"Exceptions" in Windows (Vista) FW?

grc123 · Jun 20, 2008

How does one know what all (which) boxes to have checked/unchecked in this? I currently have these six "holes":

1. Firefox
2. Core Networking (? - Though I'm not on a network ... as far as I know? I believe this was checked by default?)
3. Lexmark Communications System (which is my, "new-to-me" printer ... that won't work!)
4. Windows Media Player (which I think I could lose - get a program as good [or better?] which leaves a smaller footprint)
5. Yahoo FT Server (File Transfer???)
6. Yahoo Music Jukebox (which I am certain I can do better than - but it's what I'm currently using to listen to music ... for whatever reason)

Now, there are many others, but my understanding here is that it's sort of like Golf ... less is better.

Any suggestions/advice/opinions or comments are welcome.

Thanks in advance!

DavidGP · Jun 21, 2008

Hi grc

My best advice is to allow Windows to control these as enabling many of the exceptions manually may render those applications unable to function. Only really adjust the ports that could be blocked for an application in special circumstances.

grc123 · Jun 22, 2008

Halo said: ↑

Hi grc

My best advice is to allow Windows to control these as enabling many of the exceptions manually may render those applications unable to function. Only really adjust the ports that could be blocked for an application in special circumstances.
Click to expand...

Hi Halo, thank you. I'm just uncertain now about the whole FW-thing, as I have/had made some changes in the FW (attempting to make it as secure as possible, eliminating any holes [ports?] that are/were unnecessarily open[d]) ... you know, keeping the number of opened ports to an absolute minimum. There is no "Restore Defaults" settings, that I can see, other than under the Advanced Tab, and that seems to have to do with "Networking", which I don't think I am (only one PC connected directly to my ISP/internet) - unless of course I misunderstand that also, and am considered to be "networked" with my ISP?.

I have attempted to switch this Vista FW for ZA - which I am at least more familiar and comfortable with - but it doesn't seem to be compatible with Vista ... I have tried a number of times to download/install it - to no avail (but of course that could be due to other problems that I have been experiencing with downloads/installs).

Thanks ...

DavidGP · Jun 22, 2008

Hi grc

Yes that Reset is fine for you as what Windows classes as a network is for this purpose the actual network port from your PC to the router/modem that connects you to the internet, so resetting that will revert all the defualts back, you "may" when running some applications get a popup that will ask you if you wish to allow this application past the firewall, in this case and you know and trust the application wanting outside access then click Unblock.

If Firefox is listed in your exceptions click it and then click delete, run Firefox and if you get the message from the firewall about firefox wanting access then click Unblock, as I feel this maybe some of the issues your having in connection to net and installing applications. I know and totally understand your quest for securing your PC, however it does seem as if the tweaking your doing is causing you more trouble than enough.

ZoneAlarm has become a bit troublesome to some in Vista ( works for loads of users but eually not for others ), sadly its become a bit bulky these days and along way from its nice n slim freebie days of fireall only, so some have migrated to this good freebie firewall http://www.majorgeeks.com/PC_Tools_Firewall_Plus_d5470.html BUT before adding this firewall to your PC, I personally would be wanting to clear up all the other issues your having as installing new applications can add new issues on top to compound the others.

grc123 · Jun 22, 2008

Halo said: ↑

Hi grc

Yes that Reset is fine for you as what Windows classes as a network is for this purpose the actual network port from your PC to the router/modem that connects you to the internet, so resetting that will revert all the defualts back, you "may" when running some applications get a popup that will ask you if you wish to allow this application past the firewall, in this case and you know and trust the application wanting outside access then click Unblock.

If Firefox is listed in your exceptions click it and then click delete, run Firefox and if you get the message from the firewall about firefox wanting access then click Unblock, as I feel this maybe some of the issues your having in connection to net and installing applications. I know and totally understand your quest for securing your PC, however it does seem as if the tweaking your doing is causing you more trouble than enough.

ZoneAlarm has become a bit troublesome to some in Vista ( works for loads of users but eually not for others ), sadly its become a bit bulky these days and along way from its nice n slim freebie days of fireall only, so some have migrated to this good freebie firewall http://www.majorgeeks.com/PC_Tools_Firewall_Plus_d5470.html BUT before adding this firewall to your PC, I personally would be wanting to clear up all the other issues your having as installing new applications can add new issues on top to compound the others.
Click to expand...

Thank you as always. I will work with the Vista FW for awhile, and see if I (we) can get some of these other things straight (I "seem" to be down to only two probs [?] now!).

Thanks Halo ...

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"Exceptions" in Windows (Vista) FW?

grc123 MajorGeek

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

grc123 MajorGeek

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

grc123 MajorGeek