You receive a "The requested conference does not exist" error message when you try to connect to a conference on a Windows XP-based computer (873167)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP1
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP1
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2)

SYMPTOMS

When you try to connect to a conference on your Microsoft Windows XP-based computer by using Harvard Graphics for Windows, version 3.0, you receive the following error message if Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) is turned on:
The requested conference does not exist, or is not currently accepting additional attendees.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because ICF is turned on. Harvard Graphics for Windows, version 3.0, uses any open port for communication. By default, no ports are open when ICF is turned on.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, open a port manually. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, and then click My Network Places.
  2. Under Network Tasks, click View Network Connections.
  3. Right-click the connection type that you use for the Internet, and then click Properties.
  4. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Settings.
  5. Click Add to open a new port.
  6. In the Description of service box, type a friendly name. For example, type File Sharing : Port 445.
  7. In the Name or IP address of the computer hosting this service on your network box, type 127.0.0.1.

    Note The IP address 127.0.0.1 is the loopback address that a computer uses to refer to itself.
  8. In the External box and in the Internal box, type the port number.

    Note Typically, the port number for these boxes is the same.
  9. Click TCP or click UDP, and then click OK.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a bug in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

REFERENCES

For more information about programs and games that may require that you open ports manually, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/ports.asp

For additional information about how to open ports manually in Windows XP, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

308127 How to manually open ports in Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/26/2004
Keywords:kbFirewall kbPopups kbnetwork kbConfig kbSecurity kbAppCompatibility kbtshoot kb3rdparty kbfix kbBug kbprb KB873167 kbAudEndUser
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