Changing Firewall Settings in Windows XP and Windows 7

I wanted to put a write up of how to change your software Firewall settings in Windows XP and Windows 7.

WINDOWS XP

1. Go to the Control Panel

2. Then Double Click Network Connections

3. Now you want to right click on the Nework Device you are currently using. If you are using Wireless, then right click on the wireless. If you are using a network cable, then right click on the Local Area Connection. Choose Properties in the drop down menu.



4. Now you have open the Connection's Properties box. Click on the Advanced tab at the top and then click Settings under Windows Firewall.

5. You should now see the Windows Firewall Property Box. In here you can turn on or off your Windows Firewall. You can also check the box so that there will be no exceptions to your Windows Firewall. If on the other hand you want certain programs to work uneffected by the Firewall you can click the 'Exceptions' tab.





6. Inside the Exceptions tab you can add any Program you have installed to an exceptions list. If you think your firewall is interfering with a program, you can add it here.

7. If you want to remove the Firewall option from any network device on your computer (Not recommended and only for testing purposes), of if you want to enable Security  Logging on your firewall, you can do this here.

This should give you the basics for starting/stopping and configuring your Windows Firewall in Windows XP.

WINDOWS 7

1. Click on the Start Button

2. Then type 'Windows Firewall' (without the quotes) in the open box. You will see Windows Firewall and Advanced Security appear at the top. Click on it.

3. Now you see the window that will allow you to change settings for your Firewall.

4. Click on the link that says 'Windows Firewall Properties'.

5. This will bring up the Windows 7 Firewall Properties box you can now turn the firewall on or off. The firewall options are much more indepth in Windows 7 and go beyound the scope of this post, but you can at least check and make sure your firewall is on and working properly from here.

Now you have the basics for operating your Windows Firewall in Windows XP and Windows 7.