Re: Windows Firewall Configuration

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

From: Peter Near [MCE MVP] (peter_at_thenears.com)
Date: 01/17/05 

Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 20:51:48 -0500

Control Panel, Windows Firewall, Exceptions Tab...

Check off the "File and printer sharing" option.

Windows should turn it on for you automatically if you run through the
network sharing wizard when you share a folder or printer.

I'd personally try to leave the firewall on, as it is useful for
identifying trojans that are trying to send any information out from the
PC. I doubt the router would catch that scenario.

Cheers,
Pete

Lem wrote:
> I'm trying to help out a friend who has a wireless home network set up in a
> very non-standard way. The DSL modem, which seems to have a built-in
> hardware firewall, is connected to the wireless router at one of the LAN
> ports, rather than the usual WAN port. I think, but I'm not sure, that this
> router is set to operate as a switch, rather than a router.
>
> In any case, both the PC hard-wired to the router and the wireless PC can
> successfully connect to the Internet. The problem comes in file and
> printersharing.
>
> Although I've double checked that both PCs (both WinXPHome) have the same
> workgroup name, I can't see either PC from the other when "viewing workgroup
> computers." I also can't browse for printers from the wireless unit, because
> the Add Printer Wizard can't see the other PC. Finally, I tried manually
> adding a printer by putting in the full path name, e.g.,
> \\computername\printername. This works, but ONLY if Windows firewall is
> turned off on the PC to which the printer is physically attached --
> notwithstanding that the settings for WF are to allow "file and printer
> sharing."
>
> I'm not terribly concerned about leaving WF off, because of the firewall in
> the DSL modem, but I'd really like to have suggestions on (1) why I can't see
> the PCs from each other and (2) how I can permit printer sharing with WF on.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: WEP / WPA problems
    ... Check the Netgear site for firmware updates to the router. ... WEP and WPA encryption will slow down a wireless connection about ... firewall running on his XP machine, ...
    (alt.internet.wireless)
  • Re: share my printer between 2 computers and surf with 2 computers at same time
    ... The main choice you have to make is whether to have the router include wireless capability or not. ... Because wireless routers for home use are relatively inexpensive these days, I'd suggest buying a wireless router even if you don't initially intend to use that capability. ... If you already have a UTP cable going between upstairs and downstairs, you can use that to have a wired network. ... caused by 1) a misconfigured firewall; ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: share my printer between 2 computers and surf with 2 computers at same time
    ... The main piece of hardware you need to buy is a router. ... Because wireless routers for home use are ... you can use that to have a wired network. ... caused by 1) a misconfigured firewall; ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Netgear WGT624
    ... In the short term I dont have plans for using its wireless functionality as ... Although it advertises SPI, comparing it's options to those available on the ... FR114P I would really only class this unit as a router. ... Wireless Firewall Router" ...
    (comp.security.firewalls)
  • Re: Home Network
    ... > know if your problems are related to a misconfigured firewall or something ... >>already have a router. ... > The OP already has a wireless router but hasn't told us which one. ... >>will need to set them all to the same Workgroup. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware)