Adding a program

The recommended configuration involves adding a program to the exception list. This solution provides the easiest configuration, as well as enables the firewall to open ranges of ports that can change each time the program runs.

To add a program exception, follow these steps:

1.Open Windows Firewall and click the Exceptions tab.

2.If the program is in the list, click to enable the setting. If the program is not in the list, click Add Program to display the Add a Program dialog box.

3.Click Browse to choose the program you wish to add as an exception, and then click OK.

4.Click Change Scope to view or set the scope for the program, and then click OK.

5.Click OK again.

6.Select the check box to enable the program.

Adding a port

If adding the program to the exception list does not resolve the application issue, you can add ports manually. You must first identify the ports used by the application. The most reliable method for determining port usage is consulting with the application vendor.

If the port number(s) for the process are less than 1024, it is likely that the port numbers will not change. If the port numbers used are greater than 1024, the application may be using a range of ports, so opening individual ports may not reliably resolve the issue.

When you have the port number and protocol, add an exception for that port, as follows:

1.Open Windows Firewall, and then click the Exceptions tab.

2.Click Add Port.

a.Type the port number.

b.Choose TCP or UDP protocol.

c.Give the port exception a descriptive name in the Name box.

3.Click Change Scope to view or set the scope for the port exception, and then click OK.

4.Click OK again.

5.Select the check box to enable the port.

Using Microsoft Windows Firewall 67