Troubleshooting Windows Firewall

Windows XP

The Windows Firewall is enabled by default. If Security Center is enabled and set to notify the user, when you connect an internet program not allowed by default you will be presented with the option to block or unblock. Often choosing unblock will allow unlimited access to the program, however if you are behind a NAT forewall (router) as well you may need to set specific ports to allow succesful pass through. The Windows XP firewall does not support port ranges. Each port must be opened separately.

Adding Exceptions in the Windows XP Firewall

1. Open Security Center.
2. Select Manage Security Settings for Firewall.
3. Select the Exceptions Tab.
4. Select the Program in the list you wish to edit rules for.
Note: if the program is not listed use Add and browse to locate the program you want to allow.
5. Highlight the Program and choose properties.
6. Click Change Scope.
7. Choose Any Computer for full program access.
8. Apply
9. Reboot Windows

Open Specific Ports in the Windows XP Firewall

 1. Open Security Center.
 2. Select Manage Security Settings for: Firewall
 3. Select the Exceptions Tab.
 4. Select the Program in the list you wish to edit rules for.
 Note: If the program is not listed use Add and browse to locate the program you want to allow.
 5. Highlight the Program and choose properties.
 6. Click Add Port.
 7. Create a Name for the Port Rule.
 8. Enter Port Number.
 9. Save
10. You will need to add each port you require opened separately.
11. Reboot Windows.

Windows Vista

The Windows Firewall is enabled by default. If Security Center is enabled and set to notify the user, when you connect an internet program not allowed by default you will be presented with the option to block or unblock. Often choosing unblock will allow unlimited access to the program, however if you are behind a NAT firewall (router) you may need to set specific ports to allow succesful pass through. This version of the Windows firewall does support port ranges when accessing the firewall with advanced security.

Adding Exceptions in the Windows Vista Firewall

1. Open Security Center.
2. Select Allow a Program through the Windows Firewall.
3. Select the Exceptions Tab.
4. Select the Program in the list you wish to edit rules for and select properties.
Note: If the program is not listed use select New Rule.
5. Highlight the Program and choose properties.
6. Click Change Scope.
7. Choose Any Computer for full program access.
8. Apply

Open Specific Ports in the Windows Vista Firewall

 1. Select Windows Firewall with Advanced Security from the Admin Control Panel.
 2. Select Select Inbound Rules.
 3. Select the Program You wish to open ports for.
 4. Select the Program in the list you wish to edit rules for.
 Note: If the program is not listed use Add and browse to locate the program you want to allow.
 5. Name the rule, enable, and allow connection.
 6. Select Advaned and choose your network type.
 7. Select Scope and choose allow any ip address.
 8. Select Protocols and Ports. Select TCP. Add a comma seperated list of ports you wish to open.
 9. Apply and click OK.
10. Select Outbound Rules.
11. Follow the above directions.
12. Restart Windows.

3rd Party Firewall

There are many 3rd party firewalls available. There is no possible way to cover them here. The basic principle of all firewalls is the same. The program or port you wish to allow must be granted permission in the firewall. If your using a 3rd party firewall look closely at its documentation to allow successful pass-through for each program or port you require.