Windows XP Firewall Configuration, Block Port, Unblock Port, Add Exceptions, Enable Windows Firewall, Disable Windows Firewall, Desktop Computer Configuration

Configuring Windows XP Firewall

The Firewall configuration in the Windows XP Operating System can be modified using Desktop Central. The Windows XP Firewall blocks or permits access to the computer for specific TCP or UDP ports.

The Firewall Configuration can be deployed only on the computers with the Windows XP (with Service Pack 2) Operating System.

Step 1: Name the Configuration

Step 2: Define Configuration

Select the Firewall Action from the combo box. The action could be any of the following:

The Firewall configurations defined using Desktop Central can be deployed successfully to the client computers. However, it will take effect only when you turn on the Windows XP Firewall.

Parameter	Description
Port Action	Select whether to block, unblock, or to retain client settings using the Windows XP Firewall. The default option is Block.
Choose Port [Number - Name - Protocol]	Specify the port in the form of Port Number - Port Name - Protocol. The standard ports and services are listed in the combo box. If the required port is not listed, select the Customize link to either choose the port from the Additional ports list or to add your own by providing the required details.
Dependent Services	On selecting the port the dependent services are shown in this field. This cannot be modified from here.

Parameter

Description

Port Action

Select whether to block, unblock, or to retain client settings using the Windows XP Firewall. The default option is Block.

Choose Port [Number - Name - Protocol]

Specify the port in the form of Port Number - Port Name - Protocol. The standard ports and services are listed in the combo box. If the required port is not listed, select the Customize link to either choose the port from the Additional ports list or to add your own by providing the required details.

Dependent Services

On selecting the port the dependent services are shown in this field. This cannot be modified from here.

1. To block/unblock more ports, click Add More Ports and repeat Step 2. The port gets added to the Firewall table.
2. To modify a setting from this table, select the appropriate row, click icon and change the required values.
3. To delete a setting from this table, select the appropriate row and click icon.

Step 3: Define Target

Using the Defining Targets procedure, define the targets deploying the Firewall Configuration.

Step 4: Deploy Configuration

Click the Deploy button to deploy the defined Firewall Configuration in the defined targets. The configurations will take effect during the next system startup.