OS: Vista Home PremiumPC: LaptopManufacturer: COMPAQ/HPThinking that W.F. was the problem to my game servers, I removed it by doing this: 1. opened CMD 2. typed "sc delete SharedAccess" 3. successfully got rid of "Windows Firewall and Internet connection sharing (ICS)" A few days later I discovered that Network Discovery and File Sharing were shut down. I tried turning them on and get this "The specified service does not exist as an installed service". And they remain off. Soon I *assumed* it was my removal of windows firewall. Then I discovered a couple of other services such as "Computer browser" that got me the same error when I tried enabling it. I surfed through google and found out that it depended on the Windows Firewall service, which was nullified. I partially got windows firewall back, when I followed those instructions: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/920074 and the service is visible, but this is a summarized version of the error i get when I try to turn it on: "The service started and then stopped, some services are automatically stopped when they are not being used by another program or service. Another thing is that when I try to view the Windows Firewall service's properties I get this: "Configuration Manager: The specified device instance handle does not correspond to a present device." I am desperate to get back my File Sharing, and need suggestions on how to reverse my deletion of Windows Firewall. I have tried many google searches, but the fixes I find do not work. HELP!

Hi,Please run "services.msc", stop "Windows Event Controller" service first, then make sure "Base Filtering Engine" service is started.In the Start Menu type devmgmt.msc, and open Device Manager. On the View tab, choose "Devices by connection" and put a check next to "Show hidden devices". Look for Windows Firewall Authorization Driver (it will have a gold gear icon).Double-click that, and on the Driver tab, make sure the Startup type is set to "Demand".Then start "Windows Firewall" service.--------------------Regards,Eric Zhang

Hi,As this thread has been quiet for a while, we assume that the issue has been resolved. At this time, we will mark it as Answered as the previous steps should be helpful for many similar scenarios.If the issue still persists and you want to return to this question, please reply this post directly so we will be notified to follow it up. You can also choose to unmark the answer as you wish.In addition, wed love to hear your feedback about the solution. By sharing your experience you can help other community members facing similar problems.Thanks!--------------------Regards,Eric Zhang

Followed all your steps above - Windoes Event Controller was already stopped, Base Filtering Engine was already started, Windows Firewall Authorization Driver was already set to Demand. When trying to start the firewall, get the error message "Windows cannot start the Windows Firewall Service. When going back to the Security Center, and clicking Turn on now button, Error message appears "Security Center can't turn on Windows Firewall." When choosing to turn on manually in Services (Local), I get the Error message "Windows could not start the Windows Firewall on Local Computer. For more intormation, review the Syustem Event Log. If this is a non-Microsoft service, contact the service vendor, and refer to service-specific error code 5.". If it helps, I am running MS firewall as my ONLY firewall problem. Thank you for any help you can offer.

Followed all steps as above. Microsoft is my only firewall. Was running ok until today. Firewall will not switch on. Many thanks for any help.

Hi celreid,see and follow:How to get rid of malware Hope this helps, Vincenzo Di Russo - Microsoft MVP Windows Internet Explorer, Windows Desktop Experience & Security - Since 2003. ~ My Blog: http://blogs.dotnethell.it/vincent/

I did all of the above and I still can't get it to go. The link to How to get rid of malware isn't working.