XP home & firewall settings.

[Vairkjosa]

Is there anyone that can inform us how to set windows firewall to allow an ftp connection, safely? Don't want to turn the firewall off, but I understand you can set XPhomes firewall to accept the ftp connection.

[zimagirl79]

I've been under the impression that Windows Firewall is not sufficient because it does not block outgoing traffic. I use the free version of Zone Alarm from Zone Labs myself.

If you're interested, get it HERE (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en)

[Vairkjosa]

Its in addition to another firewall, but we're sure it is the windows firewall that is blocking. Turned off it's alright. Turned on the connection stops. I never advise anyone to turn off their protection. Ususally there's a safe workaround.
Thanks Zimagirl

[zimagirl79]

Now see, I've always been told not to use additional firewalls, thus I turn off Windows firewall and use one that protects both ways.

I read this on MS website:

Q. Should I use both the built-in firewall and a software firewall from a different company on my Windows XP computer?

A. No. Running multiple software firewalls is unnecessary for typical home computers, home networking, and small-business networking scenarios. Using two firewalls on the same connection could cause issues with connectivity to the Internet or other unexpected behavior. One firewall, whether it is the Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall or a different software firewall, can provide substantial protection for your computer.

If you've got another firewall running, I'd say just turn off the Windows one. One of the true experts may have other suggestions though, so hang in there.

[xpgeek]

If you do use another firewall such as ZoneAlarm, Sygate, Norton firewall, whatever, then the Windows firewall running is a second firewall running, and you don't need two running at once.

[Vairkjosa]

Zimagirl! That is absolutely correct. They are referring to two software firewalls. An unnecessary and mostly fault causing scenario. In our case it is a single instance of software firewall, and another firmware firewall. Firmware is the router. In this case the two work perfectly well together. We're just having a problem with I think, a Java installation. We think we need Java to make this all work but I'm not sure. The PC in question has no Java support and I think I read somewhere that we need that. I just can't seem to find it anywhere.
Thanks!