Windows Firewall

[jimb11]

Should avast be listed in the exceptions tab? If so should it be checked or unchecked?

[Reductase]

Avast is not needed in the exceptions list to work properly so you shouldn't add it.

[scythe944]

Should avast be listed in the exceptions tab? If so should it be checked or unchecked?

Only if you're having problems updating I guess.

Otherwise, Avast opens any ports that it may need during installation I believe.  Usually, you don't have to open anything manually.

[DavidR]

Should avast be listed in the exceptions tab? If so should it be checked or unchecked?

It depends on two things, what version of Windows are you using ?

If XP, then it isn't necessary.
If you are using Vista and you have enabled outbound protection then Yes, if the outbound protection isn't enabled, No (recommended, but it isn't very friendly).

The three avast processes that require internet connections are avast.setup (the update process), ashWebSv.exe (the Web Shield) and ashMaiSv.exe (the Internet Mail provider, if you are using pop3 email).

The main issue is are you having any problems as scythe944 mentioned and if so what ?

[jimb11]

I'm using Vista but where do you enable or disable outbound protection? Also the only process that is available is ashAvast.exe. I have web shield running but I don't see ashWebSv.exe anywhere.

[Lisandro]

I'm using Vista but where do you enable or disable outbound protection?

If you're using Vista firewall, the outbound connections are allowed automatically.

[Reductase]

I'm using Vista but where do you enable or disable outbound protection?

In an adminstrator account go to the start menu and in the search area type Windows Firewall with.. and at the top you should see Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.  Click that and you will see the defined areas and rulesets.  You can add rulesets for it but you still won't need it in the exceptioons list - the rules you create would allow it out.  Exceptions keep ports open to accept incoming even without outgoing packets (open listening ports) which would not be needed for Avast Home or Pro on a regular user PC.

[DavidR]

I'm using Vista but where do you enable or disable outbound protection? Also the only process that is available is ashAvast.exe. I have web shield running but I don't see ashWebSv.exe anywhere.

I don't use Vista so I can't help there with the firewall settings.

However, by default outbound protection is disabled, so unless you enabled it (and by your response, you haven't) then it shouldn't block any of the avast processes.

The ashAvast.exe doesn't require outbound connection anyway so that entry wouldn't do anything.

[jimb11]

Anyone know what could cause these vista firewall dropped packets?


2009-04-12 08:59:01 DROP TCP 192.168.1.64 192.168.1.254 49158 80 0 - 0 0 0 - - - SEND
2009-04-12 08:59:01 DROP UDP 127.0.0.1 127.0.0.1 52021 52021 0 - - - - - - - SEND
2009-04-12 09:02:23 DROP TCP 192.168.1.64 192.168.1.254 49218 80 0 - 0 0 0 - - - SEND
2009-04-12 09:02:23 DROP UDP 127.0.0.1 127.0.0.1 62911 62911 0 - - - - - - - SEND

[YoKenny]

Anyone know what could cause these vista firewall dropped packets?

They look like local poling packets and probably nothing to worried about.

I like Vista Firewall Control Free from SphinxSoftware as it lets me see what applications are able to talk out on the Internet:
http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/order.html

[scythe944]

I like Vista Firewall Control Free from SphinxSoftware as it lets me see what applications are able to talk out on the Internet:
http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/order.html

Ditto on that.

Unless of course you would prefer a third-party firewall, which is good as well. Your choice.