Firewall issue - ESET, Windows

[RichardS]

I am running Windows Vista Business 6.0.6001 Service Pack 1. As soon as I could after starting my laptop (Acer Extensa 4630 2GB Ram) for the first time (March 2009) I downloaded ESET Smart Security 3.0.684.0 as my security software.

Recently I have started getting messages from Windows Security Centre warning me that the Firewall is off, and the Malware protection is off. Am I right that the ESET has taken over those elements, and Windows does not need to do them as well? Or must I allow Windows to correct them? If not, must I just ignore those messages or is there a way I can "turn them off"?

Thanks in advance.

[Random717]

Maybe a stupid question, but did you download a trial version or have you paid for it? Eset products tend to stop working completely after the trial period...

[RichardS]

Maybe a stupid question, but did you download a trial version or have you paid for it? Eset products tend to stop working completely after the trial period...

Paid for.

[dablakmark8]

eset has taken over indeed.My advice is disable eset firewall cause it caused alot of **** with my vista in the past.

[RichardS]

eset has taken over indeed.My advice is disable eset firewall cause it caused alot of **** with my vista in the past.

What kind of **** can it cause? If I follow the route you suggest, do I need to disable ESET first and then enable the Windows firewall?

I also read on ESET knowldegebase "The Personal firewall is a tightly integrated feature of the ESET Smart Security solution and cannot be permanently disabled. You can create a rule to open all connections through TCP and UDP in order to allow all network traffic to and from your computer. However, the firewall’s Intrusion Detection System against network attacks will remain active." http://kb.eset.com/esetkb/index?page=content&id=SOLN564

[Random717]

If you open Smart Security it should give you an overview of your protection status? And warnings if any components are not functioning..

[RichardS]

If you open Smart Security it should give you an overview of your protection status? And warnings if any components are not functioning..

The "Protection Status" of ESET is all 100% - green ticks all round.

[mercurial]

I've had issues with ESET's firewall too, when I once installed the Smart Security version. That is why I keep my firewall and anti-virus applications separate. I use Comodo firewall and ESET NOD32 anti-virus.

[RichardS]

I've had issues with ESET's firewall too, when I once installed the Smart Security version. That is why I keep my firewall and anti-virus applications separate. I use Comodo firewall and ESET NOD32 anti-virus.

I am trying to understand if this is "an issue" or not. As long as the ESET firewall is doing its job (green ticks all round), and it has not blocked me in any way, need I be concerned about the Windows firewall warning?

[Random717]

My guess is that it's just taking a while to load itself. In that time period when the windows warning is there, does Eset show all the green ticks?
How long does it take for your network connection to come up?
How long does the warning stay there for?

[RichardS]

My guess is that it's just taking a while to load itself. In that time period when the windows warning is there, does Eset show all the green ticks?
How long does it take for your network connection to come up?
How long does the warning stay there for?

Have just rebooted, and the green ticks are all there right away. System does not take long to load at all (compared to Norton which I had on my previous machine). Network connection fast as well. The Windows firewall warning does go off after about 20-30 minutes or so.

[dablakmark8]

With vista you must change how the security centre warns you. Please un tick the firewall part

[RichardS]

For the first time now I clicked on the Malware line of the Windows Security Centre window, and the following message appears: ""ESET NOD32 Antivirus 3.0/ESET Smart Security 3.0 is on but is reporting its status to Windows Security Center in a format that is no longer supported. Use the program's automatic updating feature, or contact the program manufacturer for an updated version."

I typed that string into Google and found this entry on the ESET Knowledgebase: "This message does not indicate any lapse in security. It is a notification that Windows Security Center can no longer directly monitor your ESET security product. If you would like Windows Security Center to directly monitor your ESET security product, upgrade to version 4.0 of your ESET security product. To learn more about upgrading your ESET security product, click here."

What I have learned from this (a) ESET firewall is working ok, so no security threat (b) ESET is arrogant in not writing their software in such a way that older versions can still be recognised [not being software literate, I am only assuming that this should be possible] (c) ESET is trying to force clients to upgrade to avoid the irritation factor, and so boost their profits (d) "Read the instructions!" - I should have explored the Windows Security Centre more carefully to start with (e) Mybroadband is a great community to turn to for help in figuring things out. Thank you.

[dablakmark8]

So we helped a bit.:)

[noswal]

and you can test the effectiveness of your firewall with shields-up at grc.com

[RichardS]

and you can test the effectiveness of your firewall with shields-up at grc.com

Thank you, will check it out.