xp firewall cannot be enable

[nvd80]

I'm using win XP SP2 and i enable the Windows Firewall. Just recently, i got this notification that my windows firewall were disable and ask to check. when i try to enable it, i got the message that the associated service, Internet Connection Sharing(ICS) cannot be opened thus i cannot open my firewall setting. any clue? Oh btw, this appears to happen after i run ms spyware checkup.

Is there any reliable alternatives for Windows Firewall?

[flynlr]

reliable alt yes zonealarm free version.

[nvd80]

Any downside in the free version?

[flynlr]

I have used the free version for over 5 years now. no problems if you just want a firewall. The pro version adds more features.. but the basic free version has all that you should need if wanting to replace windows firewall. one big advantage is that ZA includes outbound protection while the Xp firewall does not.

Edit: no crapware if thats what you meant by downsides.

[Smythe]

start->run "services.msc" now look for ICS and set it to automatic and enable it, you should now beable to run windows firewall

[Bearded Kirklander]

Zone Alarm Free is DA BOMB! Has both inbound and outbound protection. Very nice.

http://www.zonealarm.com/

You can grab the free download from that site.

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conten...7551!7552!NONE

Hope that link above works.

Just in case, here is a direct link to the free download executable:

http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/fre...55_094_000.exe

Enjoy.