networking & firewall

[chiyoaiki]

I'm using Windows XP SP2. The PC is connected to the network via router. I've been having problem accessing the shared files and folders of other computers on the network. After some searching on the internet, I found that it might be due to Microsoft firewall. So I tried turning it off and it worked. Now I have access to the shared files and folders. However, will I be at risk by doing so? Is it possible to configure the setting so that I can have the firewall on but still be able to access the shared files and folders?

If I don't need the firewall. How can I uninstall it?

Thanks.

[stiltman]

Exceptions tab

In Windows XP SP2, Windows Firewall allows you to specify that excepted traffic can originate from one of three scopes: any IP address, an IP address that matches the local subnet to which the connection that received the traffic is attached, or from a list of one or more IP addresses or IP address ranges.

I don't run XP, but it should be there

This may help too
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/article04-109

[Poppa_Meth]

If your router has a firewall built in and it's properly configured I wouldn't worry about windows firewall. The hardware one will be vastly superior. You could also install a third part software one if you like. Kerio and Sygate make free ones that work very well and give you much more controll than windows firewall.

[chiyoaiki]

My router has a firewall buit in.

Is there anyway I can uninstall windows firewall? It keeps poping up wanting me to turn it on.

Thanks.

[guns1inger]

Go to Start->Settings->Control Panel->Windows Firewall and check Do Not Use (Not Recommended) on the first tab. This will turn it off.

I use sygate personal firewall pro and have never had Window Firewall turned on. It has never bugged me about this.

[Poppa_Meth]

If you use no software firewall then windows will bug the hell out of you unless you disable the security center. To do that go to start>run and type services.msc and press okay. Look for it on the list and disable it.