Subject:  Windows XP Internet Connection Firewalling
Author:   Pamela Y. C. Fong
Date:     Thu Jan 15 17:29:12 PST 2004


Windows XP Internet Connection Firewalling (ICF) provides a basic level
of network security protection, and can be useful for diagnosing network
functionality.  Here are basic steps for turning on firewalling.


1)  Start|Settings|Control Panel|Network Connections

2)  Right-click on the icon for your Ethernet LAN connection.  In the menu
    which appears, select Properties.

3)  In the Local Area Connection Properties sheets, select the Advanced tab.

4)  Check the box, "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing
    access to this comuter from the Internet"

5)  Click on the button, Settings.

6)  Select the Security Logging tab.  Check the boxes to select the two items,

      Log dropped packets
      Log successful connections.

    Designate the name of the log file.  The default is,

      C:\Windows\pfirewall.log

    Then click OK to secure the changes.

7)  Click OK to secure the changes.

8)  View the log at any time, by running,

    Start|Run|Open
      notepad.exe c:\Windows\pfirewall.log

    The legend for the columns appears at the top of the file.  Since the log
    grows with connection activity, you may need to open/close the file to
    view new entries.

Note that turning on Firewalling may interfere with the ability of other
computers to connect to your computer!  This of course is the goal.  So be
aware there there may be effects on Windows domain visibility, backup services,
custom services, etc.  So consult with your personal Systems Administrator
for advice.

For information about how to selectively open firewalled ports for particular
services, refer to the Microsoft Article,

  http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=308127

Firewalling for wireless, USB, and modem connections must be configured
separately.

Also note that because of the order in which Windows Services are run,
Internet Connection Firewalling may not be fully functional during Startup and
Shutdown of Windows XP.  For details see,

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;323009

---Pam