I have managed to set up my wireless connection now both machines are constantly connected with wireless cards to my Vigor 2600 wireless router. It appeard to work fine, I have not yet managed to share files but that is next on the list.

My question is in order to allow my kids to use windows messenger I had to turn off the firewall that comes with the router.
Im sure this is a bad thing but I cannot find simple instructions to let me turn it on, I got a link to some info but I could not locate the settings it referred to.

It cant be too hard any help appreciated.

Also
I used the settings and transfer wisard in xp when I put in a new HD in my kids machine and said yes to all files and settings,

I was hoping that everything would transfer but no such luck.

I have had to reinstall most stuff. The other HD is still there set to slave, where are the settings hidden as Im going to have to do the same to mine if I ever get the replacement Asus board from dabs.

Do I need to get something like Ghost to do what I am trying.

I really would appreciate that.

I got this from microsoft:

"file transfer in Messenger uses ports 6891 through 6900 (TCP)"

"Messenger uses ports 5004-65535 UDP for voice/video"
In "idle" mode, according to my Sygate personal firewall msmsg is connected to
1031 udp
1030 tcp

Before you go and open ports you should check that your router suppoerts Upnp as apperently without it no voice or video conversations are possible.
I myself am havung difficulties getting it to work properly due to my adsl router.
hope you get it worked out.