Thanks for the page info!

I'm using xp, but how do I make sure the default win xp firewall isnt blocking the ports needed in running the program?

Its the same with my trial version of ICQ lite, it comes back with the same 'cannot connect to server' 'type of message all the time, so it seems like its surely the same problem.

I'm sure it's something simple that needs switching off or adjusting!Hopefully.

I know someone else who is using mIRC on xp, but they've had no problems.

My computer is a fairly new xp pc, and im running norton antivirus+firewall programs, and have made no adjustments with regards to the default settings they use. I hope someone can help me with my problem... thanks very much