OK, so I've been working on this problem since THURSDAY. I am in an online class and I need to access a live chat. I get the following error message while trying to connect to the chat:

Error: Connecting to angel.usp.edu:5222 failed. Ensure outgoing traffic is not blocked on port 5222. Please try again later and contact an administrator if this problem persists.

The suspects and the actions I've taken are as follows:

Verizon (internet service PROVIDER): it is not their problem as the problem with the computer existed in the library while drawing off of their internet service

The university server: it is not their problem because nobody else on or off campus has this problem

McAfee (security): I tried with all firewalls off and the problem still existed

Dell telephone tech support: not their problem

I tried booting in safe mode and got the same error message.

By the way, I am working with a Dell Inspiron 600m with Windows Home XP.Are you connected through a router? It might have a built-in firewall that's blocking the port. Also McAfee is a poor choice when it comes to antivirus programs, to say the LEAST. Get AVG Free and a free firewall, I use Comodo.I have an actiontec modem and we connect via cable modem.

I am not sure if there is a router within the modem.

if this, indeed, was the problem, do you have any recommendations for resolving it?
Go to start, click run. Type in "cmd" and hit enter. At the prompt, type in "ipconfig". There should be a number labeled default gateway. Type that number into the address bar in your browser. If it asks for a username/password try "admin" for username and leave the password BLANK. If that doesnt work try "admin" for username and password. It'll open up a PAGE, look for something that says firewall.