MUST I disable ICS Firewall?

[Guest]

Do I have to disable Internet Connection Sharing Firewall (and/or any third party Firewall software) in order to get the network to work properly on my machines? The problem is I can't "see" folders on the other machine (lets call it Comp B), or indeed see the printer, but I do have the Broadband connection shared. I am using a Belkin ADSL Modem with Built-In router, connected to Comp A with crossover cable. The other machine (Comp B) has a Belkin wireless notebook card. I know I sound like a complete fool, but this has me stumped.

 

[Eric Cross [MVP]]

Greetings Gregory,

Disabling and uninstalling any firewall is only needed if you are having
network problems. It is always a good idea while troubleshooting. However,
you don't have to disable it in order for the network to work. In order for
you to have the XP Firewall enabled or a third party firewall running, you
must have it properly configured so that it isn't blocking access between
the machines on the network.

_____________
Eric Cross
Microsoft MVP (Windows Networking)

Do I have to disable Internet Connection Sharing Firewall (and/or any

third party Firewall software) in order to get the network to work properly
on my machines? The problem is I can't "see" folders on the other machine
(lets call it Comp B), or indeed see the printer, but I do have the
Broadband connection shared. I am using a Belkin ADSL Modem with Built-In
router, connected to Comp A with crossover cable. The other machine (Comp B)
has a Belkin wireless notebook card. I know I sound like a complete fool,
but this has me stumped.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Do I have to disable Internet Connection Sharing Firewall (and/or any third party Firewall software) in order to get the network to work properly on my machines? The problem is I can't "see" folders on the other machine (lets call it Comp B), or indeed see the printer, but I do have the Broadband connection shared. I am using a Belkin ADSL Modem with Built-In router, connected to Comp A with crossover cable. The other machine (Comp B) has a Belkin wireless notebook card. I know I sound like a complete fool, but this has me stumped.

You can enable or disable XP's Internet Connection Firewall
independently on each network connection.

If a network connection connects directly to the Internet (dial-up
modem, cable modem, ADSL modem), enable ICF on that connection to
protect your computer from access by other Internet users.

On a local area network connection with other computers, ICF blocks
file sharing.

So, on Comp A:

1. Enable ICF on the cable ADSL Modem connection.
2. Disable ICF on the local area network connection.

Details here:

Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/ic_firewall.htm

If you use third party firewall software, configure it to allow access
by computers on your local area network (ICS uses 192.168.0.x) and to
block access by all others.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Guest]

Thanks Steve, sorry for being so tardy with a reply but I haven't had an opportunity to sit in front of the PC. I am slowly working my way through your suggestions and will let you know how far it gets me.