The Windows Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) exists on many Windows XP computers. However, when running, ICF can interfere with Internet connection sharing through a home network router. If such a conflict arises on your Windows XP computer, you might find that it cannot connect to the Internet through the router. Follow these instructions to disable the Windows firewall. You can safely disable the firewall as a home network router provides equivalent (and often better) security.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: < 1 minute

Here's How:

1.   Open Control Panel through the Windows Start Menu

2.   Choose the Network Connections option in Control Panel. The list of available network connections will appear in this window.

3.   Scroll down the list of available connections and right-click the item representing your Internet connection. On the right-click menu, choose the Properties option. A new popup window will appear.

4.   In the connection Properties window, click the Advanced tab. Various connection settings appear in this window.

5.   Find the option called "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet." This option represents ICF. Uncheck the box to disable the firewall.

Tips:

1. ICF does not existing in Windows XP Service Pack 2. Windows XP SP2 uses a different firewall called Windows Firewall. The settings for Windows Firewall are available in SP2 at the same location described above.
2. ICF is disabled (unchecked) by default

What You Need:

• Computer running Windows XP Service Pack 1 or older version

Originally by Bradley Mitchell