Firewalls

Who should read this?
If you are using a Software Firewall installed in your PC (this could be Windows' XP built-in Software Firewall or a Symantec product like "Norton Firewall" or Anti-Virus), then this Software has the capability to block Internet access to specific applications (including win-hand).

This documentation shows you how to enable Win-Hand to access the Internet using Windows XP and "Norton's Firewall" as examples.

If you do not have a Software Firewall install in your PC, Win-Hand should work even if your PC is inside a Corporation or any Network having firewalls and/or routers and you do not have to read this document.

Why does this happen?
Win-Hand must access the Internet in order to resolve the connection between your PDA and your Remote computer.

This documentation guides you on how to enable Win-Hand to access the Internet in the eventuality that you have a Software firewall that is blocking Win-Hand.

The Alert you should see from your Software Firewall
The first time Win-Hand executes, your should see a dialog prompting you if you should permit Win-Hand to have Internet access or not.

For Windows XP:
For Norton:

Solution:
Verify the warning dialog is for "Win-Hand Remote Server" or "Win-HandAnySer.exe" and for Norton, make sure you select "Unblock" or "Permit" and check "Always use this action".

If you did this and Win-Hand still shows a Yellow or Red icon with the message "Searching for Win-Hand Connection Server" or "No Network Detected" when you move the mouse over the icon, then you are victim of a bug in Norton's Firewall: click here for the solution.

If you have not seen the warning dialog shown above and you suspect win-hand is being blocked, do the following:
     PC; Start; Settings; Control Panel; Windows Firewall;
     Click on the "Exceptions" tab and make sure the following checkbox is ON:
     [X] Display a notification when Windows Firewall blocks a program.