I'm using the Windows XP firewall and Windows Defender. However, the Windows XP firewall does not work, when I try to access it so I can choose programs to add to the exceptions list or even to start it, I can two messages.

The first is as follows; "Windows Firewall Settings cannot be displayed because the associated service is not running. Do you want to start the Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Service?"

Click no and it ends, so your only other option is to click yes. So I click yes. I then Recieve this message;

"Windows cannot start the firewall/internet connection sharing". That is it, no help, nothing.

So, I wanted to ask you guys if knew if this means the Firewall is completely disabled. Meaning I wouldn't need to access it to make exceptions. Also, if this is the case does anybody know how to add exceptions to Windows Defender?

Any help would be much appreciated.

It sounds like the service has been disabled on your system. Go to Start > Run > then type 'services.msc'

Check to see if Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing is enabled. It should either be automatic or manual.

Then go back to the command prompt and type 'msconfig' and see it it's running within the services tab.

If either of those were negative and you've now corrected them, restart, and try again...see if that helps.

you'd be better off using a 3'rd party app ...example zonealarm

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thanks to .:MAG:.

Well, that's neither here nor there...were trying to get him enabled. Truthfully, the Windows firewall is one on the best bundled features Windows has to offer. I would recommend using it and if a person feels the need to use additional means of firewall protection then so be it.

One more thing SiLeNcE, once you do get it enabled "the Windows Firewall" for the most part it will ask you if you want to allow an application the first time you run it. Very few times will you need to manually add it to the exceptions list. Usually, that comes into play when you're dealing with additional ports and what not.

But first things first, let's get your initial question answered.

Windows Firewall surprisingly isn't that terrible. Most software firewalls aside from Zone Alarm are relatively equal. The only downside to Windows Firewall is that it doesn't have the level of customization and control as other firewalls, for what it is, it's not too bad. Zone Alarm is awful imo. It is the best software firewall around, however, there are so many conflicts with other programs, it's way too much hassle. Most people don't need Fort Knox firewall protection, just something that allows basic program permissions and keeps script kiddies out.

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I guess that's what I meant...deep deep down. Seriously, all joking aside, I agree with you wholeheartedly on this one LS. And I second that on ZA...too many conflicts with the average day to day apps.

Sorry I have accidently posted twice. The post below is the one that is relevant.

The first method did not work. However when I type 'msconfig' into the command promt I can find the Windows Firewall/ICS in services. It's status is STOPPED, so i'm guessing this is the cause of the problem. Do you know how to swith it to RUNNING?

Yep, place a check mark next to it and select apply. Once you do that, go back and check the services.msc in the command prompt...it's got to be there. Maybe click the 'Name' column so it alphabatizes the services and then it will be easier to find and should be named the same as the msconfig title.

I always recommend making changes to services via the services.msc option...mostly because it gives a description of what you're touching.

There is already a check mark, and I can't click apply because it is blocked out. Even if i uncheck and then recheak it the status remains as STOPPED.

Since nobody has relied i'm presuming nobody has a solution. I have now chosen to use ZoneAlarmPro Instead of the Windows XP firewall. However, I would still like to know if the Windows Firewall is actually even on and working (It is probably better if it's not). Thanks.