How to set an exception in the Windows XP Firewall

Windows XP comes with its own firewall software, called Windows Firewall. While it's not as customizable as some other firewall programs on the market, there are quite a few things you can adjust in order to balance security with functionality. If you need to allow traffic into your network or onto your computer, you can set up an exception in the Windows Firewall to grant a specific program access, or to let communication occur over a specific port.

To set up a firewall exception in Windows XP, follow the steps below.

1. Open the Control Panel (usually found on the Start menu).

2. Double click on the Windows Firewall icon.

3. When the Windows Firewall window appears, make sure the firewall is on and the box marked "Don't allow exceptions" is unchecked.

4. Go to the Exceptions tab.

5. If the software you want to set an exception for appears on the list of programs and services, then all you have to do is put a check next to it and click OK. Otherwise, if you want to create an exception for a program that's not listed, click Add Program, or to create an exception for a port, click Add Port.

6. For a program, you can either select the program you want from the list that appears, or you can click Browse to find the program on your computer. For a port, enter the name you want to call the exception (which can be just the port number if you want) and then below that type in the TCP or UDP port number. (If it is a UDP port, select UDP below the port number.)

7. Click OK to create the exception.

8. Click OK again to save the change.

(Originally posted on FixYa.com, December 2011)