Greetings Adam,
Windows Messenger will automatically open two ports when it opens (and removes them when it
closes). If you're seeing large numbers of ports being added, this usually indicates that
you have DirectX 9 installed (this is a
known bug). To fix, upgrade to DirectX 9b:
http://tinyurl.com/i0n2
As well, this problem can also occur if the you have Norton Antivirus 2003 installed, Norton
added a new "instant messaging scanning" feature to Norton Antivirus 2003, which can conflict
with Messenger and cause this behavior. To stop it, open Norton Antivirus (Right-click on the
Norton Antivirus icon in the System Tray/Notification Area (by the clock), choose 'Open
Norton Antivirus'), click Options, then Instant Messenger then uncheck MSN Instant Messenger
and click OK.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources -
http://messenger.jonathankay.com