Question
I haven�t configured a firewall on my computer and my computer is directly connected to the internet. Why do some of my connections to other ShareDirect members appear as �Premium�?
Answer
If you have installed Service Pack 2 for Windows XP, you have also installed the personal firewall Microsoft has included with this update. You may have accidentally accepted this firewall�s prompt to �block� ShareDirect, or you may have enabled the "Don't allow exceptions" option. Either action will cause ShareDirect to use a Premium connection to connect to members who are also behind firewalls. To establish a Direct connection you�ll have to either "Unblock" ShareDirect or turn off the "Don�t allow connections" rule. To check that ShareDirect is unblocked by the Windows XP firewall, go to the Start menu, select the Control Panel, and double-click on the Windows Firewall icon. Select the �Exceptions� tab and find ShareDirect in the list of �Programs and Services�. Make sure there is a check in the checkbox next to the ShareDirect listing. To check whether the �Don�t allow exceptions� rule is in effect, go to the Start menu, select the Control Panel and double-click on the Windows Firewall icon. Click on the �General� tab to view the �Don�t allow exceptions� rule. If the checkbox next to the rule is checked, disable it by unchecking the box.
Product: ShareDirect
KB: 258
Last updated: Feb 11, 2005
