Games and Windows Firewall

If you play games, you might notice some issues with specific games and programs that connect to the Internet after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). But the good news is, it's fairly easy to stay secure and enjoy your games at the same time.

SP2 delivers the latest security updates and innovations designed to make it easier for you to help protect your PC against viruses and hackers.

The new Windows Firewall in SP2 operates similarly to other third-party firewalls but, with the help of the new Windows Security Center, combines several security functions in one place to help ensure that your computer is covered from all angles.


Why You Need a Firewall

While the Internet provides great opportunities for gaming, it also presents security risks from hackers and viruses. Multiplayer games are particularly vulnerable because they require a connection between your computer and a network or the Internet.

A firewall helps protect against hackers and viruses and blocks unsolicited incoming traffic. It can prevent many attacks by blocking the connection for features and programs that are not in operation, so they can't be used as avenues for attack.

It's important to run some kind of firewall when you're on a PC connected to Internet. Unless you're using another type of firewall, turning off Windows Firewall to avoid compatibility issues with SP2 puts your computer at a greater security risk.


Protect Your PC and Still Enjoy Your Favorite Games

After installing SP2, you can easily continue to play your favorite online and multiplayer games by simply adding them to the Exceptions list in Windows Firewall.

To add a game to the Exceptions list during installation or when you play the game for the first time

1.

The Windows Security Alert dialog box will automatically appear when a game tries to access the Internet for the first time.

Note The dialog box may appear behind the program itself, so you may not see it until you exit the game, or Alt-Tab to the desktop.

2.

In the Windows Security Alert dialog box, click Unblock.


The Windows Security Alert dialog box
The Windows Security Alert dialog box

3.

Click OK.

To manually add or delete a program from the Exceptions list

1.

Click Start and then click Control Panel.

2.

Double-click Security Center.

3.

In the control panel, click Windows Security Center.

4.

Click Windows Firewall.

5.

In the Windows Firewall dialog box, click the Exceptions tab and then click Add Program.


The Exceptions tab in the Windows Firewall dialog box
The Exceptions tab in the Windows Firewall dialog box

6.

Select the program you want to add or delete, or click Browse to search for one that is not listed.


Add a program to the Exceptions list
Add a program to the Exceptions list

When you use either of these procedures to add a game to the Exceptions list, the game has permission to access the Internet in the future and the Security Center does not send you alerts.