Microsoft KB Archive/944163

= How to open a port, enable a protocol, and enable built-in rules for ports or for protocols in Windows Live OneCare =

Article ID: 944163

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Windows Live OneCare

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INTRODUCTION
This article describes the following:
 * How to open a port in Windows Live OneCare.
 * How to enable a protocol in Windows Live OneCare.
 * How to enable built-in rules for ports or for protocols in Windows Live OneCare.



MORE INFORMATION
When a program is enabled through a firewall, the program has unlimited permission to create as many incoming connections or outgoing connections that the program requires. Windows Live OneCare automatically lets certain programs access the Internet. However, some programs or hardware services may require that you enable a specific protocol or that you open a port.

Notes
 * Firewall

A firewall is software or hardware that helps screen malicious users, viruses, and worms that try to access your computer over the Internet. Some firewalls also prevent unauthorized programs on your computer from making external connections.
 * Incoming connection

An incoming connection is a connection from a program on another computer on the Internet or on the network to a program on your computer.
 * Outgoing connection

An outgoing connection is a connection from a program on your computer to another computer on the Internet or on the network. Outgoing connections can be created by programs for many legitimate purposes. However, outgoing connections can also be created by malicious programs such as viruses or spyware.
 * Protocol

A protocol is a special set of rules that programs use to communicate over the Internet. The Windows Live OneCare firewall supports the TCP protocol, UDP protocol, TCP/UDP protocol, and other protocols. The protocol that you use depends on what the program or what the hardware service requires.
 * Port

A port is a channel for communication between a specific program or service on your computer and another program or service on the Internet or on the network. By creating a specific connection, the two programs can communicate without interference from other programs. Network ports are identified by numbers ranging from 0 to 65535.

How to open a port in Windows Live OneCare

 * 1) Start Windows Live OneCare.
 * 2) Under Quick links, click Change settings.
 * 3) Click the Firewall tab, and then click Advanced settings.
 * 4) Click the Ports and protocols tab, and then click Add.
 * 5) In the Name box, type the name for the port.
 * 6) In the Protocol area, click TCP or UDP.
 * 7) In the TCP or UDP list, click one of the following:
 * 8) * TCP
 * 9) * UDP
 * 10) * TCP/UDP
 * 11) In the Port Range boxes, specify the range for the port. For example, to open a specific port, type the port number in both boxes.
 * 12) In the Connections for this protocol or port range area, click one of the following options in the For Connections list:
 * 13) * Inbound [local ports]
 * 14) * Outbound [remote ports]
 * 15) * Both [local ports]
 * 16) In the Scope area, click one of the following options:
 * 17) * Internet
 * 18) * Local network (subnet)
 * 19) Click OK three times.

Note To find the port range or to find the port protocol, contact the software manufacturer or review the product documentation.

How to enable a protocol in Windows Live OneCare
To enable a protocol in Windows Live OneCare, follow these steps:
 * 1) Start Windows Live OneCare.
 * 2) Under Quick links, click Change settings.
 * 3) Click the Firewall tab, and then click Advanced settings.
 * 4) Click the Ports and protocols tab, and then click Add.
 * 5) In the Name box, type the name for the port.
 * 6) In the Protocol area, click Other.
 * 7) In the Protocol number box, type the number for the protocol.
 * 8) In the Connections for this protocol or port range area, click one of the following in the For Connections list:
 * 9) * Inbound
 * 10) * Outbound
 * 11) * Both
 * 12) In the Scope area, click one of the following:
 * 13) * Internet
 * 14) * Local network (subnet)
 * 15) Click OK three times.

How to enable built-in rules for ports or for protocols in Windows Live OneCare
To enable built-in rules for ports or for protocols in Windows Live OneCare, follow these steps:
 * 1) Start Windows Live OneCare.
 * 2) Under Quick links, click Change settings.
 * 3) Click the Firewall tab, and then click Advanced settings.
 * 4) Click the Ports and protocols tab.
 * 5) In the Ports and protocols list, click to select the check box for the port or for the protocol rule that you want to enable, and then click OK two times.

Notes
 * Currently, you cannot block a specific IP address by using the firewall.
 * You should not open ports by using the firewall unless you are instructed to do this by one of the following sources:
 * A Windows Live OneCare support professional
 * Documentation of a trusted program or trusted hardware provider
 * To help reduce the security risk when you open ports, consider the following points:
 * Add a program to the firewall allow list instead of manually opening a port or a protocol. If you add a program to the firewall allow list, the ports and protocols are only open when the program is used. If you manually open a port, the port is open until you manually close the port or until you delete the rule.
 * Open ports only when you want the ports.
 * Do not open more ports than you want.
 * Do not open a port for a program that you do not recognize.
 * Close ports when you no longer need them.

Keywords: kbhowto kbinfo kbexpertisebeginner KB944163

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