Windows Firewall will not turn on

[Roddy]

downloaded SP2 and found that the firewall will not turn on. The area to
trun it on is greyed out. Running xp. Have now installed an old version of
zonealarm so I at least have something. Any ideas?

By the way, this used to be a school computer. I got it a few days ago and
installed AVG Free edition and some spyware removal tools. It will filled
wtih trojans. I could not even do updates from Microsoft until I got rid of
them with spybot.

 

[David H. Lipman]

From: "Roddy" <[email protected]>

| downloaded SP2 and found that the firewall will not turn on. The area to
| trun it on is greyed out. Running xp. Have now installed an old version of
| zonealarm so I at least have something. Any ideas?
|
| By the way, this used to be a school computer. I got it a few days ago and
| installed AVG Free edition and some spyware removal tools. It will filled
| wtih trojans. I could not even do updates from Microsoft until I got rid of
| them with spybot.

You have ZoneAlarm installed.

You can't have two FireWalls installed.

If/when you get a "used" computer the best advice is to wipe it and re-install the OS from
scracth.
Especially one form a school !

Your PC may still be infected and compramised.

 

[RajKohli]

Try this:

1. Click Start - Run - type REGEDIT and press Enter key.
2. Expand To:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall
\DomainProfile\

3. On the Right-side pane delete the entry (if exist) EnableFirewall=0

4. Expand To:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Polici­ es\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall
\StandardProfile

5. On the Right-side pane delete the entry (if exist) EnableFirewall=0
6. Exit Registry Editor
7. Restart your PC.

Hope this help, let us know!

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Format & reinstall Windows; or...

1. Uninstall SP2 via Add/Remove Programs and reboot.

2. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html or other appropriate forums for expert
analysis, not here.**

3. Do not install SP2 until an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill
of health.

Also see:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Problem Solver:
http://winhlp.com/WxSP2.htm

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783

 

[RajKohli]

As you are a MVP, I would like to ask you that why you give Format and
Reinstall Windows advice as the first preference.

Let us know!

Format & reinstall Windows; or...

1. Uninstall SP2 via Add/Remove Programs and reboot.

2. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html or other appropriate forums for expert
analysis, not here.**

3. Do not install SP2 until an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill
of health.

Also see:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Problem Solver:
http://winhlp.com/WxSP2.htm

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

downloaded SP2 and found that the firewall will not turn on. The area to
trun it on is greyed out. Running xp. Have now installed an old version
of
zonealarm so I at least have something. Any ideas?

By the way, this used to be a school computer. I got it a few days ago
and
installed AVG Free edition and some spyware removal tools. It will filled
wtih trojans. I could not even do updates from Microsoft until I got rid
of
them with spybot.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

From this part of OP's message:

The machine was not fully patched and did not have anti-virus or
anti-spyware protection when he got it. There's no way I would trust this
machine without a wipe & reload.
--
~PA Bear

As you are a MVP, I would like to ask you that why you give Format and
Reinstall Windows advice as the first preference.

Let us know!

Format & reinstall Windows; or...

1. Uninstall SP2 via Add/Remove Programs and reboot.

2. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and
remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html or other appropriate forums for expert
analysis, not here.**

3. Do not install SP2 until an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean
bill of health.

Also see:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Problem Solver:
http://winhlp.com/WxSP2.htm

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

downloaded SP2 and found that the firewall will not turn on. The area
to
trun it on is greyed out. Running xp. Have now installed an old
version
of
zonealarm so I at least have something. Any ideas?

By the way, this used to be a school computer. I got it a few days ago
and
installed AVG Free edition and some spyware removal tools. It will
filled
wtih trojans. I could not even do updates from Microsoft until I got
rid
of
them with spybot.

 

[David H. Lipman]

From: "RajKohli" <[email protected]>

| As you are a MVP, I would like to ask you that why you give Format and
| Reinstall Windows advice as the first preference.
|
| Let us know!
|

The machine is considered "compramised".

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

As you are a MVP, I would like to ask you that why you give Format and
Reinstall Windows advice as the first preference.

I am not PA Bear, but I agree with him completely.

If I acquired a used computer, the first thing I would do with it
would be to reinstall the operating system cleanly. You have no idea
how the computer has been maintained, what has been installed
incorrectly, what is missing, what viruses and spyware there may be,
etc. I wouldn't want to live with somebody else's mistakes and
problems, possibility of kiddie porn, etc., and I wouldn't recommend
that anyone else do either.

That goes double in this case, since he says "It will filled wtih
trojans." Any time you have multiple malware infections, your chances
of successfully getting of all of them gets very small.

Format & reinstall Windows; or...

1. Uninstall SP2 via Add/Remove Programs and reboot.

2. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html or other appropriate forums for expert
analysis, not here.**

3. Do not install SP2 until an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill
of health.

Also see:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Problem Solver:
http://winhlp.com/WxSP2.htm

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

downloaded SP2 and found that the firewall will not turn on. The area to
trun it on is greyed out. Running xp. Have now installed an old version
of
zonealarm so I at least have something. Any ideas?

By the way, this used to be a school computer. I got it a few days ago
and
installed AVG Free edition and some spyware removal tools. It will filled
wtih trojans. I could not even do updates from Microsoft until I got rid
of
them with spybot.

 

[RajKohli]

When I was new here and didn't have the sufficient knowledge, sometimes I was
giving people same kind of suggestions when their computer have malware or
virus infection.

But I did like to ask that what are the chances of Roddy about
reinstallation. What about Windows XP OEM CD and did he know the procedure of
reinstallation?

As you are a MVP, I would like to ask you that why you give Format and
Reinstall Windows advice as the first preference.

I am not PA Bear, but I agree with him completely.

If I acquired a used computer, the first thing I would do with it
would be to reinstall the operating system cleanly. You have no idea
how the computer has been maintained, what has been installed
incorrectly, what is missing, what viruses and spyware there may be,
etc. I wouldn't want to live with somebody else's mistakes and
problems, possibility of kiddie porn, etc., and I wouldn't recommend
that anyone else do either.

That goes double in this case, since he says "It will filled wtih
trojans." Any time you have multiple malware infections, your chances
of successfully getting of all of them gets very small.

Format & reinstall Windows; or...

1. Uninstall SP2 via Add/Remove Programs and reboot.

2. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html or other appropriate forums for expert
analysis, not here.**

3. Do not install SP2 until an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill
of health.

Also see:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Problem Solver:
http://winhlp.com/WxSP2.htm

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


Roddy wrote:
downloaded SP2 and found that the firewall will not turn on. The area to
trun it on is greyed out. Running xp. Have now installed an old version
of
zonealarm so I at least have something. Any ideas?

By the way, this used to be a school computer. I got it a few days ago
and
installed AVG Free edition and some spyware removal tools. It will filled
wtih trojans. I could not even do updates from Microsoft until I got rid
of
them with spybot.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

When I was new here and didn't have the sufficient knowledge, sometimes I was
giving people same kind of suggestions when their computer have malware or
virus infection.

But I did like to ask that what are the chances of Roddy about
reinstallation. What about Windows XP OEM CD and did he know the procedure of
reinstallation?

I'm sorry, but I'm having trouble understanding what you're asking. If
you're asking whether Roddy knows how to reinstall, I don't know. If
he doesn't know how, he can ask for more help here.

But whether he knows how or not doesn't change the fact that that's
what he needs to do. Worst case, if he can't do it himself, he can get
a friend to help, or even pay to have a technician do it.

If that's not what you're asking, can you clarify your question(s)?

As you are a MVP, I would like to ask you that why you give Format and
Reinstall Windows advice as the first preference.

I am not PA Bear, but I agree with him completely.

If I acquired a used computer, the first thing I would do with it
would be to reinstall the operating system cleanly. You have no idea
how the computer has been maintained, what has been installed
incorrectly, what is missing, what viruses and spyware there may be,
etc. I wouldn't want to live with somebody else's mistakes and
problems, possibility of kiddie porn, etc., and I wouldn't recommend
that anyone else do either.

That goes double in this case, since he says "It will filled wtih
trojans." Any time you have multiple malware infections, your chances
of successfully getting of all of them gets very small.

:

Format & reinstall Windows; or...

1. Uninstall SP2 via Add/Remove Programs and reboot.

2. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html or other appropriate forums for expert
analysis, not here.**

3. Do not install SP2 until an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill
of health.

Also see:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Problem Solver:
http://winhlp.com/WxSP2.htm

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


Roddy wrote:
downloaded SP2 and found that the firewall will not turn on. The area to
trun it on is greyed out. Running xp. Have now installed an old version
of
zonealarm so I at least have something. Any ideas?

By the way, this used to be a school computer. I got it a few days ago
and
installed AVG Free edition and some spyware removal tools. It will filled
wtih trojans. I could not even do updates from Microsoft until I got rid
of
them with spybot.

 

[RajKohli]

You guess it right. My question was does Roddy knows how to reinstall? But I
agree with your answer too. Anyway, it will be better for Roddy if you post
some good links about Doing a Clean Reinstallation of Windows.

When I was new here and didn't have the sufficient knowledge, sometimes I was
giving people same kind of suggestions when their computer have malware or
virus infection.

But I did like to ask that what are the chances of Roddy about
reinstallation. What about Windows XP OEM CD and did he know the procedure of
reinstallation?

I'm sorry, but I'm having trouble understanding what you're asking. If
you're asking whether Roddy knows how to reinstall, I don't know. If
he doesn't know how, he can ask for more help here.

But whether he knows how or not doesn't change the fact that that's
what he needs to do. Worst case, if he can't do it himself, he can get
a friend to help, or even pay to have a technician do it.

If that's not what you're asking, can you clarify your question(s)?

On Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:31:00 -0700, RajKohli

As you are a MVP, I would like to ask you that why you give Format and
Reinstall Windows advice as the first preference.


I am not PA Bear, but I agree with him completely.

If I acquired a used computer, the first thing I would do with it
would be to reinstall the operating system cleanly. You have no idea
how the computer has been maintained, what has been installed
incorrectly, what is missing, what viruses and spyware there may be,
etc. I wouldn't want to live with somebody else's mistakes and
problems, possibility of kiddie porn, etc., and I wouldn't recommend
that anyone else do either.

That goes double in this case, since he says "It will filled wtih
trojans." Any time you have multiple malware infections, your chances
of successfully getting of all of them gets very small.



:

Format & reinstall Windows; or...

1. Uninstall SP2 via Add/Remove Programs and reboot.

2. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html or other appropriate forums for expert
analysis, not here.**

3. Do not install SP2 until an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill
of health.

Also see:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Problem Solver:
http://winhlp.com/WxSP2.htm

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


Roddy wrote:
downloaded SP2 and found that the firewall will not turn on. The area to
trun it on is greyed out. Running xp. Have now installed an old version
of
zonealarm so I at least have something. Any ideas?

By the way, this used to be a school computer. I got it a few days ago
and
installed AVG Free edition and some spyware removal tools. It will filled
wtih trojans. I could not even do updates from Microsoft until I got rid
of
them with spybot.