How to open Ports

[Fiv]

I need to find out how do i manually open ports on XP. FOr example if for some strange reason the ftp "port 21" is blocked. Just an example

how do i go ahead unblocking it

[CeeBee]

Configure your firewall to allow port 21 to pass through.

[confus-ed]

Configure your firewall to allow port 21 to pass through.

So that got you to a 1,000 - well wotpp'ed , but even though its the right answer I don't think it's gonna help too much .. ...

For Fiv : Tell us which firewall product please or just using windows own ? - in which case don't as its rubbish ! (well it is devil or not as it only works for ins & not outs-ask for 'recommends' if unsure)& maybe someone can enlarge on Ceebee's answer ..

[Fiv]

am using ordinary xp.
Thing is for some reason, am using irc (mirc) and i cant send any files for anyone, also no one can get into my ftp server. EVEN with the xp firewall off.
I dont have anyother firewall

[gazzak]

Go to www.grc.com and see what open ports you already have, if any!

[Archer]

Have you checked your ISP is not blocking this port [its not uncommon]?

[CeeBee]

Control Panel->Windows Firewall
Under the advanced tab uncheck the connection you are using for internet. Once you confirm it is running, enable the firewall and under the exceptions enable the ftp and then create a new rule for the port used by IRC (most comon 6667 & 6668 /tcp)