[KB3198] Pause or disable the ESET Firewall (15.x–16.x)

Issue

Details


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As an alternative to disabling the firewall, create a rule to open all connections through TCP and UDP. Using this method, the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) will remain active, but the ESET Firewall will not interrupt regular web browsing. We recommend always leaving the firewall active except when diagnosing/troubleshooting system problems.


Solution

Firewall troubleshooting

This article is part of a series of recommended steps to troubleshoot firewall issues. Start with step 1.

Security passwords

If prompted to type a password when changing the settings below, you have a security password in place. This is different from your ESET-issued password. If you do not know your security password, use the ESET unlock tool to reset it and access settings.

Pause the ESET Firewall until a system restart is performed

To troubleshoot your connection issues, follow the steps below to pause the firewall. With the firewall paused, attempt to re-connect the device or open the application that is not working properly.

  1. Open the main program window of your ESET Windows product.

  2. Click Setup Network protection.

    Figure 1-1
  3. Click the toggle next to Firewall.

  4. Select Pause until restart and click Apply. The ESET Firewall will remain paused until the next time you restart your computer.

    Figure 1-2

While the ESET Firewall is paused, the protection status will turn red to indicate that maximum protection is not ensured and your computer is vulnerable to threats.

If you are diagnosing potential firewall issues, attempt to connect the device or use the application that is not working properly. If you are successful, your issue is related to the firewall. Re-enable your firewall and resolve your connection issues.

Figure 1-3

Create a rule to permanently allow all network traffic

  1. Open the main program window of your ESET Windows product.

  2. Press the F5 key to open Advanced setup.

  3. Click Protections Network access protection and expand Firewall. In the Filtering mode drop-down menu, select Interactive.

    Figure 2-1
  4. Next to Rules click Edit.

    Figure 2-2
  5. Click Add. In the Name field, type a name for your rule. Expand Action and select Allow.

    Figure 2-3
  6. Expand Direction and select Both. Click OK.

    Figure 2-4
  7. Click More filters, click the Hide built-in (pre-defined) rules toggle to disable the filters and then click Apply

    Figure 2-5
  8. Scroll to the bottom of the list and select the rule you created. Click the up arrow. This will move your rule to the top and ensure it is enforced.

    Figure 2-6
  9. Click OK to save your changes.

    Figure 2-7

Permanently disable the ESET Firewall

Disabling the firewall can expose you to threats

Unless you have been instructed by ESET technical support to disable the firewall entirely, we recommend that you use the steps to disable the firewall temporarily.

The steps below will disable HTTP, POP3 and IMAP scanning

This represents a potential security threat to your system. Use the following instructions cautiously and re-enable the firewall as soon as possible.

  1. Open the main program window of your ESET Windows product.

  2. Click Setup Network protection.

    Figure 3-1
  3. Click the toggle next to Firewall.

  4. Select Disable permanently and click Apply. After finishing testing or troubleshooting, proceed to the next section to re-enable the firewall. The protection status color will not change to red, although your computer will be at risk while the firewall is disabled.

    Figure 3-2

Re-enable the firewall

  1. Open the main program window of your ESET Windows product.

  2. Click SetupNetwork protection.

    Figure 4-1
  3. Click the toggle next to Firewall. The firewall status is now Enabled.

    Figure 4-2