Windows XP: How to identify and disable Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall (ICF)

1: Determine if ICF is enabled.

a. Click “Start” – “Settings” - “Control Panel”
b. Double click “Network Connections”
c. You will see a padlock icon on the network connection if ICF is enabled. If you do not see the padlock then ICF is already disabled and no further action is needed.

2: Disable ICF.

a. Right click the Wireless Connection icon and click “Properties”.
b. Click the “Advanced” tab.
c. The “Advanced” should look like this (if “Internet Connection Sharing” is enabled, then disable it).

d. Click “OK”.
e. This window will popup. Click “Yes”.



f. The “Network Connections” Control Panel should now look like this:
ICF is now disabled.

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Windows XP Service Pack 2: How do I turn the Firewall off ?

To turn off Windows XP Service Pack 2 Firewall:

1. Click the Start button.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Click Security Center.
4. Click Windows Firewall under Manage security settings for:
5. Click to select Off (not recommended for home computers).
6. Click the OK button.
7. Close all open windows and restart your computer

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Windows XP Service Pack 2: How do I allow specific connections through the Firewall?

If you are connecting to internet from a home computer using broadband (DSL or cable modem) access it is recommended that you leave your firewall turned on, but allow specific access to programs or ports needed. To configure the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Firewall:

1. Click the Start button.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Click Security Center.
4. Under Manage security settings for: click Windows Firewall
5. Click on the Exceptions tab in the Windows Firewall window.
   
6. Click on Add Port. Enter the port number for the application you are trying to access. For example, to allow the Centra server enter port 1709.
   
7. Click on OK and OK again to save the changes.

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