Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of susanmelton
susanmelton

asked on

Allow Users to Turn Windows Firewall on and off

We are using Microsoft Exchange Server 2003, SBS and would like users to be able to turn on and off Windows Firewall.  Currently, the option to turn it off is greyed out.  How do I set this up on the Server to allow this?
Avatar of Fatal_Exception
Fatal_Exception
Flag of United States of America image

Your user probably does not have local admin privileges...  to configure the Firewall on the server, you use Group Policy...

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Network\Network Connections\Windows Firewall
Deploying Windows Firewall Settings for Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/depfwset/wfsp2apa.mspx
Avatar of susanmelton
susanmelton

ASKER

sooo....  how do i get to the group policy area - I am totally new here and unfortunately.....all we got.
ps - the local user does have admin rights but everything I've read says the group policy always prevails?
You need to set this in the group policy on the server.
Correct, Group Policy does prevail, but you need to know how to configure it..  In SBS, this is the default setting..

I guess you are completely new to the Windows server OS's, correct?  I have to tell you, this is an advanced subject, and entire books have been written on Group Policy deployment...  It may even be a lot easier on you if you just place your Users in the Local Admin group and let them manage it.. Try this page:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=872769



I missed the post where you said that the users are also local admins..  but with SBS, again, it is the default setting..  read that page I posted for a possible remedy..
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of Fatal_Exception
Fatal_Exception
Flag of United States of America image

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
Thank you for all the input....looks like I need to study up on group policy b4 I do anything!
Yes, that is the way to go!  You will find that using GPOs to handle your network will open up all kinds of doors to you!

and thanks!

FE