Fixing µTorrent Sluggish Download Speed: Windows XP Firewall & Port Forwarding

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting sluggish download speeds in µTorrent on a Windows XP system, focusing on issues related to the Windows Firewall, port forwarding, and network configurations. Participants explore potential causes for slow speeds and share advice on how to configure settings to improve performance.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports a download speed of about 30 KB/s despite having a 1.5 mbps connection and raises questions about specific error messages related to the Windows Firewall and UPnP port mapping.
  • Another participant suggests enabling UPnP on the router if the user is behind a network.
  • There is confusion about which router to select for port forwarding instructions, given the user's claim of using the Windows XP firewall.
  • A participant notes fluctuations in download speed, indicating that it drops significantly when browsing the internet, and expresses uncertainty about their network setup.
  • Clarification is provided that if the user is not behind a router, the list of routers on the port forwarding site may not be applicable.
  • After identifying the modem as a Westell model, a participant provides a link to specific port forwarding instructions for that device.
  • The original poster later confirms that their connection is functioning properly after following the advice given.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for proper configuration of the firewall and port forwarding to resolve the download speed issues. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the user's network setup and whether they are behind a router, leading to differing advice on how to proceed.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the user's network configuration, specifically whether they are using a router or a direct connection, which affects the applicability of the port forwarding instructions. Additionally, the impact of other internet activities on download speeds is noted but not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

Users experiencing slow download speeds in µTorrent, particularly those using Windows XP and dealing with firewall and port forwarding issues.

KC9FVV
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My bittorrent program (µTorrent) only runs at about 30 KB/s even though I have a 1.5 mbps connection.

Here are the error messages that apply to me:

What does "Error opening Windows Firewall: 0x800706D9" mean?

This means that µTorrent was unable to add itself as an exception to the Windows Firewall, using the standard Windows Firewall API. This most likely means that the firewall is disabled or not present. You can safely ignore this error. However, if you have another software firewall, you will still need to manually configure it to allow incoming and outgoing connections.

I'm running the Windows XP firewall, how would I be able to configure it to allow incoming and outgoing connections?

Here's the other error:

What does "Unable to map UPnP port to xx.xx.xx.xx:xx" mean?

This error means that µTorrent was unable to map the port with UPnP. If you have a green status light or have forwarded your port manually, you can safely ignore this error. However, if you have a yellow/red status [I have a red light] light, it may mean that you need to forward the port manually, or that your firewall is blocking incoming connections. UPnP will currently only work on Windows XP, so other OSes will need to forward manually.

So it's either that my firewall is clocking incoming connections, or I need to forward a port. Again, how would I be able to set the firewall connections? I found a site that shows you how to forward ports, and it shows a list of routers and firewalls: http://portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/routerindex.htm

As I said, I have the Windows XP firewall, so which would I choose if the firewall connection isn't the problem?
 
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Are you behind a network? If so u need to enable uPnP on your router.
 
KC9FVV said:
As I said, I have the Windows XP firewall, so which would I choose if the firewall connection isn't the problem?

By that do you mean which router should you choose out of the list on the site you linked?
 
Well when I looked at my download today it was going at 115 KB/s, but as soon as I started to surf the net, it went back down to 20 again, and isn't going back up. It didn't go above 30 the entire day yesterday.

I think I have a direct connection to the internet, I'm not running through a router as of right now (I think I lost it :mad: ).

To luminous bob, I'm trying to decide which firewall to choose, the site says "below is a list of routers and firewalls, click on the one that applies to you and it will show you how to forward a port."
 
Okay, if you're not behind a router and you're using Windows Firewall, then that list isn't going to help, because they're all routers and hardware firewalls.

What brand and model of modem are you using?
 
The brand is Westell, and the model is C90-610014-06.
 
Okay, well I'm pretty sure that's a router. The site you linked seems to have a page for that one, so try this and see if it helps:

http://portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/Westell/Westell6100/Utorrent.htm
 
It seems that it works both as a modem and a router. Everything is working fine now, thanks a lot.
 

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