Use a firewall that Windows doesn't find

Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.
Which edition of Windows Vista am I using?

A firewall can help prevent hackers or malicious software (such as worms) from gaining access to your computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer from sending malicious software to other computers.

Windows checks to make sure that your computer has a firewall installed and turned on, and then it displays the firewall's status in Windows Security Center. If no working firewall is found, Windows alerts you by displaying a notification in the notification area. If your computer is protected by a firewall and you still receive a notification, it's possible that Windows did not find your firewall or the firewall did not report its status to Windows. Use the following steps to stop receiving this notification. You should only do this if you are sure that your computer is protected by a firewall.

To specify that you're using a firewall that Windows doesn't find

If your computer is on a domain, your security settings might be managed by your network administrator, and Security Center will not display your security status or send notifications.

Open Security Center by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Security Center.

Under Firewall, click Show me my available options.

In the Windows Security Center dialog box, click I have a firewall solution that I'll monitor myself. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Security Center will display your firewall settings as Not monitored, and you will no longer receive notifications about your firewall.

Notes

The Show me my available options link is not available when your Firewall setting is marked On.
If your computer is using a hardware firewall, you can provide another layer of security by turning on Windows Firewall or another software firewall.

Use a firewall that Windows doesn't find

To specify that you're using a firewall that Windows doesn't find

See also