I'm running XP Pro SP2 with Norton Internet Security 2004. With Norton enabled, we can't FTP back and forth to our site (for example, WS_FTP Pro reports a connect, but no response back from the site's server). Turn off Norton and everything works. I THINK I need to enable ports 20 and 21 in Norton, but (a) I'm not sure that's right and (b) I can't figure out how to do it in Norton to test the idea (their pdf manual's no help). Help appreciated -- tnx in advance. -- Jim ( jimredfield@griffinchaseoliver.com )

I have the same prob.
I opened 20 + 21 but still does not work

Well I don't use Norton Firewalls so I can't help you with the specifics but

For firewalls there's usually 2 things you need to look out for.

1. The actual setup of the ACL's, or the IP addresses and ports that you are allowing access to and from your computer.
2. The application control portion of the firewall product that allows access from your computer to the internet.

By default with most software based firewalls your allowed outbound (internet) access, whereas inbound is only allowed for specific ports and only if you initiated the connection.

In this case when it reports a connect then you are actually connecting to the server but the server is unable to report back the info to your computer.

FTP is ports 20 and 21.

I found this site with google: http://www.by-users.co.uk/faqs/security/norton/

Also you may want to switch to ZoneAlarm. It's less bloated (although being ZoneAlarm it's kinda bloated itself) and much more user friendly.....and much more secure.

I Know how firewalls work.
When I add the ip of the ftp server to the allow full control part it still doesnt work.
But when I disable my firewall it it works fine!

Odd, like I said try another firewall and see if you get the same behavior. It's possible you may have found a bug in Norton's (imagine that), I'll look around see if I can discover any issues.

I had the same problem with Norton Internet Security 2006 and finally found a solution. I simply right clicked on the Norton icon in the system tray, then under 'options' and 'internet security' and then 'firewall', I removed the ports 20 and 21 from the HTTP port list. This list contains ports that will be blocked, not monitored or allowed. That did it for me. Hope it solves your problem.

-suphu

Oh my god, thank you for that elegantly simple solution. I have spent HOURS trying to solve this on my own and with poorly trained subcontinental low-wage submorons, and nothing has worked. I tried your solution, and INSTANTLY my FTP worked again.

THANK YOU SUPHU! YOU RULE!