Internet applications send data through special ports. A network port is an allocated system resource that runs on a specific network host. If the port is closed, the program will not be able to access the network, and therefore will not be able to correctly perform its functions.
Instructions
Step 1
You can use standard Windows tools to check closed ports. Go to the settings of the program you are using, which cannot successfully connect to its server, go to the network settings. Remember the port specified in the parameters.
Step 2
Run Command Prompt. To do this, go to "Start" - "All Programs" - "Accessories" - "Command Prompt". Alternatively, you can enter cmd in the Start menu's application search bar, and then select the result you find.
Step 3
Enter the netstat command. This application allows you to view a list of working gateways through which Internet connections pass on your computer. Hit Enter.
Step 4
You will see a list of all active connections at the moment. You can find the port number in the first column. It appears after the colon character, followed by the IP address. If the network gateway used by your program is not listed in this list, it is closed.
Step 5
Enter one of the open ports listed in the list in the settings of the program being used, or try to open it using standard system tools. Go to "Start" - "Control Panel". In the window that opens, select the search bar and enter the query "firewall". Select Windows Firewall from the results found.
Step 6
Click on the "Advanced Settings" link, then select "Inbound Rules" - "Create Rule". Follow the instructions in the wizard and create a new inbound connection with the port number your application uses.
