Configure an Internet Connection Firewall for IIS

Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) is a software based firewall that prevents unauthorized connections to your server from remote computers. Use the following steps to configure ICF to allow clients to initiate web and other IIS-related connections to your server.

1. Click on Start and select Control Panel.

2. Double-click Network Connections.

3. Right-click Local Area Connection, and click Properties.

4. Select the Advanced tab.

5. Choose the appropriate protection setting:

   • If you do not want to use ICF, make sure the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box is unchecked and click Ok. Skip the remaining steps.

   • If you want to use ICF, make sure the Protect my compter and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the internet checkbox is selected then click Settings.

6. Navigate to the Services tab and enable the service to which you want to allow the client access.

7. Within the Service Settings dialog box, which appears after you enable a service, proceed with one of the following:

   • If you are enabling a service on the same computer you are working on, the correct computer name should be filled in. Click Ok.

   • If you are enabling a service on a different computer on your network, type the name or IP address of the computer hosting the service you are enabling, and click Ok.

8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until all the services you want accessible to clients are enabled.