I have a question about fire walls?

panda777 · 06-08-2008, 12:00 PM

Im having issues with firewall, it seems there isn't enough protection on mine. The reason I say this is because I went to shields to test my fire wall and when i test with common ports, this is what it sais:Solicited TCP Packets: RECEIVED (FAILED), Unsolicited Packets: PASSED and Ping Reply: RECEIVED (FAILED). Is their any advice to make my firewall stronger

**koala** · 06-08-2008, 03:19 PM

Which software firewall are you using? Are you also using a router?

What mode is your firewall set to? Have you modified any of the settings from default?

panda777 · 06-08-2008, 11:21 PM

On the fire wall im using spygate also regular WindowsXP firewalland they are active. no router hooked on to my computer. The last part I haven't put anything to default.

**koala** · 06-08-2008, 11:26 PM

You should only be using one software firewall to avoid conflicts. Disable the Windows one (Control Panel > Windows Firewall > Off) and leave Sygate on default settings, then run the test again.

mommabear · 06-09-2008, 01:10 PM

Although Sygate was discontinued in late 2005 when Symantec bought it out, it's still a very good firewall. There's a nice tutorial here to help you set it up to its maximum protection.

http://www.kotiposti.net/string/SPF_eng/SPFGuide.html

I was in a discussion about Sygate just the other day at another forum. I got curious about how Sygate was still performing without definition updates for two years. I hadn't done an online scan in three years, probably. I went to Shields Up! and PC Flank and my results were 100% stealth for every security test they had.

I did "fail" PC Flank's web browser test. I had tracking cookings and referrers. That didn't surprise me because I don't run any real-time cookie blocker, but I use Firefox and clean them out manually. (I never get very many anyway.)

As for the referrals, a Google search showed me how to block those in Sygate (Pro version only) by going into the Options-Security Tab and enabling stealth mode browsing. However, that can cause some websites you really want to see to display improperly. I tested it by going to MSNBC.com and very little would come up. So I un-ticked that again. If I ever have to go to a site don't feel 100% secure about, I can always enable stealth again. If the site doesn't display properly, then I'll have to make a judgment call about turning referrers back on for that site.

panda777 · 06-10-2008, 03:38 PM

Thanx for your feedback, but it seems I can't install spygate 552577 as you recommend. I first start by downloading spygate 552577, then next I disable my windows xp firewall when that is done, I disconnect from the internet. then I run program spygate 552577, then I restart my computer, however when I get to my main menu it keeps saying that " Windows Security Firewall is turned off, please enable. Did I miss something or do something wrong?

mommabear · 06-10-2008, 04:53 PM

How to turn off Windows firewall if you've got SP2.

http://www.utmem.edu/helpdesk/sp2/sp2firewall.htm

Did you uninstall Sygate when it failed the test and then reinstall? If you did, then you might have to do some manual clean up before you can install it again. But let's get the Windows Firewall disabled first and see if that fixes it for you. I do have the instructions for manually removing any Sygate leftovers to prepare for a clean install. I can post those if needed.

Also, your version of Sygate is older than the last good ones. I'm still using 5.5.2710 but there are two more, 5.6.2808 and 5.6.3408. 3408, I believe, added some bug fixes for XP. It was the last version before it was discontinued, but I don't know if they got it 100% complete. Some people have no trouble with it, others do. My 5.5.2710 works fine with my XP Home, and many are of the opinion that it was the last most stable version.

You can find the newer versions here:
http://www.savefile.com/projects/1045215

Edit: Oh, I remember now! Windows Security Center could not recognize that another firewall (Sygate) was installed and that's why the reminder keeps popping up. Those instructions in that link will tell you how to turn off the reminder. That also might have been one of the bugs fixed in later versions of Sygate.

panda777 · 06-10-2008, 07:18 PM

I have no traces of spygate on my system (redegit clicked on edit then moved cursor to find then typed spygate) This spy gate is too much of a hassle for me,whats another good personal firewall if you can please?

**koala** · 06-10-2008, 07:44 PM

Comodo is one of the better ones. Try the free version for a while before deciding whether to upgrade to the Pro version. I've been using the free one for a while now after switching from Zone Alarm Pro. No problems so far, and very easy to configure.

EDIT: The program is called Sygate (no P)

panda777 · 06-11-2008, 04:44 PM

Can you give step by step instructions on how to install properly. I don't want something to go wrong.

panda777 · 06-12-2008, 06:47 PM

I've successfully downloaded comodo. Im wondering does avg, spybot, ie spy ad and spy blaster work with comodo?

truthseeker · 06-13-2008, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panda777

Im having issues with firewall, it seems there isn't enough protection on mine. The reason I say this is because I went to shields to test my fire wall and when i test with common ports, this is what it sais:Solicited TCP Packets: RECEIVED (FAILED), Unsolicited Packets: PASSED and Ping Reply: RECEIVED (FAILED). Is their any advice to make my firewall stronger

There is no need to use a firewall if you set your modem/router to use NAPT. Then all tests will pass with stealth.

panda777 · 06-13-2008, 03:33 PM

how do I do that?

truthseeker · 06-13-2008, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panda777

how do I do that?

Read your modems manual and enter the modem/router configuration menu. And choose NAPT in there.

panda777 · 06-14-2008, 11:53 AM

Help me Comodo or something locked me out of everthing (Internet, files, system) what do I do. Right now im running in safe mode.

**koala** · 06-14-2008, 12:01 PM

What happens when you run Windows in normal mode? Do any of your programs run? I'm not sure what you mean by "locked out of everything".

Right-click the Comodo icon in the systray (bottom right, next to the clock) and change the Firewall Security Level to 'Train With Safe Mode'. This will give you a popup whenever you run a program for the first time that needs internet access. If it's safe, allow it. If you're not sure, block it. Comodo will remember which programs are safe, so after a few days you can go back to the default Training Mode and not get any more popups.

panda777 · 06-14-2008, 01:15 PM

When I run it in normal mode, it denies me access to everything and I have no permission to Internet, applications, control panel and I cant even restart my computer. I don't if it's comodo or my Windows?

**koala** · 06-14-2008, 02:01 PM

If the problem only started after you installed Comodo, boot into Windows Safe Mode and uninstall it. I've never seen Comodo or any other firewall cause this problem though. Did you have admin rights when you installed Comodo?

panda777 · 06-14-2008, 02:57 PM

yes I did have admini. rights I've never seen this either. Let me uninstall it and tell you if it locks me out in normal mode.

truthseeker · 06-14-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panda777

Help me Comodo or something locked me out of everthing (Internet, files, system) what do I do. Right now im running in safe mode.

Nobody should ever recommend COMODO to a beginner user.

I used to use COMDODO but as I have stated in previous messages, there is no need for a firewall if you use NAPT instead.

I have heard many horror stories of COMODO totally locking people out from using internet etc. It even happened to me the very first time I was messing around with it. But luckily I use Acronis Trueimage and restored my backup image and was up and running like new again in 10 minutes.

You will have to reinstall Windows because once COMODO locks you out, you're toast :P

06-08-2008, 12:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
panda777 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 126 OS: Windows XP	I have a question about fire walls? Im having issues with firewall, it seems there isn't enough protection on mine. The reason I say this is because I went to shields to test my fire wall and when i test with common ports, this is what it sais:Solicited TCP Packets: RECEIVED (FAILED), Unsolicited Packets: PASSED and Ping Reply: RECEIVED (FAILED). Is their any advice to make my firewall stronger

06-08-2008, 03:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,381 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Re: I have a question about fire walls? Which software firewall are you using? Are you also using a router? What mode is your firewall set to? Have you modified any of the settings from default? __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

06-08-2008, 11:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
panda777 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 126 OS: Windows XP	Re: I have a question about fire walls? On the fire wall im using spygate also regular WindowsXP firewalland they are active. no router hooked on to my computer. The last part I haven't put anything to default.

06-08-2008, 11:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,381 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Re: I have a question about fire walls? You should only be using one software firewall to avoid conflicts. Disable the Windows one (Control Panel > Windows Firewall > Off) and leave Sygate on default settings, then run the test again. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

06-09-2008, 01:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
mommabear Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 415 OS: XP Home Sp2	Re: I have a question about fire walls? Although Sygate was discontinued in late 2005 when Symantec bought it out, it's still a very good firewall. There's a nice tutorial here to help you set it up to its maximum protection. http://www.kotiposti.net/string/SPF_eng/SPFGuide.html I was in a discussion about Sygate just the other day at another forum. I got curious about how Sygate was still performing without definition updates for two years. I hadn't done an online scan in three years, probably. I went to Shields Up! and PC Flank and my results were 100% stealth for every security test they had. I did "fail" PC Flank's web browser test. I had tracking cookings and referrers. That didn't surprise me because I don't run any real-time cookie blocker, but I use Firefox and clean them out manually. (I never get very many anyway.) As for the referrals, a Google search showed me how to block those in Sygate (Pro version only) by going into the Options-Security Tab and enabling stealth mode browsing. However, that can cause some websites you really want to see to display improperly. I tested it by going to MSNBC.com and very little would come up. So I un-ticked that again. If I ever have to go to a site don't feel 100% secure about, I can always enable stealth again. If the site doesn't display properly, then I'll have to make a judgment call about turning referrers back on for that site. __________________ YES WE DID! Last edited by mommabear; 06-09-2008 at 01:12 PM.

06-10-2008, 03:38 PM	#6 (permalink)
panda777 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 126 OS: Windows XP	Re: I have a question about fire walls? Thanx for your feedback, but it seems I can't install spygate 552577 as you recommend. I first start by downloading spygate 552577, then next I disable my windows xp firewall when that is done, I disconnect from the internet. then I run program spygate 552577, then I restart my computer, however when I get to my main menu it keeps saying that " Windows Security Firewall is turned off, please enable. Did I miss something or do something wrong?

06-10-2008, 04:53 PM	#7 (permalink)
mommabear Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 415 OS: XP Home Sp2	Re: I have a question about fire walls? How to turn off Windows firewall if you've got SP2. http://www.utmem.edu/helpdesk/sp2/sp2firewall.htm Did you uninstall Sygate when it failed the test and then reinstall? If you did, then you might have to do some manual clean up before you can install it again. But let's get the Windows Firewall disabled first and see if that fixes it for you. I do have the instructions for manually removing any Sygate leftovers to prepare for a clean install. I can post those if needed. Also, your version of Sygate is older than the last good ones. I'm still using 5.5.2710 but there are two more, 5.6.2808 and 5.6.3408. 3408, I believe, added some bug fixes for XP. It was the last version before it was discontinued, but I don't know if they got it 100% complete. Some people have no trouble with it, others do. My 5.5.2710 works fine with my XP Home, and many are of the opinion that it was the last most stable version. You can find the newer versions here: http://www.savefile.com/projects/1045215 Edit: Oh, I remember now! Windows Security Center could not recognize that another firewall (Sygate) was installed and that's why the reminder keeps popping up. Those instructions in that link will tell you how to turn off the reminder. That also might have been one of the bugs fixed in later versions of Sygate. __________________ YES WE DID! Last edited by mommabear; 06-10-2008 at 05:00 PM.

06-10-2008, 07:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
panda777 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 126 OS: Windows XP	Re: I have a question about fire walls? I have no traces of spygate on my system (redegit clicked on edit then moved cursor to find then typed spygate) This spy gate is too much of a hassle for me,whats another good personal firewall if you can please?

06-10-2008, 07:44 PM	#9 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,381 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Re: I have a question about fire walls? Comodo is one of the better ones. Try the free version for a while before deciding whether to upgrade to the Pro version. I've been using the free one for a while now after switching from Zone Alarm Pro. No problems so far, and very easy to configure. EDIT: The program is called Sygate (no P) __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here Last edited by koala; 06-10-2008 at 07:47 PM.

06-11-2008, 04:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
panda777 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 126 OS: Windows XP	Re: I have a question about fire walls? Can you give step by step instructions on how to install properly. I don't want something to go wrong.

06-12-2008, 06:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
panda777 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 126 OS: Windows XP	Re: I have a question about fire walls? I've successfully downloaded comodo. Im wondering does avg, spybot, ie spy ad and spy blaster work with comodo?

06-13-2008, 03:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
panda777 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 126 OS: Windows XP	Re: I have a question about fire walls? how do I do that?

06-14-2008, 11:53 AM	#15 (permalink)
panda777 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 126 OS: Windows XP	Re: I have a question about fire walls? Help me Comodo or something locked me out of everthing (Internet, files, system) what do I do. Right now im running in safe mode.

06-14-2008, 12:01 PM	#16 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,381 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Re: I have a question about fire walls? What happens when you run Windows in normal mode? Do any of your programs run? I'm not sure what you mean by "locked out of everything". Right-click the Comodo icon in the systray (bottom right, next to the clock) and change the Firewall Security Level to 'Train With Safe Mode'. This will give you a popup whenever you run a program for the first time that needs internet access. If it's safe, allow it. If you're not sure, block it. Comodo will remember which programs are safe, so after a few days you can go back to the default Training Mode and not get any more popups. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

06-14-2008, 01:15 PM	#17 (permalink)
panda777 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 126 OS: Windows XP	Re: I have a question about fire walls? When I run it in normal mode, it denies me access to everything and I have no permission to Internet, applications, control panel and I cant even restart my computer. I don't if it's comodo or my Windows?

06-14-2008, 02:01 PM	#18 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,381 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Re: I have a question about fire walls? If the problem only started after you installed Comodo, boot into Windows Safe Mode and uninstall it. I've never seen Comodo or any other firewall cause this problem though. Did you have admin rights when you installed Comodo? __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

06-14-2008, 02:57 PM	#19 (permalink)
panda777 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 126 OS: Windows XP	Re: I have a question about fire walls? yes I did have admini. rights I've never seen this either. Let me uninstall it and tell you if it locks me out in normal mode.