Oops, that would be under the preferences tab.  Sorry.  Kip

One obvious thing to check if you have not already, is to make sure you do not have the item under messenger/tools/option/personal/My status unechecked.  If you also have Msn messenger installed, in the Norton configuration, make sure your not confusing the items.  Just some thoughts.  Kip

kippy50,     you said  "......  messenger/tools/option/personal/My status unchecked"

I follow you up to MY STATUS.   I  don't have a MY STATUSs screen following "personal".  What am I missing? 

Kip,  Do you mean I should have the  "Show me as Away when I'm inactive for xxx minutes" block unchecked?   I do currently have it unchecked,  I even tried checking the block and putting in 999 minutes... same results..  Any other suggestions? Thanks!  Don

Yes, thats correct.  Im out of ideas, but I suspect the problem is either your Isp or the firewall.  What it could be I have no idea.  Kip

Anybody else out there got any ideas? Still need help!!

Kip, I disabled my firewall and it solved the problem. Thanks for the suggestion! Don

Okay, imo, you really should be using a more effective firewall.   The current Xp firewall does not stop outgoing communication, which is a big issue with spyware.  The upcoming XP Service Pack 2 will have a much more effective firewall, but thats down the line a ways.  Most of us use the Free or Professional version of Zone Alarm by ZoneLabs.  Its more a more complete product.  One thing it will do for you is it will automatically notify you of what port IM needs to run and then you give the okay for it to run.  No need to search for the correct port.  It will ask you for permission for everthing that needs to be running, and then you simply say okay and allow it.  Kip

Kip, I did just disable it by going to CONTROL PANEL, NETWORK CONNECTIONS, ETC.     I am not sure I know how to do what you suggest? How do I find out which port the IM is on and put it in the trusted area? Thanks! Don

Kip, Yes I am using the built in xp firewall. Don

So your using the XP built in firewall?  Kip

No it works fine with XP, just disable the Xp firewall after you have installed ZA.  Do not go online without one of them being enabled.   Kip

I used Zone Alarm on my old computer which had 98 and no firewall so I am familiar with ZA .   I was afraid to download ZA onto the new computer which has XP because it might cause a conflict.   Do you see any problems/conflicts if I download Zone Alarm and then disable the built in xp firewall?   Remember, I also have Norton AntiVirus 2004 Professional installed. Thanks! Don

Kip, Thanks! Don