How do you unblock an IP in windows XP's firewall?

SkScotchegg · 13 Mar 2009 at 21:47

Hi there, on my mum's laptop it came up with a message saying it had blocked IP: 192.168.X.X and now her wireless connection is no longer online? This happened right after installed the service pack 3 for XP. And now the connection when you hover over it says "limited or no connection" where as before installing service pack 3 it was fine for years.

It said it had blocked it because it felt it was a threat and seemed like a port scanner! But when I checked on my PC it was my IP.

And I found a section in her windows XP firewall settings where you can add IP and ports, so I tried adding my IP in but dont know what port to use or even if am doing the right thing?

Please help, thanks in advance!

SkScotchegg

Ucof · 13 Mar 2009 at 22:16

Turn off the windows firewall.
Seriously. In my opinion it is horrible. It doesn't let you monitor what is trying to connect OUT from your PC at all and has limited functionality.

Go with a free one instead. Zonealarm ( www.zonelabs.com ) is a popular choice as is Comodo or Black Ice.

Burnsy2023 · 13 Mar 2009 at 23:49

Zone Alarm is the devil, I'd rather go without.

You could restore the Windows Firewall to it's default, by clicking on the advanced tab and then it's at the bottom.

Ucof · 14 Mar 2009 at 00:06

Im curious as to why you think it is the devil. I've never had any problems with it whatsoever

Liquidfox · 14 Mar 2009 at 10:38

It's intrusive, slow and a waste of time. nothing beats a well setup hardware firewall.