Sygate Personal Firewall

Windows/MSN Messenger is a pretty powerful (maybe complex is a better word) application when it comes down to it. It can communicate in many ways to accomplish many functions. Since some of these functions require detailed network accesses, the msmsgs program uses Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for things like communicating with compatible routers to open the ports it needs, on a temporary basis, to allow those functions to work.

As with all things related to security, if you are getting the access and functions that you want when you block all these packets in your firewall, then continue to block them. (Only grant the accesses you really need in order to make the functions you want to use work properly.)

As with the above, if you get the functionality you want from the media player when you block it, then keep on blocking. I have a total block rule setup for the Windows Media Player on my system as I only use it to play local files.

Best Wishes,
LowWaterMark