Windows Firewall - can't turn it on!

[methusaleh]

First of all I know Mac is a superior OS, but I get Windows-loaded PCs for free, so beggars can't be choosers...

Help! I just became aware that my PC is not running Windows Firewall, in fact I do not know if I am running a firewall at all. I feel vulnerable because I always have run it (knowingly) in the past. The only programs I have installed in the machine are Earthlink Total Access, Kodak Picture Developer (or whatever it is called), and the freeware goodies AdAware SE, AVG, CCleaner, and Spybot Search & Destroy.

I am thinking that one of those programs has caused this.

In Control Panel, I go to the Windows Firewall section, and it is shown as being Off. When I try to change the settings, I click on the General tab, and although it shows the Firewall On option, it is shaded grey and I can not click on it.

I have WinXP with SP2.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Since I basically "live" on this site, I know there are all kinds of knowledgeable people out there-- and not just about cars-- so I figure someone has got to know.

Thanks!!!

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by methusaleh:

Help! I just became aware that my PC is not running Windows Firewall, in fact I do not know if I am running a firewall at all. I feel vulnerable because I always have run it (knowingly) in the past.

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I haven't heard of that problem. You might be able to find an answer here

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/atkin_firewall.mspx

or on another part of the MS support site. If you don't see what you need in the above link, try searching on their site.

My problem was turning it off and getting it to stay off because I already had two other firewalls that I prefered.

 

[Razl]

Go to Start->Control Panel and you should see an icon for "Window Firewall"

I have XP too and have had very good results with the free version of Zone Alarm. Good luck and be safe.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Is this PC part of a Windows networking Domain? If yes, you have Group Policy turning it off.

If not, then you may have a local policy telling it not to become enabled. Or the Firewall is set to "disabled" in the services panel. Change the setting to "automatic", then manually restart the Windows Firewall service.

Perhaps even spyware has shut it off? Have you run Ad-Aware & Spybot (the freebies)??

 

[Drew99GT]

Get Zone Alarm free even if you do get the Windows one working. Windows firewall from what I've read only blocks incoming blatent threats but won't stop outgoing threats. Don't know if Zone Alarm free updates to outgoing threats but it's probably better than the Windows one.

 

[Matt_S]

You should make sure the firewall service is running. Go to the Control Panel, then Administrative Tools, then Services. Scroll down until you see the "Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing" service. Double click it. Make sure the startup type is "Automatic" and that the service is started.

If there is some sort of network policy in place, you should see "Windows Firewall is using your domain settings" in the lower part of the General tab in the Firewall Control Panel applet. Let us know if that's the case.

 

[Pablo]

Windows Firewall is an oxymoron.

Be greatful and get a real firewall.

 

[methusaleh]

Thanks everyone...Pablo I think you are right! I am going to find Zone Alarm right now...

 

[Al]

I hope you have a router.

 

[simple_gifts]

quote:

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Originally posted by Pablo:


Be greatful and get a real firewall.

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I'll second that; it removes your PC from the internet all together. For $50 USD, it removes much of the aggrevation.

 

[Gary Allan]

I can't get this to work either. I just never bothered, until now, to figure out why

Here's what I get when I try and start it