I am running BOINC Manager 6.6.28. But over the last several months intermittently and today severly noticed conflict with Skype on an XP machine. I am using Skype for skype-to-skype calls. I turn off the screen saver after I suspected some conflict.

Even though I attributed today's problems to my ISP blocking Skyoe, I also came across an older thread about similar issues here and was wondering if there was any relation.

Any thoughts? Thanks much.

What's the problem (conflict) you see? We can't be of help if we don't know what we're supposed to look for.

I'm using BOINC 6.10.48 (test version) and Skype 4.2.0.158 on XP wit SP3, fully updated. What if you upgrade to the latest BOINC? Which version Skype do you use? Have you updated your Windows XP? All drivers (sound card)? DirectX?

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I have XP Pro with the latest patches and updates. BOINC version 6.6.28. Skype v. 4.2.0.158. Logitech C600 webcam with mic.

When I start a skype video call, the call gets dropped in a minute or two. Or sometimes it just does not get through. The other side on the video screen would freeze for a couple of seconds and then the call drops.

I tried by removing BOINC from screensaver before starting the video call, but that did not make much difference.

I am running three projects as below.
rosetta@home
climatepredictions
seti@home.

Thanks much and please let me know if you need any further info.

Are you using a NVidia graphics card (CUDA) for your SETI@home tasks?

The display adapter is RADEON X300 series. Thanks.

Please start Skype, then click Tools->Options->Advanced->Connection.
What is the value for the option "Use port X for incoming connections"? Did you allow this port through your Windows firewall?

Is "Use port 80 and 443 as alternatives for incoming connections" checked? What happens when you uncheck that one? (BOINC uses ports 80 and 443 as well).

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That could indeed be the problem. I will try and let you know. The port 80/443 check box is checked.

Though the fact that some days the video calls go through for an hour without problem and other days it breaks every minute is not a behavior that could be caused by Firewall. I would want to think that the Firewall blocking would result in more consistent problems.

Thanks though and I will try that.

Norton is set to allow all communications (in/out), all computers, all ports.

Multiple programs use ports 80 and 443. Port 80 is the normal HTTP port (for anything communicating with the internet), while port 443 is the secure HTTP port.

I was after the incoming contacts port. See, BOINC uses port 31416 to communicate between its parts of the client and the GUI. If your Skype is also using that port, and BOINC has a lot to communicate to itself, this may give interference.

Just telling your firewall that all programs are allowed in/out isn't very secure. You can then just as well not use a firewall. Excluding certain programs in the firewall's DMZ is a better option, there you can set which program can go through and on what port range.

Normally ports 80 and 443 are already stealthed in the firewall.

Another thing though, do you also have a router? If so, has it got uPNP?
If yes, is the port that Skype is supposed to use for its incoming calls the same as it's set in the router?

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Thanks for that hint. I will remove the checkmark on 80 and 443 and see if Skype works better on a single port.

Also, Skype and BOINC are not sharing the ports, so that should not be a problem.

I am hoping to run Skype on tow computers side-by-side to see if I can recreate the problem and try various things.

I am also working with Comcast though of course, they say they do not block/obstruct any traffic.

I used Skype a couple of times after unchecking port 80 and 443 option on both ends. And so far so good.

No dropped calls today.

I am excited though planning to keep the pressure up on Comcast (never hurts).

Thanks much for your help.

Smita