Thanks for your help!
"The Di-Link will either need to have UPnP enabled or manual port forwarding. I'm sure you saw it but just to verify, there is a di-link instructions link here under UPnP section Connection problems? Check here first! (click on link)"
Used that link and did enable UPnP thru D-Link website per previous post.

"Also, double-check your XP firewall. I believe you may need to enter a port for LW also; Firewall configuration instructions (click on link)"

The above LW link sez to start from within LW and I can't get it to boot [maybe it's not totally installed?] so I guessed on port. Is there a RANGE of PORTS I could try? BTW no XP ICF msgs have ever popped up

"Your problems sound more to do with a software or modem/router NAT firewall.""
I agree. I tried rebooting all units. maybe I'll call verizon.

"Also, try not running winmx at the same time." thanks, haven't been

thanks again for your help :-)