Can't access ftp sites

[Alphonse]

I am unable to access ftp sites such as
ftp://ftp.microsoft.com. I get an error message saying I
am unable to connect to the site; the exact error message
varies with the software I am using.

I have tried using IE6, Netscape, and ftp clients. I have
turned off the XP firewall. I am also unable to update
antivirus software, probably because it requires accessing
an ftp site.

Thanks in advance.

 

[alphonse]

I think I solved my own problem. I turned off the ICS
Firewall. I then started up ZoneAlarm. When I browsed to
an ftp site, Zonealarm popped up a window asking me if I
wanted to allow access to the site. I said Yes. It
worked.

So, turning off the ICS firewall by itself was not
sufficient. I had to enable another firewall. Sounds
odd, but that's what worked.