I finally figured out why I can't do any hosting. It's something to do with this MSN Explorer firewall. Does anyone know how to diable/stop it? But I still want to keep MSN Explorer. So is there a way to stop the firewall without uninstalling MSN Explorer.

MSN Explorer doesnt come with a firewall.

Perhaps you mean the XP ICF (Internet connection firewall)?

I've never had any problems with the XP firewall interfering...

However, I also now face a similar problem: No firewall other than the Windows ones, ports correctly configured, and I ping.

No, I'm pretty sure there is a firewall in MSN Explorer. I have done everything else in my power to be able to play games. I have disable/enabled the Windows firewall (opened and forwarded ports here). I have opened and forwarded ports in my router. I asked about this to Verizon, which is my ISP company. And they said there is a firewall in MSN, and they didn't know how to kill it.

Read some of earlier posts Nimrod, everything is alright, and working. This MSN is the cause of all my firewall problems.

Then close MSN explorer, problem fixed.

Although I still say there isnt a firewall in it.

Dude MSN Explorer is an advanced browser, that integrates into many Microsoft services and applications, including: MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger Service, MSN Communities, MSN eShop and others. It has no built-in firewall or anything, you maybe experiencing software conflicts, try disabling startup or uninstalling just to see if thats the problem, but what I know is that its NOT MSN Explorer firewall, because it doesnt exist!!!!!!

Thanks. ;d