How to Disable a Firewall
Firewalls help protect your computer from outside threats by preventing people from contacting your machine without your knowledge. They can also protect your computer from inside threats; many computer users unknowingly download viruses and Trojans, malicious programs that try to contact outside systems. Even so, firewalls can get in the way, and you occasionally need to turn them off.
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Instructions
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1
Figure out if you're using the Windows Firewall or a third-party program. The Windows Firewall is much more transparent, but the third-party programs usually offer better protection.
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Look on the taskbar in the lower right part of the start bar. Most third party firewalls place an icon there that will help you control the basic functions of the program, including temporarily disabling it.
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3
Open the actual program. Firewalls will usually have a prominent disable feature, but if yours doesn't, you can turn them off by exiting the program in the File menu.
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Access the Windows Firewall by opening the Start Menu then choose "Settings," "Control Panel" and "Windows Firewall." This summons the basic firewall screen so that you can turn the firewall on and off.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you turn your firewall back on after you've finished whatever you're doing.
