XP Firewall Problem

[Annabelle]

I checked Network Connectons for my Firewall status, because I tend to have
a vanishing XP firewall, and lo and behold, I get this message on the
Connection Properties screen:
"Windows cannot display the properties of this connection. The Windows
Management Instrumentation (WIM) information might be corrupted. To correct
this, use System Restore..."

System Restore is not an option because I would have to restore to the day I
set up my firewall (one month ago), which is the day last I loaded XP on my
system. All my applications would be lost.

Thinking that perhaps I have a firewall in place but just cannot see it, I
thought to test my firewall at a free site. Thus comes problem #2. AuditMyPC
seemes to have a lock on the market. Their website is so bogus. All the
visible links are to ads, and the real links are not highlighted. Then, when
you are close to getting to the page with the test, the only link is to an
ad! How else can I test for the presence of a firewall for free?

My last option is to go with Kerio or some other freebie, but it is my last
option because the last free firewall I downloaded prevented my from going
online at all.

Any help or insight appreciated!

 

[R. McCarty]

Here's an on-line port scanner:
http://www.dslreports.com/scan

The XP firewall is inbounds only. I would get Zone Alarm Free to
have a higher level of protection. Takes a few days to build up the
allowances table - but does a good job of packet filtering.
Zone Alarm Free download:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp
**When installing be sure to pick the basic/free version or you'll
end up with a 30-Day Full featured ZA install which will expire
and you'll be nagged to purchase. In the displayed grid pick the
version with the single radio button.

 

[Guest]

This works fine for me:
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Milt

 

[Annabelle]

No offense, but was that an attempt to spam? Because it made no sense
regarding my particular issues.

 

[JoeSpareBedroom]

Probably not spam as much as a misunderstanding of what you're trying to
achieve. However, the Gibson Research site *is* a safe one, with some very
interesting tools. Unfortunately, the site's always had sort of a
sensational design that might make new visitors wonder.

 

[Annabelle]

Thank you for this information. I am installing ZA as I write. Hopefully, it
will let me go on line this time. Several years ago, it was a bit too
strong!

 

[JoeSpareBedroom]

It's gotten stronger. If you couldn't get online with ZA before, it's
because you didn't read the instructions. Also, if there are other users on
your machine who might intentionally, accidently or stupidly override
ZoneAlarm's settings, that's a good reason to buy the Pro version. It allows
you to password protect all settings. Great if there are children around, or
users who say "I must've clicked something, but I don't know what..."

 

[Guest]

Annabell,

No spam intended. Perhaps I misunderstood your question. Sorry.

One of your questions was " I thought to test my firewall at a free
site...." So I sent you a link to the Gibson site. It's a good port scanner.
If you don't see any open ports on a full system scan, it's an indication
that you probably have a firewall. If you have several ports showing, it's
probably an indication that you don't have a firewall.

If you're using a broadband connection and a router, you probably have a
hardware firewall associated with the router. You can also look at
Start/Programs or Control Panel/Add/Remove programs for a firewall program.

Is that of any help?

Milt

 

[Annabelle]

Too bad nobody told me about the instructions the last time! I mentioned the
ZA problem on this very forum...
Anyway, once I understood that Backweb and Zcast were safe to let contact
the Web, things are going well with ZA this time around. Fortunately, there
is only one user on this machine.

 

[Annabelle]

Thank you, Milt. I found the Gibson site a bit confusing in its design and
language, but was finally able to use it to find that all my ports are now
operating in Stealth mode (I am on dialup BTW). I will make note of the site
for future reference!

 

[Annabelle]

Thanks! I am using ZA now and will test it using DSL Reports, if it will
work for Dialup. I finally got the Gibson tester to work, and the report was
that all ports are in Stealth mode. Too bad the ZA tutorial is online only,
and, for whatever reason, I cannot contact the site! Probably ZA doing its
job too well - LOL!

 

[JoeSpareBedroom]

(e-mail address removed) I've only had to e-mail them twice in 4 years. Both
times, I got a response within a day, from someone who spoke English.