Important This article contains information that shows you how to help lower security settings or how to turn off security features on a computer. You can make these changes to work around a specific problem. Before you make these changes, we recommend that you evaluate the
Important This article contains information that shows you how to help lower security settings or how to turn off security features on a computer. You can make these changes to work around a specific problem. Before you make these changes, we recommend that you evaluate the risks that are associated with implementing this workaround in your particular environment. If you implement this workaround, take any appropriate additional steps to help protect your system.
What is a firewall?A firewall helps keep your computer more secure. A firewall restricts information that comes to your computer from other computers and gives you more control over the data on your computer. Additionally, a firewall provides a line of defense against people or programs, including viruses and worms, that try to connect to your computer without invitation.
Think of a firewall as a barrier that checks information, also known as traffic, that comes from the Internet or from a network. The firewall either turns traffic away or lets traffic pass through to your computer, 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 turned on for all network interfaces. This configuration provides network protection on new Windows XP installations and upgrades. This default configuration also helps protect your computer from new network connections as they are added to the system.
Although Windows Firewall is turned on by default, some computer manufacturers and network administrators may turn it off. You do not have to use Windows Firewall. You can install and run any firewall that you want. Evaluate the features of other firewalls, and then decide which firewall meets your requirements. If you decide to install and run another firewall, turn off Windows Firewall.
How to configure Windows Firewall settingsWarning This workaround may make your computer or your network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround but are providing this information so that you can implement this workaround at your own discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.
To examine and configure your firewall settings, follow these steps:
- Click Start, click Run, type wscui.cpl and then click
- In Windows Security Center, click
Windows Firewall includes the following tabs:
The General tab includes the following settings:
- On (recommended)
- Don't allow exceptions
- Off (not recommended)
When you click to select Don't allow exceptions, Windows Firewall blocks all requests to connect to your computer, including requests from programs or services that are listed on the
Exceptions tab. The firewall also blocks discovery of network devices, file sharing, and printer sharing.
The Don't allow exceptions option is useful when you connect to a public network, such as one that is associated with an airport or with a hotel. This setting helps protect your computer by blocking all attempts to connect to your computer.
When you use Windows Firewall with no exceptions, you can still view Web pages, send and receive e-mail, or u