How to Disable Windows XP Firewall Through the Registry

The Windows XP Firewall enables you to set limitations on the programs and components that have access to the Internet or network. You may need to disable the firewall when you are installing certain programs such as antivirus programs. If you are unable to disable the Windows XP firewall using the Control Panel, you can use the registry as an alternative. Disable the XP firewall using these steps and guidelines.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows \"Start\" button and click \"Run.\" Type \"regedit\" in the open box and click \"OK\" to launch the registry.

2. Click the \"Edit\" menu on the top and click \"Find\" if you are using Windows XP Service Pack 3. Type \"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\SharedAccess\\Parameters\\FirewallPolicy\\StandardProfile\" in the open box and press \"Enter.\"<br /><br />If you are using Windows XP Service Pack 2, click \"Edit\" and click \"Find.\" Type one of the following entries and press \"Enter:\" <br /><br />HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\WindowsFirewall\\StandardProfiles<br />HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\WindowsFirewall\\DomainProfiles

3. Select the Reg_DWORD value \"EnableFirewall.\" Change \"0\" to 1 in the \"Value Data\" box. Close the registry and restart your computer.

References

• Bright Hub: Turn Off Windows Firewall with Regedit