[Kachina]

Every time I turn off my computer completely, my windows firewall turns to off. I have to manually turn it back to ON every time I switch on my computer. If I forget then I do not have a firewall.

Can anyone help. I would like it to remain on. I have tried every thing I know but nothing works.

I have a Dell Dimension 5150
thanks

[Hybr!d]

Are you running norton anti-virus?

I have heard of this program messing with the windows firewall.

[alex]

I've primarily used norton and Bullguard as AV's. They both, upon installation and use, shutoff windows firewall in my experience.

But you don't want two firewalls running anyway, as this can cause conflicts.

But do let us know if you're not running any AV software.

[Kachina]

Many thanks for your help guys.
Yes, I do have Norton AV which I have just paid up for the next 12 months. It wasn't a problem before. I do not have any other firewall. Should I just run Norton and forget Windows Firewall. Or should I get another firewall as well i.e. Bullguard.

[Hybr!d]

Just because it wasn't a problem before doesn't mean it isn't a problem now.

Norton has a known issue, it automatically disables your firewall thus leaving you without one.

Solution:

If you are running a router to get online i personally wouldn't run a software firewall as your router has a hardware one which covers you.

But if you insist get a third party one.

A free one i like is Free Firewall Software - Comodoâ„¢ Firewall

Dave.

[Kachina]

Once again Dave, thanks for your help.
You are right, it is Norton thats turning off Windows Firewall. My Norton is Internet Secutrity version and says it has a Personal Firewall. Do I still need a third party one like Comodo.

I am not running a router to get online. It is a stand alone PC

Sorry to sound so unknowledgeable - I am new to all of this.

Thanks

[Hybr!d]

You have kinda solved your own problem chap.

If you have Norton Internet security you do not need a third party firewall or the windows one.

Norton is turning it off because it is managing the firewall itself.

A router will basically add more security, but is not essential.

A router replaces your current bog standard ADSL modem.

[arppt01]

Yes try Comodo Firewall. I am using it for long now. I am very happy. It's a great product and gives user a great control over which process is accessing the net.

[Wolfeymole]

Hi Kachina

Don't worry about MS Windows Firewall being turned off, any, and I have to cough slightly here, decent Firewall will turn off the windows firewall as it is bad policy to have two firewalls running side by side.
In my honest opinion Norton in any shape or form is a poor provider of internet security and my personal advice would be to obtain two seperate security measures.
A good Anti Virus program like AVG etc.
A good Firewall like Comodo or Zone Alarm rather than being dependant on one product for your protection.
Windows Firewall is only good regarding protection for inbound traffic only which is quite mad.

[dfr200764]

Just out of interest, I have Wndows Vista (as mentioned in an earlier reply) and have found that since installing AVG internet security I can no longer seem to get updates for Windows Defender ? Assuming that Windows Defender is Vista's own built-in version of anti-spyware, does it therefore mean that AVG has automatically disabled this in favour of its own anti-spyware ?? Thanks



Dean