Can firewall or antivirus software block requests causing error 12007? How do I configure them?

Yes, both firewall and antivirus software can block outgoing network connections or specific ports, thereby preventing applications from sending requests and causing error 12007. To configure, first, temporarily disable them to see if the error resolves. If it does, re-enable them and then add an exception for the specific application or the port it uses. For Windows Firewall, access 'Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security' to create new outbound rules. Refer to your specific antivirus software's documentation for guidance on adding exclusions.