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August 24, 2007 at 5:42 pm #27540Doris KenneyParticipant
One of my contacts, who’s been having WLM troubles, tried to send me a couple of files today. I believe he was logged in using Windows Messenger just now, but I am on WLM. He would select a file to send, I’d accept it as “save as” (choosing my flash drive as the location” and as soon as I’d click ok, the error would immediately pop up that the transfer failed because it “timed out”
I’ve never seen this error before. Unfortunately, at work, I am behind a firewall on a non-uPnP port restricted NAT, athough it’s never been an issue WLM to WLM when sending files. Was just wondering if anyone’s ever seen this error, what causes it, and if there’s any way to get around it.
Thanks,
DorisAugust 24, 2007 at 6:28 pm #163709Jeff HesterKeymasterI’ve had this problem before and I can almost guarantee it’s due to a firewall or proxy issue somewhere. Some corporate firewalls block traffic on certain ports. Sometimes they block both inbound and outbound traffic; other times just inbound. (I don’t know of any company that blocks only outbound traffic, though it’s technically possible.)
This might explain why you’ve been able to send files ok, but are having trouble receiving them. Have you ever been able to receive files from other WLM users while at work? If you have, then the problem is likely on your friend’s end.
Usually, even if the file transfer works at the office, the transfer speed is awful. I generally resort to email attachments in those cases. Works reliably, unless you’ve got really big attachments or your company also filters email.
Of course, you should always follow your company’s policies regarding use of their system, right? 😉
August 24, 2007 at 8:06 pm #163712Doris KenneyParticipantJeff – I’ve been able to send & receive at work in the past. The only difference today was my contact was using Windows Messenger & not WLM.
Perhaps Windows Messenger sends on different ports than WLM?
I do know WLM prefers a direct connection between contacts & obviously with him on Windows Messenger & my non-uPnP it was not going to be the case. And I do know our firewall does block some ports so you’re likely right.Ideally, WLM will be back up and running on his end soon, but perhaps I’ll get the chance to test it on the laptop at home where uPnP can be factored out, & the firewall would be far less stringent than here at work. I’m just curious by nature & like to find the root of the problems. (Tho I’d skip the root cause if I can just get my files…by any means LOL!)
Thanks for the feedback, and of course – it’s always best to comply with company policy on both messengers and emails.
Thanks for the feedback!
DorisSeptember 4, 2007 at 3:35 am #163711smileycamMemberA similar thing is happening to me on Yahoo Messenger.
September 4, 2007 at 3:53 am #163710Jeff HesterKeymasterpatndoris, I know this doesn’t solve your WLM/Windows Messenger file transfer problem, but I think you’re right — there is some combination of ports that the two are trying to use that happen to be blocked by your company firewall. Apart from your friend getting WLM up-and-running, I’m not sure what to suggest. Of course, I would like to find out if trying at home worked — please keep me posted.
As an aside, I usually have problems trying to transfer files using WLM at work, but Skype almost always works. Skype has a way of figuring out which ports will actually work to get through pretty much any corporate firewall. And although I haven’t done any scientific benchmarks, my personal experience has been that I get faster file transfers with Skype than with any other instant messenger (WLM, Yahoo, etc.). I know you don’t regularly use Skype, but it might be worth a shot if you don’t make progress with the Windows Messenger transfers.
smileycam – Could you elaborate, but in a separate post (preferably in the Yahoo! Messenger forum)?
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