of) As to the inbound port ranges question, that one just flew straight over my head... :oS

[alesandro]

Hope this solution can help for sending files

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAYk8QCwUW0