Windows Media Connect Locks up TCP/IP Stack?

[Jason Dunn]

I've noticed something strange today - on my PVR computer, which is running Windows Media Center Edition 2005, I'm also running the Windows Media Connect client that links up with the awesome Roku Soundbridge M2000 (http://www.rokulabs.com/products/soundbridge/index.php) that I got just before Christmas. I also have an FTP server, a file sync client, and a dynamic DNS (http://www.tzo.com/) client running on the same computer. All require Internet access upon login. When I reboot, something curious happens: none of them can log in/connect while the Windows Media Connect progress bar is going through the motions. When the progress bar gets to 90% complete (which takes about 15 seconds), suddenly all of the clients connect at once. It's almost as if Windows Media Connect is seizing control of some networking element and not letting any other application use it until it has connected. Has anyone else seen this?

[Filip Norrgard]

I'm thinking Windows Firewall is turned on at 90% ... maybe? Or, are you using some other firewall software on your WMCE?

The way most firewalls, including Windows Firewall, functions is that all TCP/IP traffic is prevented until the firewall is completely loaded and activated. Therefore, your programs aren't allowed to access the internet until the 90% mark.

[Jason Dunn]

Nope, Firewall is completely turned off on this box.