problem with metadata

[FranSmith]

ok here is my puzzle on my laptop running windows xp (32 bit) service pack 3 calibre in it's newest version 0.7.40 works like a charm just as it always has.
on my desktop windows xp 64 bit version service pack 3 it runs just fine but will not fetch metadata. I have worked with it on the desktop and the only way I can get it to work is to disable windows firewall (not an option) so I know that there is a problem with windows firewall but I have no clue what to do about it, I tried resetting the firewall to the defaults still no help the thing that puzzles me most is that it used to work just fine. I would be willing to change firewalls or what ever it takes to fix this

[Lady Fitzgerald]

If want to change firewalls, try ZoneAlarm's free firewall. I've been using it for years and love it. It's a bit of a pain at first because you will get frequent popups everytime a program tries to "phone home" but as you "train" it (each popup gives you the choice to allow, block, permanently allow, or permanently block) the number of popups will go down. Make sure you download the free firewall. You don't need the paid version and the Security Suite stinks.

[FranSmith]

I will give it a try thank you and let you know if it works

[FranSmith]

says it won't work with my version of windows I am running windows xp 64 bit any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by FranSmith

I have worked with it on the desktop and the only way I can get it to work is to disable windows firewall (not an option) so I know that there is a problem with windows firewall but I have no clue what to do about it, I tried resetting the firewall to the defaults still no help the thing that puzzles me most is that it used to work just fine.

If it works with no firewall then setting and exception for calibre should work. Have you tried setting an exception for calibre in the firewall?

[gweminence]

Do you have a home network? Nearly all modern routers have built-in hardware NAT firewalls, making firewalls on individual machines (that are behind such a router) redundant.

Note: FIREWALL...not antivirus.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by gweminence

Do you have a home network? Nearly all modern routers have built-in hardware NAT firewalls, making firewalls on individual machines (that are behind such a router) redundant.

Note: FIREWALL...not antivirus.

Not 100% redundent.
If one system manages to get infected, your clean side is now dirty.

But for the most part, if your WiFi is well locked down (to prevent stray users on the clean side), Software FW mostly consume resources.

[gweminence]

Originally Posted by theducks

Software FW mostly consume resources.

My point exactly.

As for infection behind the router, that's why I made sure to be clear that I was speaking of firewalls, not antivirus. Antivirus is never redundant, and should always be used. Window firewall, however (or any other software-based firewall), can safely be turned off, if one is using a NAT-enabled router.

Most are, these days.

[Manichean]

Personally, I use the firewall on my computer to restrict outgoing traffic. I realize that malicious programs will be able to circumvent that, but for programs wanting to phone home, it works well.

[chaley]

Originally Posted by gweminence

My point exactly.

As for infection behind the router, that's why I made sure to be clear that I was speaking of firewalls, not antivirus. Antivirus is never redundant, and should always be used. Window firewall, however (or any other software-based firewall), can safely be turned off, if one is using a NAT-enabled router.

Most are, these days.

I don't agree.

I always have a firewall on each machine of my home network. I cannot guarantee that one of my users (family) won't do something silly and bring malware behind the NAT firewall. Why make it easier for the scumware to hit up the other computers?

This is the reason that IT people in business run multi-level firewalls. At the university I was at, the IT folks wanted per-machine firewalls, per-segment firewalls, and per-university firewalls. I did the same thing whenever I was managing a company's network (something I did for fun, usually). The reasoning is the same as above: all it takes is one slip by one user, and the NAT firewall is useless.

As for resources, the vast majority of AV scans are useless, wasting resources. In a year, I have had one hit, and that was for a file so suspicious that I wouldn't have used it anyway. By that logic, the AV is also a waste of resources.

[FranSmith]

thank you all for all the suggestions. first the problem is not the router if it were then neither computer would be able to get the data, and yes I set an exception in the firewall no luck I tried removing it and resetting the firewall to default settings and when it tried calibre tried to access the network again the firewall didn't alert me so I tried disabling it and and things worked just fine. I found another free firewall that worked on my 64 bit system installed it and made sure that windows' firewall was disabled wen t to get metadata the firewall alerted me i set the exceptions and nothing worked again I have no clue what the problem is. I have been a computer tech since the dark ages and don't usually let computers win but i am stumped

[Manichean]

Don't take this the wrong way, but please, try to use interpunctuation. Trying to read that just made my head hurt.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by Manichean

Personally, I use the firewall on my computer to restrict outgoing traffic. I realize that malicious programs will be able to circumvent that, but for programs wanting to phone home, it works well.

[FranSmith]

Sorry about punctuation I am not perfect never claimed to be I just posted b4 coffee. A dangerous thing to do when age ADHD and dyslexia are in the mix

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by FranSmith

Sorry about punctuation I am not perfect never claimed to be I just posted b4 coffee. A dangerous thing to do when age ADHD and dyslexia are in the mix

Welcome to the club!