To turn Windows Firewall on or off

You must be logged on to this computer as an administrator to complete this procedure.

1. Click on START then CONTROL PANEL.  Now select WINDOWS FIREWALL
2. On the General tab, click one of the following:
   • On (recommended). This is the setting that you should normally use.

     You can also select the Don't allow exceptions check box. When this check box is selected, the 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.

   • Off (not recommended). Turning off Windows Firewall might make your computer (and your network, if you have one) more vulnerable to damage from viruses or unknown intruders.

Warning

• If you use the Advanced tab to turn off Windows Firewall for one or more individual connections, the Windows Security Center will report that the firewall is off, even though the firewall is still turned on for other connections. Also, on the General tab, Windows Firewall will still be set to On.

Notes

• To open Windows Firewall, click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Windows Firewall.
• Windows Firewall is turned on by default for all Internet and network connections. However, some computer manufacturers and network administrators might turn it off.
• Windows Firewall is turned on by default, so you cannot use some features of some types of programs, unless the program is listed on the Exceptions tab in Windows Firewall. For example, you might not be able to send photos using an instant messaging program until you add the program to the exceptions list.