Firewall OFF!

[Guest]

I recently formatted my computer and re-installed Windows XP. I've been
updating windows but I cannot seem to turn on my firewall. It is off and it
says, "For your security, some settings are controlled by group policy," as
well as, "Windows firewall is turned off. Your network administrator is
using Group Policy to control these settings."

I don't know what Group Policy is. It is a personal home computer used only
by myself, directly connected to the internet via cable modem. Could someone
please help me turn on my firewall. All options are greyed out
(unaccessible).

 

[Jeff]

I recently formatted my computer and re-installed Windows XP. I've been
updating windows but I cannot seem to turn on my firewall. It is off and it
says, "For your security, some settings are controlled by group policy," as
well as, "Windows firewall is turned off. Your network administrator is
using Group Policy to control these settings."

I don't know what Group Policy is. It is a personal home computer used only
by myself, directly connected to the internet via cable modem. Could someone
please help me turn on my firewall. All options are greyed out
(unaccessible).

You can edit group policies by typing "gpedit.msc" into the start / run box.
Look in Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative
Templates > Network > Network Connections > Windows Firewall

Now look in both Domain Profile and Standard Profile, the first key in
both relates to allowing the firewall to be started. If left as "not
configured" then you should be able to start it via the usually settings
in network properties. I would imaging yours is set to disabled at the
moment.

Hope that helps.

J

 

[Steven L Umbach]

There is no way that should be the case for a pristine install of the
operating system if that is what you meant by a reinstall to a formatted
drive. Anyhow assuming your computer is not a member of an Active Directory
domain that would be almost a zero chance in a home environment it sounds
like you already have a problem with malware which will often create such
settings in an attempt to prevent you from enabling your firewall. Since you
do not know what Group Policy is I assume that you did not use something
like gpedit.msc to manage it [not available on HP Home]. There is a free
tool called Dial-A-Fix that can help you find and remove registry settings
that place Group Policy like restrictions on your computer. Also if you are
using cable/DSL you should be using at least an internet router to protect
you as a first line of defense.

Steve

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Dial-a-fix.shtml
-- Dial-A-Fix link