WinXP blocking ports?

[lideho]

Computer A- WinXP and Win98 dual boot. Has dsl internet connection shared with computer B. Computer B accesses the internet without a problem and can browse web sites but when it tries to download mail or newsgroups from these servers the packets are being blocked by computer A when it is booted to WinXP. This problem doesn't exist when computer A is booted to Win98 or when modem is put directly on computer B. No firewalls are being used on either machine. Anyone know what settings in WinXP can be changed to allow the feed from the news and mail servers to get through WinXP.
tia

 

[Mulga]

Are you sure XP's built in firewall is not active on the dsl connection. It is made active by default when a new network connection is created in XP and must be deselected in the properties of that connection if you do not want it. It would possibly do just what you describe. All things are possible except skiing through a revolving door.

 

[lideho]

Just went back in to check and the firewall is disabled. Will the firewall allow web browsing while disallowing news and mail access?