Hi, I have 2 computer running Win XP SP2 and both using the Windows Firewall. One is directly connected to a cable modem via ethernet cable. The second computer is directly connected to the first computer via another ethernet cable. I have a P2P application on the 2nd computer that uses port 29669 that is not working very well despite being listed as an exception for the firewall. From what I understand, I would need to do some port forwarding on the 1st computer (the one connected to the modem). I am completely unfamiliar with how to do this and I can't find a clear guide because I do not have a router. Could someone please help? Thank you

Not working very well? There is an edit to the registry from W2K that still works to allow the nics to transverse traffic. Well, almost no application uses only one port. In any event you would be much better off with a soho router most likely. You can do what you want but the devices are so cheap now and they can provide a fairly high level of security if configured to protect your home. If your ISP can and allows it you may be able to buy a device that lets all your systems connect to it. Let the router hold your login info and use smart connect if offered. When a computer is turned on and requests a connection it connects to the isp. The devices offer a type of firewalling and special settings to allow special traffic to pass if needed. I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you goober.

I agree. There are MANY reason you should go fo a cheap home gateway router.

I'm not sure you can tell an XP machine to natively port forward traffic to another NIC. XP is not a router...

This is a quick way to make XP as a simple router, got to tune registry a bit.. Still, like others, I would recommend you to get a hardware router. XP is not developed natively as a router.. Hope helps..