Author Topic: Trouble with Windows Firewall after installing Windows 8.1 Pro (Read 13553 times)

bluesupallnight · « **on:** February 22, 2015, 05:47:44 am »

Hi, guys.
I'm having problem with my firewall right after i finished installing windows 8.1 Pro. I couldn't turn on the firewall according to the instruction given on the websites I've visited. After a few tries solving the problem, I even tried the Windows Repair, but the problem persists. I can't even connect to my Wi-Fi because of the firewall. Please help me!

Boggin · « **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2015, 06:20:14 am »

Are you using the default Windows Defender and have you checked that it is turned on http://www.fixedbyvonnie.com/2013/10/how-to-turn-on-windows-defender-in-windows-8-1/

If you are using a 3rd party AV program with its own firewall, that will disable Windows Firewall.

Are you able to get an Internet connection when booted up into Safe Mode with Networking ?

bluesupallnight · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2015, 11:26:13 am »

I almost gave up when the firewall's status changed. it turned on by itself without me doing anything, just like how my windows 8 updated itself few days ago. i don't know what happened because those updates needed my permission to continue. well, thx Boggin for the helpful answer. i wish i could try it. my windows defender wouldn't open until the firewall was fixed. i've stopped my AVG a few times when i tried to turn on the firewall. i guess it's a miracle to have it fixed itself without me banging my head against it.

Boggin · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2015, 12:27:46 pm »

It's possible that AVG could have disrupted it, but glad it sorted itself out.

bluesupallnight · « **Reply #4 on:** February 23, 2015, 07:26:24 am »

Quote from: Boggin on February 22, 2015, 12:27:46 pm

It's possible that AVG could have disrupted it, but glad it sorted itself out.

my firewall's acting up again. it turning on and off. windows defender also doing the same. i think it must have something to do with AVG. should i uninstall it? what if i can't uninstall the AVG? any other option?

Boggin · « **Reply #5 on:** February 23, 2015, 07:58:26 am »

If WD is turning itself on and off then AVG's firewall must also be and yes, uninstall it using the appropriate uninstaller http://www.avg.com/gb-en/utilities

Run this two or three times preferably in Safe Mode with Networking where AVG won't be loaded, rebooting after each then download DriverView to see if there's any remnants of AVG. http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/driverview.html

You will be looking for a avgpx driver file.

If that shows up then you will have to look through Program Files and the registry to delete it.

Shane · « **Reply #6 on:** February 23, 2015, 09:33:48 pm »

Just to cover all the bases go ahead and remove AVG and see how it does. If it starts working right after then you know it was AVG causing the problem.

Shane

bluesupallnight · « **Reply #7 on:** February 24, 2015, 01:28:18 am »

i wasn't able to delete the avg completely even using the avg remover. the remaining left me a message saying that the program still running so it can't be uninstalled. i can finally turn on WD and ran a quick scan but unfortunately, the firewall stays the same.

Boggin · « **Reply #8 on:** February 24, 2015, 01:48:07 am »

You need to run the uninstaller in Safe Mode as advised as then, AVG won't be loaded and running. http://www.7tutorials.com/5-ways-boot-safe-mode-windows-8-windows-81

bluesupallnight · « **Reply #9 on:** February 25, 2015, 11:07:36 am »

gotta give up. i've tried everything. instead, the firewall wouldn't show up on the screen and it stuck on the control panel page until i opened task manager and restarted the page again and again. i can't turn on the firewall unless it shows up with the option. T.T

Shane · « **Reply #10 on:** February 25, 2015, 02:29:08 pm »

That is odd that it is doing that, you could do a sfc /scannow on the system and see if it finds anything. But I am also curious to why you couldnt get AVG off the system.

Shane

bluesupallnight · « **Reply #11 on:** February 25, 2015, 05:48:35 pm »

AVG has already off the system and the firewall still remained the same. I did try to fix the firewall through registry editor but nothing can solve this. i was thinking of sending it to the shop for repair but i can't imagine what would they do with my newly upgraded windows and how much they will charge for it.

Boggin · « **Reply #12 on:** February 25, 2015, 06:21:44 pm »

There's recently been another case on another forum where uninstalling AVG left Windows Firewall disabled in XP which is resulting in a reinstall.

Using msconfig/Boot tab you can create a Boot Log to see if any of AVGs components remain - one that seems to hang on is avgtpx and even when that has been deleted, the firewall has still been unable to be restarted.

The log can be read by double clicking on Windows/ntbt where it will open in Notepad.

With Win 8.1 you have a Reset option which is the equivalent of a factory reset of the OS, so you will need to back up your personal stuff and reinstall any programs/printers afterwards - probably cheaper than taking it in for a repair which the tech may still have to do, but you could try the Repair install https://www.winhelp.us/non-destructive-reinstall-of-windows-8-and-8-1.html and hopefully repairs any damage AVG did.

Shane · « **Reply #13 on:** February 26, 2015, 05:24:03 pm »

Did you try the newest version of my Windows Repair (v2.11.2) and run ALL the repairs?

Shane