Why can't I have an Audio conversation using MSN Messenger?

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i just installed a firewall from computer associates (ez trust armor). since then, audio conversation of my msn messenger does not work. video conferencing is ok. i configured my firewall to allow internet access for msn messenger but the problem remains the same. however, if i turn my firewall off, then i can start audio conferencing with my messenger... any ideas? thanks a lot

Audio conversations use different ports than instant messaging conversations. In fact, they use *random* ports, so there's no way to know which one to open on the firewall. Allowing MSN Mssenger access usually applies ONLY to the instant messaging part - other features may still be blocked.

There's a great TechNet article on the whole affair here: http://ask-leo.com/d-messengerfirewall . It discusses Windows Messenger, but the MSN Messenger on-line help points to it as well.

Audio can happen on any random port betwen 5004 and 65535. I do NOT recommend opening up that entire range in your firewall, because you're openning up yourself to EVERYONE, not just MSN Instant Messenger.

My recommendation is this: dump the software firewall, and get a UPNP enabled external router. So far, that's the only configuration I'm aware of that will support all features (aside from being directly connected and unprotected).

Leo

I finally got Audio working on MSN !!!
I have enabled UPNP on my PC and netgear router, also allowed access through ZA pro. + i put my PC in the DMZ via the router
The other PC is a dial up with Zone Alarm Pro.

It just a out works.
Hear is the out put for the router. It shows the random port numbers used:
Turn UPnP On
Advertisement Period (in minutes) 5
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UPnP Portmap Table Active Protocol Int. Port Ext. Port IP Address
Yes TCP 62435 9049 192.168.0.2
Yes TCP 31721 10705 192.168.0.2
Yes UDP 60147 13120 192.168.0.2
Yes UDP 14077 15772 192.168.0.2
Yes TCP 37113 14650 192.168.0.2
Yes UDP 56453 17782 192.168.0.2
Yes UDP 3300 9382 192.168.0.2

audio conversation is not working on msn, do i have to download it . or it is already present with the messenger.

Audio support is built in to MSN Messenger, no additional downloads should be required.

Leo

I live in schooø doorms. I use my internet by wireless connection. I have install msn 6.1, but i cant connect audio connection. They said my internet connection doesnt allow it.
can anyone help me?

Thanks sarah!

I live in school doorms. I use my internet by wireless connection. I have install msn 6.1, but i cant connect audio connection or video connection. They said my internet connection doesnt allow it.
Can anyone help me?

Thanks Sarah!

I would assume that the school has put you behind a firewall or NAT router that has all the problems we've been describing here. You'll need to talk to the school's network administrators.

Good luck!

Leo

Hi~ I am using broadband. In MSN 6.1 I am not able to do a audio conversation but it works fine in Yahoo messenger. I have enabled UPnP in my computer (running on Windows XP Pro). What could be the problem? In MSN, under Options in Tools, the Advanced Connection Information says that : You are connected to the Internet through a cascaded UPnP symmetric NAT. (Administrator). But in Windows Messenger,it says that: You are currently connected to .NET Messenger Service using a direct connection (no firewall). Whenever I tried to use Audio Conversation, after a long wait, it says "the conversation has ended". I have also checked that my UPnP in my router (D-Link DI 704P) is already enabled. The technical support of D-Link has said that I am having a double NAT and has taught me to solve the problem. I have also enabled the DMZ. This works for Yahoo Messenger but not MSN 6.1. Can you please help? Thanks!

It's probably the double-NAT that's the problem. UPNP can't tunnel through the both of them. You might check with your broadband provider ... it's possible that your modem (DSL or Cable) is also providing NAT, resulting in the double-NAT situation. Your ISP should be able to tell you.

Good luck!

Leo

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