This tip was printed from the MalekTips Computer and Technology Help and Tips website at http://malektips.com.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 - Stop Firewall, Anti-Virus, and/or Automatic Update Alerts

SUMMARY: Prevent the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Security Center from alerting you whenever it cannot detect the status of an older firewall or anti-virus program.

Does one of these cases apply to you?

1) Windows XP Service Pack 2 cannot accurately detect every firewall or anti-virus software program on the market. If your software is an off-brand or is a few years old, the Security Center may constantly bombard you with alerts saying it cannot detect the status of such software. However, you know your software is running and you make sure it is kept up-to-date.

2) Your company policy prohibits you from installing patches automatically, as its Information Technology department must first test each update on several machines to ensure it does not break pre-existing websites or software. Patches must be downloaded and installed from a central company server. Thus, you cannot turn on Automatic Updates.

If so, and you wish to disable the Security Center alerts for firewall, anti-virus, or Automatic Updates, do the following:

1. Locate the Windows Security Alerts icon on your taskbar (the one that looks like a shield, the one that is bugging you every time you start the machine) and double-click the icon.

2. When the "Windows Security Center" window appears, click "Change the way Security Center alerts me".

3. When the "Alert Settings" dialog box appears, uncheck the "Firewall", "Automatic Updates", and/or "Virus Protection" boxes as needed.

4. Press "OK" on the dialog box to close it.

5. Click the "X" on the top-right of the "Windows Security Center" window to close it.

Note that it is recommended you follow this tip only if you are ABSOLUTELY SURE your firewall and anti-virus software are running and cannot be detected by Windows, or if company policy prevents you from running Automatic Updates. Otherwise, you should consider keeping all boxes checked and let Windows XP warn you of potential problems.