Firewall turns itself off?

[mattaggie]

Sometimes when I turn my computer on, I get a message from the security center saying that Windows Firewall is turned off. The Firewall was never turned off by me (no one else uses the computer). I then try to go and turn it back on, and I am not able to do so. The places where you select on or off are both dimmed where you can't select anything. Why does this happen? How can I fix it? This is Windows XP.

[Negeva]

Simple, download and install a better firewall - I use Comodo Pro which is free.

I know some ppl here swear by the Windows XP Firewall, but I loathe it with a passion. I like to use my firewall to have an extra level of control over applications that think they need 'net access; for example my AV needs constant 'net access and has it but Acrobat reader or WMP doesn't always need 'net access so they only get temporary access.

[Statica]

The Windows firewall is quite adequate if it is not your dedicated firewall. The best bet is to have a hardware gateway device like a router and an extra level of protection that the XP firewall provides.

Re: the options being greyed out..
Is this on a XP Pro or Home machine? Are you the admin?
Do you have any security suites that are providing firewalling services (a couple of them override the native firewall).
Also keep in mind that the firewall being turned off in this manner might be symptomatic of a malware .. do comprehensive scans on your system.

It is also possible that a 3rd party s/w (even malware) introduced registry policies that disabled the firewall.

Open the registry editor (START > RUN > regedit)
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\
Are there any registry keys in there?

<hr>
If you're using XP Pro .. then read this: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/abouttn/flash/tips/tips_083105.mspx .. essentially use your group policy editor to check the policies for the XP firewall.

[bd1886]

Had Norton do the same thing. Have had no problems but...

[kev7555]

There is a piece of malware out there that will disable your anti-virus software also one that will disable firewall. I believe these are detected and removed by Spybot Search and Destroy.

Make sure to scan thoroughly for malware with all of the recommended programs.

Negeva---Good steer on that comodo firewall. I really like this one. I have finally discontinued using the XP firewall.

-Kev