Router Problems Cant Receive Files Via Icq

Infopackets Reader Nancy E. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I bought a router to make my computer less vulnerable to hackers, but now cannot receive files from my ICQ contacts. I can send files, but cannot receive. I talked with D-Link tech support and they helped me to change a few settings, but to no avail. They said that ICQ had to be changed in order to get this to work. I cannot get any help from ICQ except a 'form' reply from their site which doesn't help at all.

I am using ICQ Pro, and the router is a D-Link DI-704P, and am running Windows 2000. As far as I understand it, one of the 'receiving ports' on my router has to be opened. I have family overseas and want to continue to send and receive photos, as I did pre-router days. Can you or one of your readers PLEASE help???"

My response:

What you are referring to is port forwarding and you'll need to configure your router to accept incoming communications on port 20000~200019 via 'trigger port' 5190 for ICQ transfers. You will also need to configure ICQ to accept these changes.

After a bit of surfing, I came across a DLink page which explains all of this (complete with pictures). I'm surprised DLink tech support didn't forward you the page, considering that this step-by-step "how to" is pretty exhaustive.

http://support.dlink.com

Similar steps can be applied to virtually any router. Note, however, that not all router configuration screen are the same. You will need to gain administrator rights to access and configure your router (check your manual for more information). Also note that (in most cases) you will have to 'reboot' your router for changes to take.