IP Communicator Overtakes Port 80

Update 10-19-2011

Just to keep this up to date, I have tested this on IP Communicator 7.0.6.0 running on Windows 7 32bit and confirmed that it indeed still runs a web server HOWEVER, setting the WebServerDisabled registry key no longer works to disable the local webserver.

Now you need to browse to your Cisco IP Communicator install directory (typically C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\Cisco IP Communicator) and then rename the HTTPService.dll to HTTPService.dll.old. Make sure IP Communicator is not running when you do this. Now start IP Communicator. You might get a COM Surrogate error but it won't prevent you from using IP Communicator normally without that pesky webserver running.

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Many companies these days use VoIP (Voice Over IP) as a cheaper alternative to expensive PBXs and the cost and issues of maintain another copper plant (thats industry speak for all that phone wiring). One of the benefits of VoIP is the portability of your phone. With IP Communicator (requires a per seat license from Cisco) and a secure connection to your corporate network, you can work remotely as seamlessly as if you were at your desk even if it is around on the other side of the world.

Despite the benefits, I noticed a downside to the Cisco IP Communicator client. It appears that it contains an embedded webserver from Allegro Software called RomPager which is basically just a super thin webserver capable of HTTP requests and CGI. Its issue: it runs on TCP PORT 80!! You might think "no worries, I am already running a webserver which is bound to TCP Port 80 so when it tries to bind to it, it will fail. Nope, sorry, its smarter than that. What does it display? Basically, it displays connection and settings information in a webpage format presumably so your technology department can determine what settings the client has without walking the user through an annoying series of menus.

A thorough search through the preferences and options revealed no mention of a webserver or management page. My next thought was, "Can I at least change the port". I turned to the Cisco Administrative Guide for more information. Fortunately, they documented a registry key you can set to disable the webserver but no way to change the port. Good enough I suppose.

Here is the registry key for your enjoyment.

1. Start -> Run -> Regedit
2. Browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Cisco Systems, Inc.\Communicator
3. Create a new DWORD called WebServerDisabled (skip this step if it already exists)
4. Set its value to 1
5. Restart IP Communicator