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Troubleshooting Firewall Problems
The Windows Firewall that comes with Windows Vista really battens down the hatches on ports. So, you may experience a few problems when you first make the switch to Windows Firewall. Here are some common problems and solutions to those problems.
Some Internet programs do not work when installed on Windows Vista
The tighter security imposed by Windows Firewall may prevent some online games and other Internet programs from working correctly. Microsoft maintains a list of such programs and ways to correct the problem in Knowledge Base article 842242. To get to that page, browse to http://support.microsoft.com and search for 842242. Optionally, you can browse directly to http:// support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us; 842242&Product=windowsxpsp2. Although the preceding article is based around Windows XP Service Pack 2, the list of applications and configurations for the applications are still applicable with Vista.
Error message “Windows Firewall has blocked this program from accepting connections”
The message is actually just an alert. Assuming that you’re familiar with the FTP site and trust its owners, you can choose Unblock and proceed with uploading the file(s).
Can’t adjust Windows Firewall for AOL dial-up connection
AOL doesn’t follow the same standard that other ISPs do, so you may have to disable the firewall to access America Online. (That’s risky business, and you may want to consider contacting AOL about a better workaround, or consider switching to a different ISP.) If you need to disable Windows Firewall to get online, follow these steps:
1. If you’re currently online, disconnect from the Internet.
2. Tap the Windows key, type sec, and click Security Center. Or click the Start button and choose Control Panel -> Security -> Security Center.
3. In the Windows Security Center window, choose Windows Firewall from the left column.
4. Click Change Settings. Elevate your privileges by clicking Continue or by entering the password from an administrative account.
5. Click Off (not recommended).
6. Click OK.
7. Close all open windows. You should be able to get online. It would be best to search AOL’s site for an alternative solution that allows you to get online without disabling Windows Firewall. Hopefully there will be a better solution by the time you read this, because going online without a firewall up poses a significant security risk to your system.
Phone dialer does not work after installing Windows Vista Windows Firewall blocks TCP port 1720, which is used by many phone-dialing programs. It does so to prevent unauthorized dialing programs from connecting to a network without your knowledge. To get your phone dialer to work, you’ll need to open that port as follows:
1. Click the Start button and choose Control Panel -> Security Center. Or Tap the Windows key, type sec, and click Security Center.
2. In the Windows Security Center window, choose Windows Firewall from the left column.
3. In the left column, click Allow a program through Windows Firewall and then elevate your privileges by clicking OK or by entering the password for an administrative user account.
4. In the Windows Firewall Settings dialog box that opens, click the Exceptions tab.
5. Click the Add port button.
6. Type any name you like in the Name box, such as Dialup Port 1720. 7. Type 1720 as the port number and choose TCP.
8. Click OK in each open dialog box.
9. Close the Windows Firewall and Security Center windows.
Opening port 1720 allows all dialers to dial out through that connection, even unauthorized programs you might pick up accidentally from the Internet. To block that port, return to the Exceptions tab of the dialog box and clear the checkmark to the left of the name you provided in step 6 of the preceding set of steps.
Troubleshooting Antivirus Programs
If you have trouble installing an antivirus program, make sure you’re installing the version for Windows Vista. Security programs written for Windows XP or some other version of Windows probably won’t work with Vista, because Vista is a much different operating system. Check the antivirus program publisher’s Web site for updates and additional information about products for Windows Vista.
Troubleshooting Automatic Updates
Automatic updates have changed many times over the years and continue to evolve to this day. Your best bet for troubleshooting problems with automatic updates is to go straight to the source for the most current information. Click the Start button and choose All Programs -> Windows Update. In the left column of the Windows Update page that opens, click Updates: frequently asked questions. Scroll to the bottom of the Help window that opens and click Troubleshoot problems with installing updates.
Troubleshooting Windows Defender
Your best resource for Windows Defender will be the Defender Web site, which you’ll find at www.microsoft.com/defender.
Troubleshooting ActiveX Control Downloads
The Windows Firewall will block ActiveX control downloads. If clicking a link doesn’t provide the results you expected, look to Internet Explorer’s Information bar for more information. Assuming that you consider the ActiveX control safe, click the bar and choose Run ActiveX control or Install ActiveX control.
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