You cannot modify Windows Firewall settings for an AOL dial-up network connection by using Network Connections in Control Panel in Windows XP Service Pack 2 or in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005

On a computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and America Online (AOL) software, you may not be able to perform either of the following tasks:

• Modify Windows Firewall settings.
• Use Network Connections in Control Panel to turn off Windows Firewall for an AOL dial-up network connection.

When you right-click the AOL dial-up network connection, the Properties command does not appear on the shortcut menu.

Note Windows Firewall was formerly named Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) in earlier versions of Windows XP.

This problem may also occur on a Tablet PC that is running Windows Tablet PC Edition 2005.

Note Windows XP SP2 features and components are included in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005.

This behavior occurs if the AOL dial-up network connection does not use a Properties page.

To work around this behavior, access the properties of Windows Firewall by using the run command:

• Click Start, click Run, type firewall.cpl in the Open box, and then click OK.

Important Consider the following when you modify Windows Firewall settings:

• Disabling the firewall - A firewall is designed to help protect your computer from attack by malicious users or malicious software. For example, malicious software may be viruses that use unsolicited incoming network traffic to attack your computer. Before you disable your firewall, you must disconnect your computer from all networks including the Internet.
• Opening ports - When you open ports in your firewall, you increase the chance that other programs may gain access to your computer through those ports. Because of this, we recommend that you carefully consider your network security requirements before you open ports in your firewall.

For additional information about Windows Firewall (formerly named Internet Connection Firewall), click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.