Sometimes, when I am using the computer, I get a popup in the system tray telling me that my computer might be at risk because no firewall is turned on. It usually goes away after a few seconds, though sometimes the firewall (Windows Firewall) stays off and I have to turn it on manually.
I have had this problem ever since I got the computer (it was brand new), but this has recently begun to happen more often. Usually, this happens when I have a Microsoft application open (Word, Outlook, Visual Studio, and Internet Explorer which I use occasionally)
I am running Windows XP MCE with the latest updates, and I use Firefox as my primary browser. I did a virus scan and it found nothing. (tried Avast, AVG, and Symantec Client Security). I do not have another firewall program.
How do I stop programs from COMPLETELY TURNING OFF Windows Firewall? What's the point of a firewall if programs can selectively turn it off?
Windows Firewall IS turned on… that's the whole problem. If the security alert icon does not go away I turn the firewall on manually; otherwise, the firewall turns off for a few seconds and turns back on.
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3 responses so far ↓
1 golfer2 // Jun 6, 2008
Windows firewall is not good anyhow.Be safe and get online armor, it's free and was just voted best free firewall of 2008.
2 Daniel A // Jun 6, 2008
I think your Windows XP firewall is not set to ON by default. You are only receiving an alert popup warning you about it perodically.
You may go to
Start>Control Panel>Security Center>Windows Firewall and select ON (recommended) to set your windows firewall.
Windows XP comes with build in firewall and this is where you go to set it ON or OFF.
Hope this help.
3 Roelof V // Jun 6, 2008
Switch it off and install a real firewall
PC Tools Firewall Plus is a very good one and is free.
http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
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