Disabling the Windows XP Firewall nag

Takeaway:
It may sound like backwards logic to disable a nag in Windows XP that notifies you that your computer might be at risk. However, if you're using a hardware firewall on your network, there's no reason why you shouldn't disable the pesky Firewall nag.

If you've disabled Windows XP Professional's built-in Firewall because you're using a hardware firewall on your network, you're probably sick of seeing a balloon pop-up display from the taskbar's notification area reminding you that your computer might be at risk. Fortunately, you can disable the Windows Firewall nag in four simple steps.

Here's how:

• When you see the balloon pop-up, click the balloon or the red shield icon in the system notification area of the taskbar.
• When the Windows Security Center opens, click the Recommendations button in the Firewall section.
• In the Recommendations dialog box, select the I Have A Firewall Solution That I'll Monitor Myself check box and click OK.
• When you return to the Windows Security Center, you'll see that the Firewall section is now marked as Not Monitored and you can close the window.