Disabling the Windows XP Firewall.


How to disable the Windows XP firewall.

From time to time your may need to disable the XP firewall for a number of reasons. This may be because
you require someone to be able to remotely access your PC with programs such Radmin and PCAnywhere.

Windows XP firewall (Without SP2)

To do this perform the following steps...

  1. Click Start,
  2. Control Panel,
  3. double–click Network Connections,
  4. right-click the desired connection,
  5. Properties,
  6. Advanced tab,
  7. Under Internet Connection Firewall,
  8. uncheck the "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet" check box.

Windows XP SP2 firewall.

In Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Windows Firewall is turned on by default.
To turn off is much simpler, just perform the following steps...

  1. Click Start
  2. Control Panel
  3. Windows Firewall
  4. Select "Off (not recommended)"

Disable the Windows XP firewall

How does it work?

When someone on the Internet or a network tries to connect to your computer, this is known as an "unsolicited request."
If your computer gets an unsolicited request, the Windows Firewall blocks the connection. If you run a program such as an instant messaging program or a multiplayer network game that needs to receive information from the Internet or a network, the firewall asks if you want to block or unblock (allow) the connection. If you choose to unblock the connection, Windows Firewall creates an exception so that the firewall won't bother you when that program needs to receive information in the future.

For example, if you are exchanging instant messages with someone who wants to send you a file (a photo, for example), Windows Firewall will ask you if you want to unblock the connection and allow the photo to reach your computer. Or, if you want to play a multiplayer network game with friends over the Internet, you can add the game as an exception so that the firewall will allow the game information to reach your computer.

Although you can turn off Windows Firewall for specific Internet and network connections, doing this increases the risk that the security of your computer might be compromised.