Managing Program, Port, and System Service Firewall Rules

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Because Windows Firewall blocks all incoming unsolicited TCP/IP traffic by default, you might need to configure program, port, and system service exceptions for programs or system services that are acting as servers, listeners, or peers. Program, port, and system service exceptions must be managed on an ongoing basis as your server roles or configurations change.

To help you manage Windows Firewall program, port, and system service exceptions, review Best Practices for Managing Windows Firewall and Known Issues for Managing Firewall Rules.

The following tasks are described in this objective: