[chojin996]

I just downloaded the latest Calibre Portable 0.8.49 and like the previous
version it can't connect to any server to either retrieve metadata and covers as well as for downloading plugins.

Everytime I try downloading metadata and covers for whatever books added to the database I am getting this error:

(Failed metadata) (Failed cover)

When trying to download new plugins in the preferences "Get new plugins" I get this error:

"Unable to reach the MobileRead plugins forum index page"

Could anyone please explain me why the portable version can't connect on the 'net at all?
It's running under WindowsXP SP3. There are no software firewalls active, no antivirus software either.
My network connection works perfectly.
I have a Dual WAN router with two ADSL2+ connections. But all applications always worked and I never found a program that couldn't connect to the 'net at all like this one.
I don't have to set any hardware firewall rules for it like with torrent clients,right? There are no settings in the UI for doing that as far as I can tell. It's using standard http port 80, 81 or 8080 connections, right?
I have no clue why it's not working. But the portable version is not connecting to the 'net at all. It's like it couldn't see the network under XP SP3 at all.