A firewall protects your computer from Internet worms that exploit open ports and operating system vulnerabilities. Only one firewall should be active on a computer.


  1. Click Start and then Control Panel.
    If your screen says "Pick a Category", click on "Switch to Classic View" on the left under Control Panel.
     
  2. Double-click Windows Firewall.
     
  3. On the General tab under "Windows Firewall", check ON (recommended).


If the option for turning on the firewall is grayed out and cannot be changed, your system may have active malware that is preventing you from securing your PC.

Follow these steps:
  1. Return to Protect and Clean Your Windows XP Computer.
  2. Complete all steps under "Use up-to-date McAfee Anti-Virus Software".
  3. Complete all steps under "Remove and protect against Spyware".
  4. After you have cleaned your system, Right-click this link and select 'Save Link Target as...' to download a registry fix. Save FixRegSecure.reg to your desktop.
  5. Double-click the file, and click "yes" when prompted to add the information to your registry.
  6. Reboot your system.
  7. After rebooting, follow steps 1 through 3 above to make sure the Firewall is ON.
If the option is still grayed out, your system may need service to correct the problem. Call the IT Help Center at 831-6000 to schedule an appointment to have User Services clean your computer for a fee.

 

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