Problems With UTorrent

UTorrent extends the reach of any computer

UTorrent is a small and efficient application for using BitTorrent networks. These networks allow files of any content and size to be easily distributed over the Internet without the bandwidth limitations encountered in other peer-to-peer networks. While the program is easy to use once properly configured, problems may initially result from hardware or software conflicts. Once these are resolved, uTorrent offers simple operation and download management.

Disk Cache

The relationship between a computer operating system and its hard drives is not always consistent across machines. UTorrent is set up by default to manipulate the hard drive cache in a manner effective for the majority of computers. However, in some cases the program will frequently freeze if these settings are not adjusted. In the "Advance Cache Options" of the program preferences, turning off most of the cache features may resolve freezing problems.

Firewall

Since UTorrent sends and receives data on uncommon ports not associated with other popular Internet processes, such as email and web browsing, a firewall in any computer network may prevent the program from functioning. Any firewall, either software- or hardware-based, must be configured to allow uTorrent connectivity. By default, the "Add uTorrent to Windows Firewall" option is turned on in uTorrent. However, any third-party firewall will be unaffected by this setting and will need adjustment.

Routers

Like firewalls, routers may prevent uTorrent from connecting to BitTorrent networks. In particular, port forwarding is needed for the program to internally route torrent data to the correct destination. Many routers allow automatic port forwarding, and thus will not present problems. If the connection icon at the bottom of uTorrent is not a green check mark, manual port forwarding is necessary to circumvent an uncooperative router. This is resolved by turning off randomized port configurations in the program preferences, and setting up a local static IP.

Slow Downloads

BitTorrent technology allows download speeds limited only by the availability of content providers (peers) and the bandwidth of the Internet connection. Popular files with many peers should download quickly on computers with a broadband connection. However, settings in the uTorrent program may limit the full bandwidth potential of any specific download. The bandwidth configuration in the program preferences determines limits on peer connectivity. Increasing the number of connections in these settings will improve download speed.

Disk Space

Two problems occur with uTorrent files and hard drive space. Since downloaded torrents may be several gigabytes, native drive limitations in file size may prevent them from completing. Usually, only older drives configured in the FAT32 format are affected by this. They will need re-formatting in the NTFS standard to handle files larger than 4 GB. Additionally, uTorrent files may improperly report their effect on disk space until they are fully downloaded. The files download in multiple small pieces, and each may reflect the final downloaded size rather than the in-progress size.

References

• Disk Cache Freezing
• uTorrent Setup
• uTorrent Errors