Steve - I'm feeling more positive, please stay with me. I created the
reg
file, clicked yes and OK to activate (buttons displayed and disappeared
so
fast). But I think I did it OK. When I re-booted and clicked security
center/firewall I got the following message "Windows firewall setting
cannot
be displayed because the associated service is not running. Do you
want
to
start the Windows/firewall internet connection sharing (ICS) service?
I
clicked yes, and it displayed "Starting ICS..."
When I go in the access to turn-on is still grayed. I wonder if
services
is
not staying on. I have worked in services before at work, but cannot
recall
the syntax (not my normal job responsibility...). I just wonder now if
services is the problem.
Also, please note that I did create the reg file under administrator,
but
not in safe mode. I am still virus free as I have not connected the
comp
to
the net.
Again, please stay with me on this - Tom
--
Sony Luvy
:
All you have to do is copy and paste those lines into a notepad file
and
save at as I showed. It will automatically modify the registry for
u. --- Steve
Steve - I reloaded SP2 on Saturday... to no avail. So for your
instructions
below, I want to clarify that I perform all steps in the notepad
file I
create (on the affected computer of course). And do not have to
copy
anything in the registry. Just follow the steps below. Please
confirm
and
thanks. Tom
--
Sony Luvy
:
Do you have any other software firewall installed on the computer
as
that
can cause the Windows Firewall to be disabled?? What service pack
are
you
using? You can enter winver in the run box and then select OK to
get
service
pack info.
If you are using Service Pack 2 you can try using a .reg file that
will
modify the registry to enable the firewall. Simply copy the lines
below
the
asterisks into notepad, save it with some name such as
firewall1.reg,
and
make sure you select all types for save as file type with notepad.
Then
click that file, select yes when prompted, and see if it enables
your
firewall after a reboot. To disable the firewall delete that key or
change
the value to 0.
Steve
***************************************************************************
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\StandardProfile]
"EnableFirewall"=dword:00000001
Steve - I was able to delete windows firewall using the regedit
syntax
you
advised( in safe mode). Network connections did not display.
Also,
I
now
have the machine virus free. When I re-booted, firewall under
security
center is still not able to be turned on, it is still grayed-out.
I
do
not
want to connect to internet for fear that viruses and malware
will
attack.
Your further advice appreciated. Thanks - Tom
--
Sony Luvy
:
Just enter regedit in the run box and the hit OK to open the
registry
editor. The in the upper left hand corner you will see
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
and you can expand it to find the keys I am talking about.
Steve
Steve - Thanks. I'll try this evening. I apologize for what
seems
elementary, but what is the path to regedit to open the
registry
editor?
Am I
going to search all files and folders on the hard drive to
find
the
HKEY
files? I apprecite your help and will try this evening Tom
--
Sony Luvy
:
Try this. Logon as an administrator and use regedit to open
the
registry
editor. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\
and
if
you
see
a key under it for WindowsFirewall right click it and select
delete.
The
go
to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\
and
if
you
see
a
key under it for Network Connections do the same. If you did
make
any
changes reboot your computer to see if that then helps.
Steve
message
Steve - I am now cleaning by my virus program i safe mode.
Any
advice
on
how
to re-instate firewall? Thanks
--
Sony Luvy
:
Do you get an error message or is it just grayed out?? Are
you
using
XP
Home
or XP Pro? --- Steve
message
Steve Thanks. When I go to security center I am not
able
to
lick
firewall
on. It won't let me. I am down to 1 virus and will
scan
next
in
safe
mode.
Thanks for the insight I'll update you - Tom
--
Sony Luvy
:
Are you able to turn the Windows Firewall back on?? If
not
what
happens
or
what exact error message do you get. Malware and
spyware
commonly
disable
the Windows Firewall or other software firewalls which
is
why
I
consider
it
an absolute MUST that those that have DSL/cable
internet
connections
use
an
internet router or firewall appliance as their first
line
of
defense.
An
internet router costs less then taking the family to
McDonalds
these
days
and can be purchased at Best Buy, Amazon, etc with
names
like
Netgear,
Linksys, and D-Link.
As you work on your malware problem be sure to also
boot
into
Safe
Mode
and
scan for both viruses and spyware in Safe mode. Also be
sure
that
you
are
using the latest definitions for any program you scan
with.
If
you
currently
are not using a spyware detection and removal program I
recommend
trying
the
free for personal use AdAware SE. Make sure you read
the
link
below
on
Protect Your PC which will explain basics of security
your
computer
and
has
further links on how to deal with viruses and spyware.
Also I
STRONGLY
recommend that you do NOT use an account that is also
an
administrator
account for routine activities and especially for
browsing
the
internet,
opening email, or using chat programs. --- Steve
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxpsp2/Default.mspx
--- Protect Your PC
http://www.lavasoft.nu/software/adaware/ --- AdAware
SE
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/ --- using
Safe
Mode
message
Some malware or virus has shut off my firewall;
start..,
all
programs...,
accessories..., system tools..., security center.
The
firewall
is
"checked"
off, not on which is recommended (and how I have it
set).
But
somthing
turned it off. I almost have the viruses and malware
under
control.
Can
some one please advise how I can get the necessary
sections
