Even though DHCP is disabled (static IP assignment) on network interfaces and the service is unnecessary, Windows Firewall crashes if it is not running.

What do you mean by term "crash"? Why do you not give exact response of system? Here is reference to solution of this problem http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-performance/event-id-7024-with-error-message-the-windows/616c8e59-4d8c-4aff-ac3d-886b15d71dc1 Regards Milos

Event Viewer Error Message without DHCP Client Service on automatic start: The Windows Firewall service terminated with service-specific error The parameter is incorrect. Event ID: 7024 Solution: Put (hidden dependency) DHCP Client on Auto.

Hi, Do you have some security settings on the firewall? Is this computer a client of domain? Please reset the firewall and check it again. Here is one guide can be referred to. Restore Windows Firewall settings http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Restore-Windows-Firewall-settings Ivan-Liu TechNet Community Support

Tried the Firewall settings reset. Still the same behavior. Running networking in Public mode.