Issues with Ports? People can't connect to my computer

Hey there!

My first post and already looking for help... Sorry for that ;]

As much as I love Windows 7, I do have some issues getting it to work as it should.

I'm not sure if the ports are the real problem but it does seem so.
There are a couple of programs which don't really work. My utorrent has problems with incoming connections every time I start it up. When I randomize the port and restart it, it works for some time. Then the whole crap starts over. (Sorry for the language but I'm really annoyed by that!)

What's even worse:
Whenever I use programs which basically act as a server like FTP programs or other stuff, people often can't connect.
I do not use a router, the windows firewall is deactivated...
I tried to open the needed ports but even that had no effect!

I'm using Zonealarm as firewall, everything is up to date, everything is legit and legal, Windows is updated... I just have NO idea what to do!

SOMETIMES those programs do work. But most of the time not.

Sorry if I didn't make everything clear... I'm kinda sick of it and pretty mad right now, so my english might suffer from that ;]

If you need any more info, please just tell me!

Thanks in advance,
Steve

I hope this doesn't count as bumping since I read the rules and try to follow them

But since there are no answers...
Did I forget important infos? Is there anything you need to know or... dunno!

Or does simply no one knows the answer? :x
Well then... Thanks in advance again, I'll keep up the hope :]

I have had issues with Norton 360 trying to establish a homegroup, so I am now using Windows Firewall. It seems like a firewall issue, so I would look into the Zone Alarm configuration if I were you.

Maybe, if you have a system to use, try allowing all traffic from the other system's address and see if things work.

What ISP are you on? Do they have a policy against running servers? If so, they might be messing with it.