Since I don't run OneCare on my own Windows computers, I turned to my colleague Walter Glenn, author of a bunch of books on MCSE and related Microsoft topics, and asked him about your problem. Here's what he shared:

It really shouldn't get in the way of downloading. It never has for me. Unless you're using a downloader program and the firewall is refusing it access to the Internet.

You can disable the firewall like this:

1. Open Windows OneCare by double-clicking its icon in the notification area of the taskbar.
2. On the left side of the window, under Other Tasks, click View or Change Settings
3. In the Windows Live OneCare Settings dialog box, click the Firewall tab.
4. Move the Security Level slider all the way down to the Off position.
5. Click Apply

Be sure to turn it back on when you are done.

If you are using a downloading program, it would be better to add it to the list of allowed programs rather than just turn off the firewall. To do that, on the Firewall tab:

1. Click Advanced Settings.
2. Click the Add button.
3. Browse to the executable file (.exe) for the downloader and then click Open.
4. The file should now appear in the program list and should be set to Allow. If it isn't, set it to Allow and then click OK.

I've used OneCare for several months now and recently bought a paid subscription. $50 for 3 computers for a year for virus and spam is hard to beat, especially when they throw in a two-way firewall and the auto tune-up features. So far, it's been a nicely unobtrusive program - much better than Norton and McAfee.

Thanks, Walter! You can learn more about his books and work with Microsoft at his rather austere Web site too: WalterGlenn.com.