How To Adjust Your Windows Firewall

If you're running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) the new Windows Firewall is turned on by default. To help protect your computer against viruses or security threats, we recommend that you keep Windows Firewall on.

Because a firewall restricts communication between your computer and the Internet, you might need to adjust settings for some programs that prefer an open connection. These adjustments are called "exceptions."

Windows Firewall now has three settings: On, On with no exceptions, and Off.

• On: Windows Firewall is turned on by default, and normally you should leave it that way. When you choose this setting, Windows Firewall blocks all unsolicited requests to connect to your computer, except for requests to programs or services selected on the Exceptions tab.
• On with no exceptions: When you select the Don't allow exceptions check box, Windows Firewall blocks all unsolicited requests to connect to your computer, including requests to programs or services selected on the Exceptions tab. Use this setting when you need maximum protection for your computer, such as when you connect to a public network in a hotel or airport, or when a dangerous virus or worm is spreading over the Internet.
  
  Tip: There is no need to keep Don't allow exceptions selected all the time, because when it is, some of your programs might not work correctly, and the following services are blocked from accepting unsolicited requests:
  
  
  • File and Printer Sharing
  • Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop
  • Discovery of network devices
  • Preconfigured programs and services on the exceptions list
  • Additional items that you've added to the exceptions list
  Note: When you select Don't allow exceptions, you can still send and receive e-mail, use an instant messaging program, or view most Web pages.
• Off: This setting turns Windows Firewall off. When you choose this setting, your computer is much more vulnerable to harm from unknown intruders or viruses from the Internet. This setting should only be used by advanced users for computer administration purposes, or if your computer is protected by another firewall.

To adjust Windows Firewall settings

1. Click Start and then click Control Panel.
2. In the control panel, click Windows Security Center.
3. Click Windows Firewall.
4. In the General Tab make your selection.

Note: Settings that you create when your computer is joined to a domain are stored separately from those created when your computer is not joined to a domain. These separate groups of settings are called profiles.