Frequently Asked QuestionsWinMX Newsgroup FAQ, for Version 2.6
Last Update: 2-23-02

Welcome to the FAQ of alt.music.mp3.winmx, a newsgroup dedicated to the 
discussion of the software program WinMX, available at http://www.winmx.com
Currently there is no "Mini-FAQ". That will be pursued after we figure out this 
version.

Web Sources related to WinMX:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/d-morris
http://http://www.trippymx.co.uk/whatiswinmx.html

Most of the information in this FAQ is really the experience of some great 
contributors on the WinMX newsgroup. Our thanks to all that have spent their 
time to help out and share their technical wisdom and opinions. This FAQ, and 
our personal knowledge base, would not be here without this help.

Add this FAQ to your IE favorites menu 

Authors: Randy and roger - and the Entire WinMX newsgroup (we've just put a lot 
of this together from other's replies)...

Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
  1.0 What is WPNP 
  1.1 Server vs. peer redirect 
  1.2 Bandwidth/Processor/Memory considerations 
  1.3 WPNP Configuration Options 
  2.0 Server Window 
  2.1 Adding Servers 
  2.1.1 Manually Adding Servers 
  2.1.2 Importing OpenNap Servers 
  2.1.2.1 NapMX 
  2.1.2.2 Napigator 
  2.1.2.3 Other Sources 
  2.2 Notes Regarding Importing of Servers 
  2.3 Messages when logging in 
  2.3.1 Banned Messages 
  2.3.2 Only Registered Users message 
  2.3.3 Log in Here 
  3.0 Firewalls 
  4.0 Transfer Messages (Transfer Window) 
  4.1 Busy Queueable (WinMX clients only) 
  4.1.1 Busy Queueable Loops 
  4.1.2 Queuing Number 
  4.2 Busy 
  4.3 Auto-retry 
  4.4 Queueing Problems with non-WinMX clients with WinMX 2.5 and 2.6 
  5.0 The Whois command 
  6.0 Hotlist Window 
  6.1 WPNP Hotlist 
  6.2 Setting an Autoresponse 
  7.0 IMing (Instant Messaging) 
  7.1 Privacy Level 
  7.2 Chat vs. Send/Receive Message 
  8.0 Transfer Window Options 
  8.1 Bandwith Button on Transfer window 
  8.1.1 Bandwidth Throttle 
  8.1.2 Bandwidth Limiting 
  8.1.3 Bandwidth Priority 
  8.2 Queuing Button 
  8.2.1 Downloads/Uploads Queue options 
  9.0 Setting/Changing download folder 
  10.0 Capturing browse/search windows 
  11.0 Creating Music lists 
  12.0 Ping command 
  13.0 Ripping 
  14.0 Making music CDs from MP3s, process outline, problems 
  15.0 Common Issues 
  15.1 Filenames in other languages 
  15.2 Movies won't play 
  15.3 Music Sounds distorted when previewing, cannot preview. 
  15.4 Browsing Files 
  15.5 Improving Upload and Download speeds 
  15.5.1 For Broadband users 
  15.5.1.2 56K Modem Users 
  15.5.1.3 More for 56K Modem Users 
  15.6 Download speeds go WAY DOWN when people start uploading from me! 
  15.6.2 Broadband, including ADSL (Asymmetrical DSL) and capped cable modem 
  15.7 Incomplete Downloads 
  16.0 Installation Issues 
  16.1 Installation on XP 
  16.2 Search Button and Transfers don't work 
  16.3 Virus Scans 
  16.3.2 Cleanout spyware 
  17.0 Netiquette 
  17.1 Don't Connect To So Many Servers! 
  17.2 Queuing 
  17.3 Remotely Queuing 
  17.4   View Server Messages
  18.0 Newsgroup Postings 
  19.0 Glossary 



1.0 What is WPNP
WPNP stands for WinMX Peer Networking Protocol. WPNP is a protocol that creates 
zones (or groups) of servers and clients and allows other WinMX clients to share 
using this protocol.


1.1 Server vs. peer redirect
A very brief explanation for a WPNP server is that your computer is acting as a 
server node and participates in searches for files and maintains lists of songs. 
It takes some bandwidth and processing resources to act as a server.

Peer redirect means that the computer does not participate, but draws results 
and share connections from the WPNP server nodes.

It is very important that if you have the processing resources, memory and 
bandwidth, that you configure your machine as a WPNP server. That's what makes 
WPNP work! If nobody participates as a server, it isn't possible to share using 
WPNP.


1.2 Bandwidth/Processor/Memory considerations
To participate as a server, you should have 128MBytes or more of memory a 
Pentium 350MHz or better, and an upstream bandwidth of more than 12 K/s (about 
128kbits) is recommended. A server node requires bandwidth to share music lists 
and participate in song searches. Default installation options on WinMX v2.6 are 
to use peer-redirect if your computer's processor speed is less than 350MHz.


1.3 WPNP Configuration Options
To act as a WPNP server, select the configure button that appears when you put 
your mouse over the "WinMX Peer Networking Protocol" in the Servers Window and 
uncheck the box next to "Only use redirects". To not act as a WPNP server, check 
the "Only use redirects" box. The rest of the options should be left at their 
defaults.


2.0 Server Window
The server window consists of three sections: WPNP, High Capacity Network List 
and the Low Capacity Network list. Initially, Napster, before it went private 
and started blocking other applications, was the only high capacity server 
listed in the server window by default.

In WinMX the difference between High Capacity and Low Capacity servers is simply 
the method of connection. With servers in the Low Capacity category you can only 
connect one-at-a-time while with servers in the high-capacity category there is 
a Connect All selection. The concept of "High Capacity" servers was added to 
WinMX version 2.5 as a planned feature with the belief that more very high 
capacity Napster-like servers would become available, which due to the shutdown 
of Napster is no longer expected to occur.


2.1 Adding Servers
Servers may be added either manually, by exporting a list from a program such as NapMX at http://napmx.darkservers.net, Napigator at http://www.napigator.com, or by replacing the server data file from a source such as TrippyMx at http://www.trippymx.co.uk.

There is no real preferred source since the validity of any particular server depends on the update frequency.  Having said that, the current favorite appears to be NapMX.

For a list of potential OpenNap servers go to http://www.napigator.com and scroll down until you reach the "Servers" section.  Also check when logging into a network, periodically right click and select "Review" 

2.1.1 Manually Adding Servers
OpenNap servers can be added by clicking the [Servers] button, moving your mouse 
over the "OpenNap Protocol High Capacity Networks" (or Low CapacityNetworks) and 
click on the "Add" button that appears to the right. You need to know the IP 
address or domain name of the server, the Network it is on, and the Port of the 
server in order to add the server so that you can connect to it. Add this 
information to the "Add Server" dialogue box that appears. If adding a server to 
a Network that already exists, place mouse next to Network and click the "Add" 
button.

Some servers require that you register when first logging in, so it is usually a 
good idea to check this box in the "Add Server" dialogue box, and enter a valid 
(or valid looking) email address for a new network. The OPENNAP protocol does 
not appear to matter, so it is recommended to use the default.

For a list of potential OpenNap servers go to http://www.napigator.com and 
scroll down until you reach the "Servers" section.


2.1.2 Importing OpenNap Servers
There are a few different ways, three are detailed below


2.1.2.1 NapMX
NapMX http://napmx.darkservers.net/ is a new program that does a tremendous job of acquiring servers and will 
export the list directly to the WinMX servers list, or export to an external 
file. Recommended due to ease of use and retaining domain names of the servers.


2.1.2.2 Napigator

Adds servers from a server database program called Napigator, http://www.napigator.com/
After you have downloaded and installed it, run the "Stand Alone" version and 
follow the steps below:

1. In Napigator, click the "Refresh" button to make sure the list is up-to-date
2. Go into the "Servers" menu, click on "Export List", and select "WinMX 
(.wsx)". Save the file as something like "serverlist.wsx"; the folder you save 
it in doesn't matter, but to be tidy, I put it in the Program Files\WinMX 
folder. Putting on the Desktop makes it quickly available also
3. Open Windows Explorer, and go into the folder you saved the .WSX file in
4. Drag the .WSX file directly onto the WinMX desktop icon
5. WinMX should then start up, with the imported servers in the "Servers" menu

If that doesn't work, try dragging the .wsx file with your right mouse button 
and selecting "Open With" as you drag it over the WinMX icon. Or, start WinMX 
before doing this procedure, and drag the .wsx file onto the WinMX desktop icon 
while it is running.

You may want to edit your .wsx file in Notepad, and look for "N/A" next to the 
network name. This means "Not Affiliated" and are not really a network.


2.1.2.3 Other Sources
TrippyMX: offers news, information, help, assistance, and the popular TrippyMX 
server list. http://www.trippymx.co.uk/


2.2 Notes Regarding Importing of Servers
Importing servers is a cumulative process (with the exception of TrippyMX  http://www.trippymx.co.uk/ which 
replaces the enter server file).

Obsolete servers are not removed nor are servers that change to other networks; 
just new entries are added. It is generally a good idea to delete a network if 
it fills up with too many entries that won't connect and re-import.

Napigator http://www.napigator.com/ uses IP addresses, not Domain Names, and the IP addresses continuously change on the servers that use dynamic IP addresses.  Therefore a server that uses a dynamic IP address will probably not connect when a Napigator server list is imported.


2.3 Messages when logging in
Some of the messages you may see when attempting to log into a server/network 
are "Banned", "Only Registered Users" and "Log In Here..." with a URL they want 
you to go click. Details of these are in this section below.
2.3.1 Banned Messages
When attempting to connect to a server, you may receive the message: "Banned", 
or "WinMX Banned here", or even less pleasant messages. Put mouse over the 
server that displays the "banned" message, select the edit button, and change 
the reported client to something like "xnap" or "V2.0 Beta 10." A full list of 
potential clients is given at http://opennap.sourceforge.net/#clients. Note, 
some of the servers are better than others at detecting WinMX clients no matter 
what you report.

It is possible to change the client for an entire network by moving the mouse 
over the network, selecting Edit from the gray boxes that appear to the right, 
and then changing the client (to "xnap" or "V2.0 Beta 10"), and then selecting 
the tick box, selected by default, for the "Apply login parameters to all 
servers on this network."


2.3.2 Only Registered Users message
Put mouse over server, select edit, enter a valid looking email address and 
click the "Attempt to Register on first use" box.


2.3.3 Log in Here
They want you to go to their website, download and use their client. You can try 
changing the client reported by WinMX and see if that helps bypass the message.


3.0 Firewalls
For firewall information, see the following: 
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/d-morris in section 5.1 and for XP at: 
http://www.sans.org/infosecFAQ/win/XP_firewall.htm.
You need to properly configure any firewall you use or nobody will be able to 
upload from you! By default, TCP port 6699 and UDP port 6257 need outbound 
permissions.
4.0 Transfer Messages (Transfer Window)

Some common ones are detailed below. 


4.1 Busy Queueable (WinMX clients only)

When you attempt to download a file and get a response of "Busy Queueable", this 
means you are attempting to download from another WinMX client that has no open 
transfer slots available and have the option to remotely queue the song for 
later transfer when a slot becomes available.

When a file is "Busy Queueable", you are able to enter the remote queue by 
right-clicking on the file in the transfer window and selecting "Enter Remote 
Queue".



4.1.1 Busy Queueable Loops
A server will sometimes respond with "Busy Queuable" repeatedly. The exact 
reason for this error is not known, but it appears to a combination of the 
particular server and the number of files shared by the user being connected to 
and the server settings. In this case, right-click on the file(s) and select 
Auto-Retry, and "most" times, you will finally get into the remote queue.

If you have set your Download Queuing options to allow more than one download 
from a user, try to not do this with a whole group of songs since it is impolite 
to queue a group of songs and is hammering (see glossary) on the server. It may 
result in getting banned from the server.


4.1.2 Queuing Number
The Queue number that appears by a potential download in the transfers window 
represents the total number of files queued for transfer from the user you are 
attempting to get files from. The Queue number does NOT represent your position 
in the queue. This number indicates your position in the queue only when you 
FIRST enter the queue. If the number is a low number, it also can give you an 
idea of your position in the queue.

As users add files to the queue the queuing number will increase. When others 
finish their downloads, cancel their downloads, time-out, or go off-line, this 
number will decrease.

The queuing number really just helps provide a guestimate of your chances of 
getting a file. In the worst case, enter the remote queue, right click the file, 
try to "Find Alternates" or "Find Similar," and look for greener pastures.


4.2 Busy
Busy usually means you are trying to download from a Non-WinMX client (section 
4.4), but can also mean that you have tried to queue a file when the other 
user's server-settings have been exceeded (yet somehow you managed to "see" the 
user). Your only option is to right-click and select "Auto-Retry". You will be 
at the mercy of good timing in hoping a connection attempt occurs during a time 
period when there is an open transfer slot on the other client. See 4.3 for 
further information.


4.3 Auto-retry
Auto-retry can be enabled by right-clicking an attempted download and 
clicking-on "Auto-retry". Auto-retry will then retry the download based on 
settings that you have set in "Settings/Connection" and "Download Auto-Retry 
Interval".

You can set-up WinMX to auto-retry every-so often, but if the user is offline 
(or has changed their name) then this is useless. Try to not "auto-retry" more 
than one song per server since "auto-retry" sends a request to the nap server 
and essentially is hammering the sever to fulfill the request. Tends to annoy 
server operators and they ban you.
4.4 Queueing Problems with non-WinMX clients with WinMX 2.5 and 2.6
This current version of WinMX doesn't support queuing into non-WinMX client 
software. Nor can Non-WinMX clients queue into WinMX. In fact, if no transfer 
slots are available, Non-WinMX clients won't even be seen as trying. This 
particularly annoys AudioGnome users who do at least see WinMX users trying. Try 
to avoid non-WinMX clients until this problem is fixed. Lopster appears to have 
a patch that addresses the queuing problem with non-WinMX clients. 
http://lopster.sourceforge.net/ 


5.0 The Whois command
The Whois command is found when you right-click on a user in the Search, 
Transfer or Hotlist window and select Whois. The Whois command gives a list of 
the user's statistics including things like time online and number of files 
shared. To date, most of the data appears meaningless with the exception of 
Shared Files, which most of the time pretty accurately shows the number of files 
the user shared when they logged into the network.


6.0 Hotlist Window
Pressing the HOTLIST button at the top of the WinMX window accesses the Hotlist 
window. The Hotlist window contains a list of users that you either have 
permanently added to the list, or have temporarily added to the list during your 
current session through the sending or receiving of messages 
The Hotlist window is useful for tracking friends and acquaintances, as well as 
somebody that has files that you want and you would like to know when they are 
online. Only users on the OpenNap networks (topic 2.0) can be permanently added 
to the Hotlist. The Hotlist only supports one "nick" (handle, user name) per a 
network.

There are numerous ways to add users to the Hotlist window; by right clicking on 
a search result in the Search window, a file transfer line in the Transfer 
window, through the Browse window, the Whois window, or through the Hotlist 
window manually, or right clicking on the temporary entry.


6.1 WPNP Hotlist Entries
A WPNP user cannot be permanently added to the Hotlist. WPNP is by its nature 
"connectionless" and, as a result, a user can only be temporarily added to the 
Hotlist while users from OpenNap networks (topic 2.0) can be permanently added 
to the Hotlist. The users name is appended by a number sequence that 
continuously changes.


6.2 Setting an Auto-response
1. On the master control bar choose "Hotlist".
2. A small window entited "Hotlist" will appear.
3. Click (single/one click) that burning small icon on top left corner of it 
(left or right click are same).
4. It will open the menu; select "Auto Responder" (you will see a black dot on 
the left of "NO AUTO RESPONSE" option).
5. Select "Edit Presets..." and it will open a small dialog box.
6. Click the "Add" button and give a name to the auto response you're about to 
create (for example: "sleeping" or "Coffee", whatever TITLE you like).
7. Click OK and the name you've just chosen will appear on top white box 
("Presets"). Click the white box below ("Auto-Response") and type in the message 
you want to be associated with the title you gave (i.e., "Went catching some 
zzzz... be back tomorrow!" or "Coffee break! Be back in 20m!" or whatever suites 
your fancy. This will be the message people get back (if set) when trying to 
send you a message;
8. Click ok to close the dialog box, or
9. Just click the "Add" button again and go through steps 6 & 7 to set as many 
presets as u want
10. After clicking the "OK" button it will close the dialog box. Now repeat 
steps 3 & 4. You will see, just below the black dotted option "NO AUTO RESPONSE" 
the title options you have just created
11. Finally if you're going just click the preset option you want (one of those 
freshly created) and repeat steps 3 & 4 just to check that the small black dot 
is now left side of that chosen preset msg. When you return just cancel that 
preset message by clicking the "NO AUTO RESPONSE" option.

This setting is meant (and should be used) to keep others informed that you're 
not available for some reason. As you might realize it is not very nice to send 
a message to someone and never get an answer.


7.0 IMing (Instant Messaging)
You can send a message to a user by right clicking on the user in the Hotlist, 
Search or Transfer windows and Select "Send a Message." In the Hotlist window, 
if open, and in the System Tray (that area where the time appears in Windows - 
the bottom right-hand corner) an envelope will start flashing on the person to 
whom you have sent the message, if they are running WinMX. It may take them a 
while to notice, if they are even at the machine to begin with. Other clients 
that are capable of receiving messages have different methods of notifying the 
user if they have a message. Not all clients support messaging.

When the person (or "if the person") to whom you sent a message replies, you 
will end up with an envelope flashing yourself. Double-click the envelope to see 
the message.

If the person is not currently in your Hotlist, they will be added to the 
Temporary section of the Hotlist window. You can add a person who is listed on 
an OpenNap server permanently to your Hotlist. WPNP users, however, can only be 
temporarily added due to the "disconnected" nature of the WPNP protocol. 
Right-click the user in the Hotlist and select "Perm add to list" to add the 
user to your Hotlist permanently.
7.1 Privacy Level
Setting your privacy level to none will offer a better chance of messages 
getting through to you.


To reset the privacy level, click the burning small icon on the top left corner 
of the Hotlist to get a drop-down menu. Click Privacy Level... Click on the 
"Allow all messages" dialog. You may choose other options depending on your 
preferences (although don't complain that IM doesn't work!)...



7.2 Chat vs. Send/Receive Message
The underlying mechanism is exactly the same. The only difference is that 
Send/Receive Message continually requires opening up little windows for the 
messages. Chat keeps a window up continuously. If you start doing more then 
three messages, open up a chat window instead. Also, selecting Chat will 
(usually) not continuously display Auto-Responses if one has been set


8.0 Transfer Window Options
8.1 Bandwidth Button on Transfer window
8.1.1 Bandwidth Throttle
You can find Bandwidth Throttle by pressing the "Bandwidth" button in the 
Transfers window. Bandwidth throttle is the time period when WinMX attempts make 
adjustments to the bandwidth being used for downloads and uploads (if bandwidth 
limiting has been set as discussed in section 8.1.2). WinMX will attempt to 
equalize the transfer rates and make adjustments to any priority settings that 
may be in effect (as set by right-clicking the user and going to "Bandwidth 
Priority." It is recommended that the Bandwidth Throttle be left at the default 
of 250 milliseconds. Setting a higher rate consumes more CPU time and doesn't 
seem to do anything noticeable.


8.1.2 Bandwidth Limiting
Bandwidth for both uploads and downloads can be limited using the "Bandwidth" 
button in the Transfers window. Though nobody has of yet had a reason to limit 
download bandwidth, limiting upload bandwidth turns out to be pretty important 
for users of Asymmetrical protocols, such as analog modems, ADSL and capped 
cable. See section 15.6 for how download speeds are affected by Bandwidth (or 
lack of) limiting.


8.1.3 Bandwidth Priority
You can set a "Bandwidth" priority for a user transferring from you by right 
clicking on the line in the download section of the window, and selecting the 
"bandwidth priority option" This only works if you have set a Bandwidth limit as 
discussed above.


8.2 Queuing Button
8.2.1 Downloads/Uploads Queue options
Specifies the number of files you can download/upload at a time from a user and 
the maximum number of simultaneous downloads/uploads you will allow. You need to 
tailor this for your type of connection. See Netiquette section below for other 
considerations.


9.0 Setting/Changing download folder
Click on the Settings button, select Share Settings, click on the Browse button, 
which is in the Download Folder section of the dialog box. Browse to the folder 
of your choice.


10.0 Capturing browse/search windows
There are a couple of ways to capture a window that you want to save in WinMX 
since it does support a way to select and copy window selections.

Use the Windows Copy and Paste function. Hit ALT + PRINTSCREEN to copy the 
window into memory. Open up a paint program and select Edit->Paste (Paste 
Special) to copy the screenshot of the window into the program.

Use a program called SnagIt http://www.techsmith.com/products/snagit/default.asp which does a wonderful job of copying the window 
contents into various file formats.



11.0 Creating Music lists
There are several programs that do this. List Maker http://www.nwlink.com/~koolguy/home.html is a good one. You can find 
more by searching at http://google.com/ for mp3 list utility. 


12.0 Ping command
Ping is an old program developed for mainframes and workstations which was 
really designed to check for connectivity of a remote machine and for any 
unusual latencies due to configuration or router issues. Ping is available in 
the Search window.

What ping does is check to verify that a connection to a remote machine is 
functioning. 
Keep in mind that...
1> Pings can be blocked by a local firewall, such as ZoneAlarm, yet file 
transfers can still take-place. 
2> Ping times are a measure of latency, not speed. These two things are not 
closely related.

What Ping does NOT do is necessarily indicate how fast a transfer will be. It 
can *kind* of indicate a good speed if you do repetitive pings and get very good 
response times, but it just may mean the machine is responsive and the route to 
it is very good.

Recommendation: Just try and transfer! If it is slow, look for another source.


13.0 Ripping (or making MP3s)
As of the moment, the consensus seems to be that LAME makes the best MP3s. One 
of the easiest programs to use for extracting music from CDs and encoding them 
is Cdex http://www.cdex.n3.net/  which uses the latest LAME codecs. DBPoweramp http://admin.dbpoweramp.com/  is also highly 
recommended. EAC http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/ or Exact Audio Copy is considered by many to be the very best 
for Audio extraction, particularly if you have any problem CDs...ones you used 
as a frisbee playing catch with the dog, for instance. It is a bit tricky to set 
up but a good tutorial is available here. http://www.ping.be/satcp/tutorials.htm

Blatant self serving plug from CQ: There are some pages full of freeware and 
shareware programs and links to tutorials on this subject located right here. http://mp3.cappycue.com/

With higher speeds, people are leaning more towards 192 kbps as a minimum 
recommended encoding. Use Joint Stereo or Stereo. Joint Stereo mode is only now 
considered to be usable by LAME, but LAME still defaults to Stereo mode. Do NOT 
use forced joint stereo! If you have keen ears and desire quality over size, 
explore using VBR (variable bit rate) which is working very well in LAME, or 256 
kbps which is considered to be near perfect CD Quality. The VBR encoding appears 
to have excellent quality, does a great job retaining the dynamic ranges, and 
are quite a bit smaller than 256kbits. Having said that, there is a large 
contingent of people that do not like VBR. All this tends to boil down to the 
ears of the ripper and desire of quality to size (or accommodating both).

It maybe should be noted here that all this pertains to ripping and encoding 
your own MP3s from your own source material. Once encoded at a given rate an MP3 
can not be improved and can only, in fact, be degraded by decoding and recoding 
(also known as resampling) of the file. If you want high quality MP3s you are 
either going to have to find them that way to download or make them yourself. 
You CAN NOT take a 128kbps MP3 and re-encode it to 192kbps and improve the 
sound. All you will do is degrade the quality and then if you reshare that 
file...well, one thing leads to another and the next thing the file sharing 
community will all be trading a bunch of very bad quality but large sized MP3s. 
Please do not contribute to this.

Although a 128kbps sampling-rate of a 44Khz range was at one time "touted" as 
"CD-Quality" there is a noticeable difference to most people's ears between a 
file recorded at 128Kbps sampling and one recorded at 192Kbps sampling. The 
"touted" 128Kbps rate was before broadband, and even 56k modems for that matter. 
Those users who are interested in balancing quality with size should consider 
using a minimum rate of 192Kbps or VBR. For lots more info and ideas about the 
whole mp3 question you might want to check out this FAQ. from Xory http://webhome.idirect.com/~nuzhathl/mp3-faq.html , a one time 
regular in the alt.music.mp3 newsgroup. There is another FAQ here, http://www.mp3-faq.org/ from the 
folks at alt.binaries.sounds.mp3 that has much good information. Like most FAQs, 
and indeed probably this one on occassion, these may not have been updated as 
fast as the technology has advanced so if you really want to be on top of things 
it is best to check in on those newsgroups, as well as ours, as often as 
possible. You might also be interested in visiting the web site and bulletin 
boards of the Project Mayhem http://hydrogenaudio.org/ outfit. They have compiled some excellent versions 
of the Lame codecs with various presets and have much lively discussion going on 
about these topics.


14.0 Making music CDs from MP3s, process outline, problems
This is something that can usually be done with the software that came bundled 
with your CDRW. It is usually just a drag and drop process, from a window in the 
Explorer like interface of EZCD Creator of Nero for instance, into the CD 
compilation window. Not too long ago you had to convert the MP3 to wav to burn 
the CD but, even though some folks insist this is still the best way to do it, 
most burning programs will now do this "on the fly" reducing the time involved. 
The information still is changed from MP3 to wav to cdr format but the process 
is done transparently - "in the background".

Nero and EasyCD Creator are currently the favorites of most folks but there are 
many other programs available, many on the web either free or shareware.


Again there is lots more help available on line...for more details try this 
excellent CDR FAQ. from Andy McFadden. http://www.cdrfaq.org/


15.0 Common Issues
15.1 Downloading files with funny characters (other languages)
Create an empty mp3 file (open notepad, save to a file named "test.mp3" or 
whatever without anything in it), then on the song you want to download, right 
click and select "Resume from" and download the song you want into the empty mp3 
file. This only works if you don't enter into a queue.

Setting Auto-Retry on resumes done this way does not change the filename. If you 
are fast enough, and get to the file in your transfers window BEFORE the 
"queueable" message comes up, the filename will not change from the one assigned 
by you to it.


15.2 Movies won't play
Check the movie extension (after the dot in the filename). If the extension is 
.mov then you need Quicktime http://www.quicktime.com/ from Apple , if the extension is "avi" then there 
are many different codecs (coder/decoders) available. Ensure that you have the 
latest from http://www.divx.com.
RealPlayer (make sure you get the basic player - it is always hard to find on 
the site) will sometimes play movies that don't work in other movie players. 
Make sure you do not install Comet Cursor (spyware) when installing realplayer. 
Use the Custom install and untick the comet cursor box. You also want to make 
sure you opt out of all the options they give you and be very careful about what 
files it associates with itself. All of the Real software can be very intrusive 
and extremely pesty.


15.3 Music sounds distorted when previewing, cannot preview, nothing happens 
when I click Play

Easy Solution: download and install WinAMP http://www.winamp.com/ This is the program that does it 
best.

Many of the "full featured" players out there are bloatware and your system will 
take a serious resource hit in order to play your music. It ain't necessary 
folks. WinAMP plays well, sounds good, has a built in equalizer, and can be 
extensively configured with a huge assortment of plug ins available at the 
WinAmp site http://www.winamp.com/. Most of which are free.


15.4 Browsing Files
I only see xx files! Server boots me when I browse!
If you right click on a user in the Transfer, Search, or Hotlist windows, you 
have the option of "Browsing" the user. This will allow you to see what files 
the user is sharing.

Some servers will only allow you to see so many files. For example, you may get 
only 500 or 1000 results returned. Some servers will immediately boot you 
(disconnect you) if the person you are browsing has over 1000 shared since the 
server is not configured properly to handle that many files.

Almost all the servers will only allow browsing a limited number of files. In 
addition, most of the servers limit how many files you can share. A couple of 
servers always return 0 results. It is useless to say "which" servers since they 
can change without notice. Just be aware you may encounter these limitations.

With WPNP (WinMX's native protocol) it takes a while for the browse results to 
come in. If the user is sharing a large number of files, the browse will often 
stall out and never complete. This is a known issue in WinMX and we can only 
assume it is a limitation of the WPNP network portion of the program.


15.5 Improving Upload and Download speeds
Tweak your TCP/IP Protocol adapters to get the most speed.


15.5.1.1 Broadband Users
For information on how to do this see John Navas' Cable and DSL Tuning guide http://cable-dsl.home.att.net/ and 
click on the "Quick and Easy" link. You might also want to check out DSL Reports http://dslreports.com/
pages...they have tests and tweaks and lots more.

15.5.1.2 56K Modem Users
Make sure that you have tweaked your MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit). For 
information on how to do this see John Navas's 56K Modem Tuning Guide http://modemfaq.home.att.net/index.htm and look 
for the link "Why does my Windows 95 Internet run at half-speed". You could also 
do a search at Google.com for and get enough hits to keep you tweaking well into 
the night.

15.5.1.3 More for 56K Modem Users
A user has noted that setting an upload limited to 3250 B/s (when connected at 
49kbps) was optimal. Increasing the upload limit slowly slowed down downloads, 
but at about 3500, download speeds plummet. With good modem connections the user 
was able to manage 4.5 kb/s down while doing 2.75-3 KB/s up.

Slowly increment and decrement the bandwidth and find where you make the best 
balance for upload and download speeds. Only allow one upload and perform one 
download at a time.


15.6 Download speeds go WAY DOWN when people start uploading from me!
File transfers involve one side sending a packet of data and then waiting for an 
acknowledgement from the receiving side verifying they received the data ok. If 
all the upstream bandwidth is consumed sending large data packets, it becomes 
very difficult for your client to get its acknowledgement packets inserted with 
all the other upstream traffic. The following are recommendations based on type 
of service. In addition, there is a weakness in the basic TCP Internet Protocol 
that causes this.

Other than applying the tweaks referenced above, the other biggest factor for 
slow download speeds is failing to limit the upload bandwidth. Select the 
Bandwidth button on the Transfer Window, check the box for Limit Upload 
Bandwidth, and use the following guidelines:
15.6.2 Broadband, including ADSL (Asymmetrical DSL) and capped cable modem.
Set to just below your provider's cap. If you have a 128kbps capped connection 
try setting the total bandwidth to something like 12000Bytes/s (12000 bytes is 
approximately 94Kbits/s). Slowly increment/decrement to maximize your speed. The 
more downloads you have going, and the higher the download rates, the lower you 
need to adjust the upload bandwidth limit.


15.7 Incomplete Downloads
An Incomplete Download from WinMX's point of view is a file transfer that has 
not reached the file-size recorded in "incomplete downloads.txt" -you can find 
this file in your Uploads folder (see section 11.0). If you manually delete such 
files (using Windows Explorer for example) then WinMX will get a bit confused 
since it is tracking these files.

In the Transfers window there is a button the says either "Show Incomplete" or 
"Clear Incomplete" depending on whether or not there are incomplete transfers in 
your Transfer window. If the button reads "Clear Incomplete" and it is pressed, 
all incomplete files will disappear and the button will change to read "Show 
Incomplete." Pressing the "Show Incomplete" button will result in all incomplete 
files appearing (Incomplete downloads from WinMX's point of view - NOT from your 
point of view!).

You can (and should) use WinMX to delete these files if you wish to remove them. 
Right click each file and select delete. If you have a bunch of files you can 
hold the <CTRL> key down and click on each file to select the bunch. Right click 
on any "grayed" file and select the "Delete file" option.


16.0 Installation Issues
WinMX does not seem to have too many installation issues on the Win9x platforms. 
For Version 2.6 simply run the executable (after scanning for viruses) you 
downloaded. Disable any virus scanning software before installation. WinMX 
requires internet explorer to properly run.

16.1 Installation on XP
Right click on the short cut to the program and click on "run as" and remove the 
check that protects WinMX from other users.

To enable or disable Internet Connection Firewall

1. Open Network Connections
2.Click the Dial-up, LAN or High-Speed Internet connection that you want to 
protect, and then, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this 
connection.
3. On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, select one of the 
following:
a. To enable Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), select the Protect my computer 
and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet 
check box.
b. To disable Internet Connection Firewall, clear the Protect my computer and 
network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet 
check box.

The following article on how to manually open ports in the XP firewall may help 
resolve some issues. Add WinMX port 6699. The document is located at:

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q308/1/27.ASP


16.2 Search Button and Transfers don't work
WinMX needs Internet Explorer (IE) 4 or later to run since it uses files from 
IE. Install the most recent version of IE to overcome this issue. 
NOTE: it is possible to run WinMX without IE, however you need the appropriate 
DLLs from IE to run WinMX. If someone knows what they are (Micas?), please let 
us know!


16.3.1 Virus Scans
MP3 files in and of themselves are not executable files and do not contain 
viruses. Movies and programs however often have viruses planted in them. ALWAYS! 
use a good anti-virus program (particularly when connected to the net), and keep 
it updated (McAfee has been updating almost every week). It's worth its price in 
gold and will save you from more nasty & painful problems.

ALWAYS! suspect the worst from everything that can get to your computer (files, 
disks, diskettes, dlls, emails); Even from your friends (they usually spread 
viruses without even knowing it). Scan files and disks PRIOR to using ANY files 
off them.

Don't allow unknown files with suspicious extensions (i.e. programs.exe .com & 
some others...) to download to your computer unless you're absolutely sure of 
what you're doing.

ALWAYS! suspect ALL emails with attachments from unknown sources (and even known 
if they're programs or have multiple extensions like:file.txt.exe / 
file.jpg.exe) and you haven't asked for it previously.

ALWAYS! Suspect from those emails with no subject and body-text leading you to 
the attachment or with subject and no body-text but attachment. Watch out for 
those worms that work (run) with an "on mouse over" command (html email). Don't 
even open email/attachments whose sources are not well known. Delete them 
without even opening!

Basically: if you suspect a file or Email, don't open/run it and delete it 
immediately. Play it safe. If it was from a friend and deleted by mistake you 
can always ask your friend to send it again. All these warnings apply doubly if 
you are using Microsoft email clients. They are the most widely used and thus 
the most frequently targeted points of attack. Be very very careful with Outlook 
or Outlook Express.


16.3.2 Cleanout spyware
Spyware is software that tracks your internet usage and sends files to various 
companies about your use of the internet. For a great explanation of spyware see 
Steve Gibson's site. http://grc.com/downloaders.htm
Another good resource is Spychecker.com http://www.spychecker.com/ If you are not sure if something you 
have is actually spyware or just adware (a pain but not as intrusive) they would 
be the ones to ask. 

Spyware does stuff to your registry, uses cpu cycles and violates your privacy. 
Often, if you have spyware on your system it runs slower, crashes more often and 
is generally less stable.

RealNetworks Realdownload, Netscape/AOL Smart Download, and NetZip Download 
Demon all contain spyware when you install them in their default configuration. 
Comet Cursor, Godzilla, Cute FTP (older versions) contain spyware. You should 
remove them. They are intrusive and capable of tracking and logging a lot more 
of your computer activity than they ever need to or should be able to.

To obtain a spyware remover you can visit: http://www.lavasoftusa.com or 
http://www.lavasoft.de/aaw/ and download LavaSoft's Ad-Aware product.


17.0 Netiquette


17.1 Don't Connect To So Many Servers!
WinMX has received a bad reputation and is banned on some servers because of its 
ability to connect to multiple servers. It is recommended that you do not use 
the connect to all servers button (after servers have been added to the "High 
Capacity Networks" in the servers window - see section 2.0) with the "Connect 
All" option that is available. Instead manually connect (mouse-over the network 
name and press connect) to five or six different networks that have shared lists 
that meet your interest areas. It will take some exploration to narrow down your 
favorites.

Why is it bad to connect to so many servers?

Ninety-nine percent of the time, 5-6 good servers will have what you need. So 
what point is there in being connected to 40 servers? 

People on those networks will obviously be trying to download from you. How many 
people can you sustain uploading? Want to piss off a server operator, let them 
see they that have a ton of users waiting to download from you but can't because 
you are so over subscribed and have so many people queued in already you can't 
possible serve them all.

You are just tying up limited resources and preventing other people from using 
the servers.

If you are searching for some hard to find stuff, start dropping servers and 
connecting to new ones to expand your search; just don't keep connecting to more 
and more networks.


17.2 Queuing
Queuing is set in the Transfers window, Queuing button. You can set the maximum 
number of files you can download at one time, the maximum number of downloads 
per user, the maximum number of files that other users can upload at one time, 
and the maximum number of uploads per user.

It is best to set yourself to receive only one download per user, unless you can 
get permission from the user you are downloading from before hand. Set your 
maximum downloads per user by pressing the "Queuing" button in the transfer 
window. You can then queue a number of files for the user and files not 
currently being downloaded will appear as "locally queued." If you receive 
permission to download more than one download per user you can always 
right-click a locally queued file and "Start Transfer." Trying to download a 
bunch of files at the same time off of another user just pisses them off and you 
will usually find your downloads cancelled, and if you repeat queuing a large 
number of files you will be ignored.

Recommended settings are a "Max Total Downloads" of 10 and "Max downloads per 
user" of 1

Try and get your upload settings so that you can sustain a minimum of 4k or 
better between transfers. It does not make sense trying to be over-accommodating 
and have 12 people downloading at 0.8k/s and sitting around for hours hoping the 
transfer will finish. For modem users, this means one upload and one download 
per a user. For 128kbs capped DSL and Cable services, this means 3-4 uploads 
total. If a user that is trying to download a file is queued and there is 
bandwidth still available, you can always right-click the queued file and "Start 
Transfer."


17.3 Remotely Queuing
This is an area of debate. On the one hand, people feel that remotely queuing up 
an albums worth of music at a time is fine. On the other, many feel it is very 
unfair and rude and that you should only remotely queue one song and set the 
rest to Auto-Retry, which will automatically place the next song in the queue 
after the transfer of the first one is complete.

Recommendation: Follow the latter policy and attempt to contact the other person 
to check their policy. The general consensus is to follow the "Remotely Queue 
one song at a time" rule. It is NOT recommended that you try more than one album 
at a time without permission, as that is considered very rude, selfish and 
greedy.

17.4	View Server Messages

You should periodically view the server messages.  While logging into a network, right click on the network name and select View Server Messages.  You can get system announcements, rules, and often a website of the network where you can gain other information, as available servers for the network, status, etc.


18.0  Newsgroup Postings
The WinMX newsgroup is not a flame throwing area. There are many users who will 
make an effort to answer your questions, and HOT topics regarding WinMX (such as 
leeching) are discussed. Discussion of other products in the WinMX newsgroup 
should be limited to comparison with WinMX. Questions regarding the 
implementation and operation of other products should be discussed in their own 
forums.

The usual standards of human decency are expected in the newsgroup (courtesy and 
respect for others opinions).

A discussion of netiquette for newsgroups, and questions related to netiquette 
can be posted in the newsgroup: Microsoft.public.netiquette
A short article on the basics of using usenet politely and efficiently can be 
found here. http://unix1.sncc.lsu.edu/internet/usenet/usenet-etiquette.html


19. Glossary
-         Hammering: Hammering means to repeatedly attempt to connect to a 
server or send a command to a server time after time with little interval 
between.  Explanation in a nutshell: Pisses off server operators who will ban 
you.

-         IMing: Instant messaging. The ability to send messages directly to 
another user without having a server intervene. The other user must be online.

-         Leech: Somebody that purposefully does not share any files. This is 
not a nice person.

-         Nick, Nym or Handle: The username or nickname a user gives to 
themselves.

-         WPNP: WinMX Peer Networking Protocol. The protocol that is used by 
WinMXto allow peer-to-peer based file-sharing (as opposed to server based 
file-sharing).



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If you want 100% accurate songs of the highest quality and no time spent in 
wondering if what you get is going to be good or not, buy the CD."
Randy

"Just because you CAN do it, doesn't mean that you SHOULD do it."
roger


Last revised: March 1, 2002
  
