How to Block an IP Address in Windows XP

The easiest means to block IP addresses in Windows XP is to use Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) filtering rules. The primary reason to block IP addresses is to protect your computer from network-based threats, such as computer worms, viruses and other malware. To block IP addresses in Windows XP, you will need to activate and configure IPSeccmd, the firewall that comes bundled with Windows XP. IPSeccmd does not come preinstalled with XP on your computer. It can be found on Disk 2 of your service pack upgrade or downloaded from Microsoft directly.

Instructions

1. Install IPSeccmd from your Window's XP Service Pack 2 installation disk.

2. Open the Command Prompt on your computer by selecting "Start > Run" from the primary file menu and type the word "cmd" in the blank text field that appears.

3. Enter the following command at the DOS command prompt to block a specific communication type (UDP or TCP) and port number on your computer:
   "IPSeccmd.exe -f [*=0:PortNumber:Protocol]

4. Open the user interface for IPSeccmd on your desktop, and select the "General" tab under the "Policy" section. Choose the "IP Block" option and enter the specific IP address of the host(s) that you desire to block. Exit the application when complete.

References

• Audit My PC's Guide to Blocking IP Addresses
• Microsoft Information on Installing XP Service Pack 2 Tools

Resources

• Microsoft Information on Installing XP Service Pack 2 Tools
• Audit My PC's Guide to Blocking IP Addresses