[OneLuv]

So far Ive spent a few hours on the phone with Microsoft about this, I couldnt take it any more. I have trend micro and as the problem existed as long as it was installed. When I uninstalled trend, I didnt experience these problems. (Thanks Dave A). The tech support guy took me to that site and did just that with the dll's. Im tryin it now AFTER the reinstallation of my internet security. Question. I have a laptop and desktop with vista. i do the same things on it. Both have trend. Only the desktop (Dell) is having the problem. How is that?

[DaveA]

What "internet security" are you using?
If it is that Trend Micro, then get rid of it or call them since it appears to be their problem.

[OneLuv]

It's them I have a combo of 6 pc/laptops that are covered by them. This would be the main one I use, and the only one with the problem. Already since Dec, Ive had to go to their level "2" tech support because it simply would not install. And I had to uninstall/reinstall it 6 times. Then I had to delete my spybot s&d...incompatible. Now I keep getting booted off their online chat help. As soon as it is affordable I'm ditching them for good. I think Its something between them and Dell, and Im stuck in the middle. Any suggestions on a good firewall? I originally had MacAfee and spybot when I got hit with that smithfraud stuff. spybot was a lifesaver so I ditched macafee.

[DaveA]

We use on some machines AVAST and ZoneAlarm, both FREE
On one machine I am use OneCare. OneCare is $49 a year for 3 machines.

[OneLuv]

Just got off the phone with trend and he had me doing something that doesnt seem quite right. It a networking question, if I should bounce over there please let me know.

I needed to create 2 new rules, allowing i guess all traffic on all ports both incoming and outgoing...and somehow that's making me think im leaving my pc wide open.

Anyway, it didnt work, and he now knows that it IS the firewall itself doing the blocking. He even asked me to lower my protection settings to below "low"...all I can say is help.

[DaveA]

On our ZoneAlarm firewall we have the setting set at Medium. This allows most any local traffic and block most incoming. Some of these protection programs will have you so locked down that you can NOT do anything. I have never do any of the port blocking as there are so many programs that require certain ones to be non blocked.

One needs not to be so paranoid and assume some risk.

Remember that there are many FREE programs out there and you can get rid of Trend Micro today at NO cost to you but your time.