Introduction Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) introduces a new firewall that helps protect systems against attacks from malicious users or malware such as virus software. We recommend that you always use a firewall when you execute your computer. If you do not use a firewall, it may be more prone to security issues. We recommend that you do not turn off the Windows Firewall, but still provide you with a shutdown option. This article describes how to disable Windows Firewall. If you have turned off the Windows firewall, take the appropriate additional steps to help protect your system. We recommend that in order to make your system more secure, you should only turn off the Windows Firewall if you have tried everything else and have no choice. Windows Firewall is an updated firewall software in Windows XP Service Pack 2 that replaces the original Internet Connection Firewall (ICF). What is a firewall?
Firewalls help make computers more secure. A firewall can restrict incoming information from other computers to your computer, giving you more control over the data on your computer. In addition, the firewall provides a line of defense against attempts by others or programs (including viruses and worms) to connect to your computer without an invitation. Think of a firewall as a barrier that checks information (also known as communication) from the Internet or the network. The firewall can either block communication or allow it to pass, depending on your firewall settings. In Microsoft XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), you can turn off or turn on the Windows Firewall. By default, Windows Firewall is enabled for all network interfaces. This configuration provides network protection for new Windows XP installations and upgrades. This default configuration also helps protect your computer from new network connections in your system. Windows Firewall is enabled by default, but some computer manufacturers and network administrators may turn it off. You don't have to use Windows Firewall, you can install and execute any other firewall as you like. Check out the features of other firewalls and choose the one that suits your needs. If you decide to install and execute another firewall, turn off Windows Firewall. How to Configure Windows Firewall Settings
Warning: This method may make your computer or network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. This workaround is not recommended in this article. This information is for informational purposes only and you should decide whether or not to implement this workaround. Use this method at your own risk. To check and configure firewall settings, follow these steps: 1. Click Start, click Execute, type wscui.cpl, and then click OK. 2. Click "Windows Firewall" in the "Windows Security Center". The following tabs are included in "Windows Firewall": * "General" * "Exceptions" * "Advanced" The "General" tab includes the following settings: * "Enable (recommended)" * "Do not allow exceptions" * "Close" (No Recommended)" When you click to select "Do not allow exceptions", Windows Firewall will block all requests that connect to your computer, even if the request comes from a program or service listed on the Exceptions tab. The firewall also blocks discovery of network devices, file shares, and printer sharing. The "Do not allow exceptions" option is useful when you are connected to a public network (for example, a network associated with an airport or hotel). This setting helps protect your computer by blocking all attempts to connect to your computer. When you use Windows Firewall and enable the "Do not allow exceptions" option, you can still view web pages, send and receive email, or use real-time messaging. The Exceptions tab allows you to add program and port exceptions to allow specific types of incoming traffic. You can set a range for each exception. For home and small office networks, we recommend that you set the range to be LAN-only, if possible. This configuration allows computers on the same subnet to connect to programs on this computer, but rejects traffic originating from remote networks. The Advanced tab allows you to do the following: * Apply connection-specific rules to each network interface. * Secure Login "Configuration. * Global Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) rules applied to ICMP communications (this communication is used for the transmission of error and status information.) * Default setting. How to configure file sharing
For home and small For office networks, you can use the Network Settings Wizard to configure file sharing. You can use this wizard to ensure that your firewall is configured with the highest possible security level. In a typical home network, all computers are on the same subnet. Under this configuration, we recommend that you only configure file sharing for the local computer. Note: To activate the "Network Settings Wizard", click "Start" - "Assembly" - "Attachment Application" - "Communication" "-" Network Setting Wizard".