Shoutbox

I have the exact problem as the original poster. I also have pretty much the same hardware: Dell laptop (but DIY desktop fails also), D-Link wireless router and Logitech webcam.  And I use XP.

Like him, this only happens -- but happens reliably -- with certain users in Asia.  Actually, only one so far, other Asian friends no problem.

At first I thought it was a problem with the wireless, so I installed WindowsLive Messenger on my desktop which has a direct ethernet connection to the router.  But the same thing happened ("Local Area Connection 3 failed").

Then I connected the network cable directly to the cable modem, completely bypassing the router.  I had to reboot the modem to get a new IP delivered to the computer's network adapter, but eventually I was able to connect to Messenger again.

This time, my friend and I were able to view each other on webcam without any problems!

So the problem seems to be in the router, possibly the hardware firewall.  Maybe an additional port needs to be opened...

But this is not a good solution (I need my wireless!).  And I still believe something funky is going on in Messenger, not really the router.  Because I have NEVER had any problem using Yahoo Messenger or Skype.

Does this new info light a bulb for anyone more knowledgeable about network equipment than me?