Windows Firewall Will Not Start

Registry setting:  H_Key_Local_Machine\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\DomainProfile!EnableFirewall. There should be a 1 in this value. If there is a zero change it to a 1. Exit the Registry and attempt to activate the firewall. You shouldn't have to reboot.
You mentioned spyware. Did you run your anti-malware utilities in Safe Mode?
I also found a posting on your issue here.
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/21661675/Firewall-Error.html
:-)

HKLM,"System\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile","EnableFirewall",0x00010001,1
Values: 0 = Firewall Off,  1= Firewall On (default)
First post I gave you the settings for a domain. You didn't mention that you were on one hence these registry settings. :-)

If the above steps don't work... try using a Winsock fix... goto www.softpedia.com/get/System/ OS-Enhancements/WinSock-XP-Fix.shtml
It helps everytime you get a problem after removing those Spywares.

open a command prompt and type NETSH FIREWALL RESET and press enter

Hi There,

If you can, try to do a System Restore to a much earlier date if possible.
Also take note of the name of the spywares you removed earlier so that you can check what are the likely files it infect your system -
by doing a search information on the spyware before removing.

Hello  gscarb...

I had an exact problem after i downloaded a virus that was zipped on a file, then by mistake i launched the virus, and started to get my pc burned ...

The only sucseeded soltuion for me was reinstalling SP2.

But before go for any step like that, You can also check those links below:-

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/resetfwpol.htm
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/21637564/Cannot-Disable-XP-Pro-firewall-even-when-not-connected-to-Domain-server.html
http://www.thennews.com/a/n04/Cannot%20turn%20firewall%20on.php

Good Luck

You can also try installing the Demo copy of Panda Platinum.  Not only is it fantastic for getting rid of Viruses, Spyware and Trojans, but it's excellent at repairing the damage they've done to the registry.  Plus if you decide not to keep it and uninstall it, it will restore the Windows Firewall to it's default state.