hi, i have a hp pavilion zv5000 lap top and i.ve noticed the firewall isn't on. when i go to click on firewall in control panel it comes up with this message.... firewall settings cnnot be displaed because the associated service is not running.do you want to start windows firewall/internet connection sharing (ics) services, when i click on yes another message comes up saying.... windows cannot start windows firewall/internet connection sharing (ics) service. i don't know any thing about pcs so if there is any one who can help me the instructions will have to be step by step. also am i right in thinking that i need the firewall setting on to protect my lap top when i'm on the internet? thankyou

Type in the run box

Services.msc

Scroll down to windows firewall Internet connection sharing (ICS)
See picture

Does it say it has started and is set to automatic

i typed that in and a box came up saying.... Snap-in failed to initialize. Name:Services CLSID:{58221C66-EA27-11CF-ADCF-00AA00A8))33}

also when i clicked on ok a big box came up with a red cross in it saying.... Snap-in Creation Failed The snap-in is not created, it may not be installed properly. Name:Services CLSID:{58221C66-EA27-11CF-ADCF-00AA00A80033}

Hi mariaj,

Please follow the instructions in this Microsoft KB article (which I've quoted below) to enable you to open the Services console.



After you run through the steps there, we will be able to assist your further.

got to environment variables and clicked on that but could not find what you tild me to look for, there was... CLASSPATH< ComSpec, FP_NO_HOST_C..., NUMBER_OF_P..., OS, Path, PATHEXT< PROCESSOR-A.., PROCESSOR-ID..., PROCESSOR-LE..., PROCESSOR-R..., QTJAVA, TEMP, TMP, windir, and nothing else! i worry using it with out firewall, thanks

In that case, you'll need to add the Path Variable. Follow through to step 2 of the previous instructions, then:

1. Click the New button
2. Type "Path" (without the quotes) into the variable name box.
3. Type "%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\system32\WBEM" (without the quotes) into the variable value box.
4. Click OK, and then click OK.

tried that but no change . thanks for the help though