Should You Disable ICF?
You can disable ICF, but Microsoft advises:
“You should enable ICF on the internet connection of any computer that is connected directly to the internet.”
Despite this advice, you may be able to disable ICF safely. Most home routers have built-in firewalls, and you can install other firewall programs to replace the firewall provided in Windows XP.
If you don’t have other firewall protection, it is best to leave ICF running unless it prevents you from connecting to the internet. In that case, you can disable it temporarily.
How to Disable the Windows XP Firewall
To temporarily disable the Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall when it interferes with your computer’s internet connection:
Open the Control Panel by selecting Start > Control Panel. Select Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections. If you view the Control Panel in Classic view, double-click the Network Connections link. Either option opens a list of available network connections. Right-click the connection that you want to disable the firewall, and select Properties. Go to the Advanced tab. In the Internet Connection Firewall section, uncheck Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.
If you view the Control Panel in Classic view, double-click the Network Connections link. Either option opens a list of available network connections.
In the Internet Connection Firewall section, uncheck Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.
