Computer Browser Service shuts off after disabling Windows Firewall /ICS

[eli]

Hello:

I disabled the Windows Firewall /Internet Connection Sharing service.

I did so to try and help some connectivity problem I was having with my DSL
LAN

I use Zone Alarm firewall and the Router I use [Linksys BEFSR 41] has its
own built in firewall, I'm told.

I now find that I'm getting error messages via Event Viewer as to the
following service shutting down.

"Computer Browser Service"

I have it's Startup Type set to: "Automatic"

Its function is described as follows:

"Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this
list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped, this
list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any
services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start."

So far, I haven't noticed any problems with my PC or DSL connection when
this service isn't runnning.

1) Can I leave this "Computer Broswer service" off?

2) If this serice is in fact a needed service, is there way I can set
this service so that it doesn't shut down?

Thanks in advance:

-Eli.

Windows XP Professional Edition SP2
Zone Alarm security suite 6.1.744.001

 

[Chuck]

Hello:

I disabled the Windows Firewall /Internet Connection Sharing service.

I did so to try and help some connectivity problem I was having with my DSL
LAN

I use Zone Alarm firewall and the Router I use [Linksys BEFSR 41] has its
own built in firewall, I'm told.

I now find that I'm getting error messages via Event Viewer as to the
following service shutting down.

"Computer Browser Service"

I have it's Startup Type set to: "Automatic"

Its function is described as follows:

"Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this
list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped, this
list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any
services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start."

So far, I haven't noticed any problems with my PC or DSL connection when
this service isn't runnning.

1) Can I leave this "Computer Broswer service" off?

2) If this serice is in fact a needed service, is there way I can set
this service so that it doesn't shut down?

Thanks in advance:

-Eli.

Windows XP Professional Edition SP2
Zone Alarm security suite 6.1.744.001

Eli,

When you disable the WF / ICS Service, this error is normal. However, shutting
down the WF / ICS service is NOT the normal way to do things. The service is
intended to be running, at all times. If you have Zone Alarm, you can disable
the Windows Firewall. But not the service.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

All things being equal, you don't have to run the browser on all computers.
It's actually better for you, if you don't. If your LAN works OK as is, then
leave it as is. Read about the browser.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html

Now, a NAT router like the BEFSR41 provides perimeter protection, LIKE a
firewall, but a NAT router is not a firewall. But it is a very useful component
in a layered security strategy.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html

 

[eli]

Thanks for your response, Chuck:

I reenabled the Windows Firewall/ ICS from the services and set it back to automatic startup.

Here's my followup question:

At the Control Panel--->Windows Firewall--->General Tab Firewall now is sset to OFF

However at: Control Panel--->Windows Firewall-->Advanced ...At this tab I see a vertical row of Network Settings boxes all checked in ..

These include:

LAN
LAN2
MSN
MSN2

The statement on that Advanced Panel reads: "Windows Firewall is enabled for the connections selected below."

Will unchecking those boxes be a better way to get the Windows Firewall to stop monitoring those connections, especially the top one, which is the one I now use to connect to the LAN for Verizon DSL.

If I understand this correctly, it seems from this Advanced panel that the Windows Firewall is still monitoring those connections even though it is turned off.

Is this a better way to diminsh interference from the Windows Firewall---which may or may not be the source of the connectivity problems I've been having lately?

I had posted about those connectivity problems at this newsgroup on Sept.22 and was merely following the steps for troubleshooting given to me in response [ www.chicagotech.net/troubleshooting/noconnectivity.htm ].

Any further sugestions?

Thanks in advance:

Eli

*************************************************************************************************************

Hello:

I disabled the Windows Firewall /Internet Connection Sharing service.

I did so to try and help some connectivity problem I was having with my DSL
LAN

I use Zone Alarm firewall and the Router I use [Linksys BEFSR 41] has its
own built in firewall, I'm told.

I now find that I'm getting error messages via Event Viewer as to the
following service shutting down.

"Computer Browser Service"

I have it's Startup Type set to: "Automatic"

Its function is described as follows:

"Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this
list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped, this
list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any
services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start."

So far, I haven't noticed any problems with my PC or DSL connection when
this service isn't runnning.

1) Can I leave this "Computer Broswer service" off?

2) If this serice is in fact a needed service, is there way I can set
this service so that it doesn't shut down?

Thanks in advance:

-Eli.

Windows XP Professional Edition SP2
Zone Alarm security suite 6.1.744.001

Eli,

When you disable the WF / ICS Service, this error is normal. However, shutting
down the WF / ICS service is NOT the normal way to do things. The service is
intended to be running, at all times. If you have Zone Alarm, you can disable
the Windows Firewall. But not the service.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

All things being equal, you don't have to run the browser on all computers.
It's actually better for you, if you don't. If your LAN works OK as is, then
leave it as is. Read about the browser.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see..html

Now, a NAT router like the BEFSR41 provides perimeter protection, LIKE a
firewall, but a NAT router is not a firewall. But it is a very useful component
in a layered security strategy.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your..html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[Chuck]

Hello:

I disabled the Windows Firewall /Internet Connection Sharing service.

I did so to try and help some connectivity problem I was having with my DSL
LAN

I use Zone Alarm firewall and the Router I use [Linksys BEFSR 41] has its
own built in firewall, I'm told.

I now find that I'm getting error messages via Event Viewer as to the
following service shutting down.

"Computer Browser Service"

I have it's Startup Type set to: "Automatic"

Its function is described as follows:

"Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this
list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped, this
list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any
services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start."

So far, I haven't noticed any problems with my PC or DSL connection when
this service isn't runnning.

1) Can I leave this "Computer Broswer service" off?

2) If this serice is in fact a needed service, is there way I can set
this service so that it doesn't shut down?

Thanks in advance:

-Eli.

Windows XP Professional Edition SP2
Zone Alarm security suite 6.1.744.001

Eli,

When you disable the WF / ICS Service, this error is normal. However, shutting
down the WF / ICS service is NOT the normal way to do things. The service is
intended to be running, at all times. If you have Zone Alarm, you can disable
the Windows Firewall. But not the service.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

All things being equal, you don't have to run the browser on all computers.
It's actually better for you, if you don't. If your LAN works OK as is, then
leave it as is. Read about the browser.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html

Now, a NAT router like the BEFSR41 provides perimeter protection, LIKE a
firewall, but a NAT router is not a firewall. But it is a very useful component
in a layered security strategy.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html

Thanks for your response, Chuck:

I reenabled the Windows Firewall/ ICS from the services and set it back to automatic startup.

Here's my followup question:

At the Control Panel--->Windows Firewall--->General Tab Firewall now is sset to OFF

However at: Control Panel--->Windows Firewall-->Advanced ...At this tab I see a vertical row of Network Settings boxes all checked in .

These include:

LAN
LAN2
MSN
MSN2

The statement on that Advanced Panel reads: "Windows Firewall is enabled for the connections selected below."

Will unchecking those boxes be a better way to get the Windows Firewall to stop monitoring those connections, especially the top one, which is the one I now use to connect to the LAN for Verizon DSL.

If I understand this correctly, it seems from this Advanced panel that the Windows Firewall is still monitoring those connections even though it is turned off.

Is this a better way to diminsh interference from the Windows Firewall---which may or may not be the source of the connectivity problems I've been having lately?

I had posted about those connectivity problems at this newsgroup on Sept.22 and was merely following the steps for troubleshooting given to me in response [ www.chicagotech.net/troubleshooting/noconnectivity.htm ].

Any further sugestions?

Thanks in advance:

Eli

Eli,

If you disabled WF using Control Panel--->Windows Firewall--->General Tab - "Off
(not recommended)", that should be enough. The Advanced tab is for more
granular settings, when it is On.

So what is the actual problem? Disabling the WF / ICS service isn't going to
solve your problems, it's only going to cause more. Start with the service
Started and Automatic. Enable / disable WF as needed. And move on.

 

[eli]

Thanks again Chuck:

My original post of Sept 22 on the connectivity problem can be found here:

http://groups.google.com/group/micr...6ac15ae?lnk=gst&q=eli&rnum=2#a3394a8176ac15ae

I've run network diagnostics and Hardware/Software scan from the Help and
Support Tools in Windows XP SP2. Was thereby told that my Network Adapter
driver didn't need updating, and the Network Diagnostic scan didn't show any
problems other than an occcasional timeout for one of the pings....

Might mkae sense to repost the issue since that thread is a few days old.
But essentially what I wrote above is what i've done thus far.

Thanks again:

-Eli

************************************

Hello:

I disabled the Windows Firewall /Internet Connection Sharing service.

I did so to try and help some connectivity problem I was having with my
DSL
LAN

I use Zone Alarm firewall and the Router I use [Linksys BEFSR 41] has
its
own built in firewall, I'm told.

I now find that I'm getting error messages via Event Viewer as to the
following service shutting down.

"Computer Browser Service"

I have it's Startup Type set to: "Automatic"

Its function is described as follows:

"Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this
list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped,
this
list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any
services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start."

So far, I haven't noticed any problems with my PC or DSL connection
when
this service isn't runnning.

1) Can I leave this "Computer Broswer service" off?

2) If this serice is in fact a needed service, is there way I can
set
this service so that it doesn't shut down?

Thanks in advance:

-Eli.

Windows XP Professional Edition SP2
Zone Alarm security suite 6.1.744.001

Eli,

When you disable the WF / ICS Service, this error is normal. However,
shutting
down the WF / ICS service is NOT the normal way to do things. The
service is
intended to be running, at all times. If you have Zone Alarm, you can
disable
the Windows Firewall. But not the service.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

All things being equal, you don't have to run the browser on all
computers.
It's actually better for you, if you don't. If your LAN works OK as is,
then
leave it as is. Read about the browser.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html

Now, a NAT router like the BEFSR41 provides perimeter protection, LIKE a
firewall, but a NAT router is not a firewall. But it is a very useful
component
in a layered security strategy.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html

Thanks for your response, Chuck:

I reenabled the Windows Firewall/ ICS from the services and set it back to
automatic startup.

Here's my followup question:

At the Control Panel--->Windows Firewall--->General Tab
Firewall now is sset to OFF

However at: Control Panel--->Windows Firewall-->Advanced ...At this
tab I see a vertical row of Network Settings boxes all checked in .

These include:

LAN
LAN2
MSN
MSN2

The statement on that Advanced Panel reads: "Windows Firewall is enabled
for the connections selected below."

Will unchecking those boxes be a better way to get the Windows Firewall to
stop monitoring those connections, especially the top one, which is the
one I now use to connect to the LAN for Verizon DSL.

If I understand this correctly, it seems from this Advanced panel that the
Windows Firewall is still monitoring those connections even though it is
turned off.

Is this a better way to diminsh interference from the Windows
Firewall---which may or may not be the source of the connectivity problems
I've been having lately?

I had posted about those connectivity problems at this newsgroup on
Sept.22 and was merely following the steps for troubleshooting given to me
in response [ www.chicagotech.net/troubleshooting/noconnectivity.htm ].

Any further sugestions?

Thanks in advance:

Eli

Eli,

If you disabled WF using Control Panel--->Windows Firewall--->General
Tab - "Off
(not recommended)", that should be enough. The Advanced tab is for more
granular settings, when it is On.

So what is the actual problem? Disabling the WF / ICS service isn't going
to
solve your problems, it's only going to cause more. Start with the
service
Started and Automatic. Enable / disable WF as needed. And move on.

 

[Chuck]

Hello:

I disabled the Windows Firewall /Internet Connection Sharing service.

I did so to try and help some connectivity problem I was having with my
DSL
LAN

I use Zone Alarm firewall and the Router I use [Linksys BEFSR 41] has
its
own built in firewall, I'm told.

I now find that I'm getting error messages via Event Viewer as to the
following service shutting down.

"Computer Browser Service"

I have it's Startup Type set to: "Automatic"

Its function is described as follows:

"Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this
list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped,
this
list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any
services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start."

So far, I haven't noticed any problems with my PC or DSL connection
when
this service isn't runnning.

1) Can I leave this "Computer Broswer service" off?

2) If this serice is in fact a needed service, is there way I can
set
this service so that it doesn't shut down?

Thanks in advance:

-Eli.

Windows XP Professional Edition SP2
Zone Alarm security suite 6.1.744.001

Eli,

When you disable the WF / ICS Service, this error is normal. However,
shutting
down the WF / ICS service is NOT the normal way to do things. The
service is
intended to be running, at all times. If you have Zone Alarm, you can
disable
the Windows Firewall. But not the service.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

All things being equal, you don't have to run the browser on all
computers.
It's actually better for you, if you don't. If your LAN works OK as is,
then
leave it as is. Read about the browser.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html

Now, a NAT router like the BEFSR41 provides perimeter protection, LIKE a
firewall, but a NAT router is not a firewall. But it is a very useful
component
in a layered security strategy.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html

Thanks for your response, Chuck:

I reenabled the Windows Firewall/ ICS from the services and set it back to
automatic startup.

Here's my followup question:

At the Control Panel--->Windows Firewall--->General Tab
Firewall now is sset to OFF

However at: Control Panel--->Windows Firewall-->Advanced ...At this
tab I see a vertical row of Network Settings boxes all checked in .

These include:

LAN
LAN2
MSN
MSN2

The statement on that Advanced Panel reads: "Windows Firewall is enabled
for the connections selected below."

Will unchecking those boxes be a better way to get the Windows Firewall to
stop monitoring those connections, especially the top one, which is the
one I now use to connect to the LAN for Verizon DSL.

If I understand this correctly, it seems from this Advanced panel that the
Windows Firewall is still monitoring those connections even though it is
turned off.

Is this a better way to diminsh interference from the Windows
Firewall---which may or may not be the source of the connectivity problems
I've been having lately?

I had posted about those connectivity problems at this newsgroup on
Sept.22 and was merely following the steps for troubleshooting given to me
in response [ www.chicagotech.net/troubleshooting/noconnectivity.htm ].

Any further sugestions?

Thanks in advance:

Eli

Eli,

If you disabled WF using Control Panel--->Windows Firewall--->General
Tab - "Off
(not recommended)", that should be enough. The Advanced tab is for more
granular settings, when it is On.

So what is the actual problem? Disabling the WF / ICS service isn't going
to
solve your problems, it's only going to cause more. Start with the
service
Started and Automatic. Enable / disable WF as needed. And move on.

Thanks again Chuck:

My original post of Sept 22 on the connectivity problem can be found here:

http://groups.google.com/group/micr...6ac15ae?lnk=gst&q=eli&rnum=2#a3394a8176ac15ae

I've run network diagnostics and Hardware/Software scan from the Help and
Support Tools in Windows XP SP2. Was thereby told that my Network Adapter
driver didn't need updating, and the Network Diagnostic scan didn't show any
problems other than an occcasional timeout for one of the pings....

Might mkae sense to repost the issue since that thread is a few days old.
But essentially what I wrote above is what i've done thus far.

Eli,

OK, I reread the previous thread. I think I actually may have read that thread
originally. Apparently, that thread didn't get you the results that you need.

I'm not really sure, from that thread, just what network setup you have. That
may be part of the problem. Why don't we try and start there? Please describe,
as best you can, what devices (computers, routers, switches, etc) connect to
each other. What models and versions of each.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/background-information-useful-in.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/background-information-useful-in.html

Next, I'll ask you to read about solving network problems, in general.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html

Finally, since this might take a few more posts, I'll ask you to post your
answers after mine.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/how-to-post-on-usenet-and-encourage.html#TopPosting>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/how-to-post-on-usenet-and-encourage.html#TopPosting

 

[eli]

OK Chuck. I had already reposted it. Can be seen at:
http://groups.google.com/group/micr...e7c79cd41d2/ba01fc8d807250f3#ba01fc8d807250f3

Thanks again:
-Eli
**************************************

Chuck wrote:
Eli,