Enable/Disable the Windows Firewall in Windows XP Service Pack 2

Introduction

Information Technology (IT) has tested and recommends the installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2. Service Pack 2 provides multiple security enhancements to the Windows XP operating system, including the new Windows Firewall, which has replaced the Internet Connection Firewall. IT recommends the use of the Windows Firewall on home and work computers to help to keep your computer secure and protected.

The installation of Service Pack 2 may turn on the Windows Firewall by default for all network connections on a computer. However, though use of the Windows Firewall is recommended, firewall software in general can prevent some network applications from working correctly and prevent some network resources from being accessed. After installing Service Pack 2 and verifying the Windows Firewall is enabled, if any applications or network resources fail to work, it may be necessary to disable the Windows Firewall as a first step in determining if that is the cause. If the Windows Firewall appears to be the culprit, contact your IT user consultant (http://www.uwyo.edu/InfoTech/services/helpdesk/uc/) for assistance in configuring the Windows Firewall to allow for certain applications or resources.

For further information on  Windows XP Service Pack 2, the Windows Firewall, and the applications that may not work correctly with the Windows Firewall, go to http://support.microsoft.com/xpsp2swhw.

NOTE: The installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2 will not be pushed automatically to UWYO campus computers via Software Update Services (SUS) due to the size of the update and the possibility of problems with the update through SUS. Users should go to the Windows Update site (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com) to install Windows XP Service Pack 2. Once the update has been installed, these instructions can be used to assist in enabling and disabling the Windows Firewall.

Procedure

1. Click the Start menu button, and click Control Panel.
    
2. In the Control Panel, click Security Center.
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3. In the Windows Security Center window, click Windows Firewall.
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4. In the Windows Firewall window, select Off (not recommended) to disable the Windows Firewall, or select On (recommended) to enable the Windows Firewall, and click OK.
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5. Close the remaining Windows Security Center window and the Control Panel.
    

Reviewed: 0706 By: CD