I'll do the best I can.

Window XP
no fire walls
60GB of hard drive space
DSL connection through Sprint/Embarq
Sprint modem/Linksys router
connecting from home
LW 4.8.1
Java 1.6.0_01
Yes,..."my test worked"
no sharing of any kind
experienced user, yes.
no brick wall noted.

Anything else,.... I'llbe more than happy to provide....
Thanks.