Newbie: No connection ...the target machine actively refused

hi

I host on www.your-site.com and they activey promote this application for ftp.

Taking their advice I downloaded the software and tried to connect.

Any and every site I try to connect I get an error message similar to one reproduced below.

I even tried other hosting services. Same result.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Resolving host name namelists.net...
Connecting to (namelists.net) -> IP: 202.71.128.215 PORT: 21
No connection could be made because the target machine actively refused it.
Connection closed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now I have an XP and normally use html-kit which works well.
I have a Norton Antivirus and Internet Security on.
Failed after trying with above disabled.

Definately my settings may be off or something I may be doing wrong!
I am using the application as is in the default settings mode.

Please help.

Thank you.

Resolving host name namelists.net...
Connecting to (namelists.net) -> IP: 202.71.128.215 PORT: 21
Connected to (namelists.net) -> Time = 484ms
Socket connected waiting for login sequence.
220---------- Welcome to Pure-FTPd ----------

Its a firewall issue on your side.

Hey there

i'm having the same problem with the thing saying that the target machine actively refused it. but its weird, i worked for a month or so and then it started giving me that error. i dont think anything has changed with the firewall since i've been using StartFTP. could it be anythign else?

Now this is slightly off tract solution.

It worked for me so I am putting it here. I may be grossly wrong. Please try it at your own risk and sensibilities.

I configured my personal firewall to accept SmartFTP. It did not work still.

Then I launched my ZoneAlarm program. This program dutifully asked to allow SmartFTP access to the internet. I clicked yes.

Immediately Norton Internet security program launced its allow window asking the same. I clicked yes again.

Till then Norton Internet Security did not recognise the SmartFTP application.

This is my experience. Please, its as good as seeing a UFO.

Please use your commensence. It worked for me so it is posted here.

Bye

PS: I was pretty impressed by the prompt response provided by mb, his observation gave me direction. Thank you mb.

With that done, the program is working like a dream.

I disabled Zonealarm Firewall but no change.

I have the same error.

No connection could be made because the target machine actively refused it.

joamos: Try to temporary uninstall any firewall software on your computer.

For the others:
It's not always a firewall issue. Sometimes the server is just down and cannot be reached.

-Mat

Joamos:

Sometimes the "firewall" problem is NOT the firewall software you have added to your computer- especially in win2000, XP, XP Pro

Go to Control Panel and dial-up/network settings. Right click so that you see your internet connect..
for example: earthlink dial up

Does it say (for example):

"Earthlink, firewalled"

If it does, right click on th eicon & go to the properties, settings.. under the advanced tab is the box checked under Internet Connection Firewall?
"protect my computer & network by..."

If it is, uncheck it and then try the FTP software again.

You can beat yourself to death trying to solve this message (I did) and my downloaded firewall software package was not the issue...it was the windows internet connection options.

Regards,
Offy