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setting group policy in sbs 2003 to disable windows firewall in client computers

Linksys wireless connection will no longer connect, due to SBS 2003 Group policy on client computers running XP PRO SP3, and VISTA

On Client computers FIREWALL options are grayed out, I tried to install MS KB fix, but to no avail.'

I am administering the network, and have all access priveleges,what group policy should or can I delete or edit for our wireless clients to connect?
This worked yesterday!

NOTE: SBS 2003 FIREWALL ICON IN CTRL PANEL gives me an error: "WINDOWS FIREWALL CANNOT RUN BECAUSE ANOTHER PROGRAM OR SERVICE IS RUNNING THAT MUGHT USE THE NETWORK ADDRESS TRANSLATION COMPONENENT (Ipnat.sys)."
THanks in advance

Rob Williams

The widows firewall is controlled by the SBS group policy "Small Business server Windows Firewall" (in the group policy management console). There are actually 2 'sections' one to control when connected to the LAN and one when out of the office, such as laptops. Do not delete it but if you feel it is necessary right click on it and un-check link enabled.

Though the option on the client computers is grayed out to disable the firewall then can add and edit exceptions. You can also add exceptions within the group policy. Keep in mind changes will take up to 90 minutes to be deployed to the workstations, and not go into effect until the user logs off and back on.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Philip Elder

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CallieT

ASKER

Thanks to both RobWill and MPECSInc for your solutions, in fact you were BOTH correct! I did do the exceptions in the client firewall, and probably disabled some other stuff in GPO as well, for I was being taunted by the users and had to do something fast.

MPECS...YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD! the complicated passphrase was changed by one character! Darn Owner IT Pro wannabe tried to fix the settings, and really messed things up. It wasnt until I had escalated my ticket with LINKSYS when I realized the settings changed.

I am also having RDP and VPN problems and am growing more frustrated by the minute, but that is probably in another forum.

Thank you both again, your responses were to the point, and prompt.

Callie

Rob Williams

Glad to hear you were able to resolve. Thanks for the update CallieT.
Cheers !
--Rob

CallieT

ASKER

Thanks again to RobWill and MPECSInc, aside from VPN issues, I am all set and ready for the next challenge. EE is awesome, thanks!