How to use the Firewall
This guide will show you how to use the BullGuard Firewall.
IMPORTANT! The Firewall is a very important section of any Internet Security suite, so we recommend using the guide below only if you know what you are doing, or you have received instructions from our Support Team. If you are not familiar with computers, it is recommended that you team up with a computer-wise friend, or contact our Support Team.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a special computer application (or module within a security suite, such as BullGuard) whose purpose is to monitor and protect your computer from any unauthorised network traffic. Think of it as a guard at your door.
Why do you need a firewall?
Without a firewall, you computer is vulnerable to almost any type of network attacks and malware. We recommend using a firewall at all times you are connected to the Internet.
How can you use the firewall?
Our firewall is included within the BullGuard Internet Security suite. We recommend using this guide if you want to know more about configuring it or need to perform any changes.
Open the Firewall
First, you should open your BullGuard application. Double-click the BullGuard icon near the clock and click on the Firewall icon.
Why is my application or Internet/network connection not working with the Firewall enabled?
If one of your programs does not connect to your network or the Internet after you installed BullGuard, please follow the steps below to troubleshoot the problem:
Step 1. See if BullGuard is causing the issue
Go to the Antivirus-Antispyware section and disable the On-Access protection by clicking [ Turn it off ]. Next, go to the Firewal section and do the same.
Right-click the BullGuard icon near the Windows clock, then select Close. This will effectively close BullGuard.
Please check if the connection issue persists.
If the issue is still present, then it is most likely not caused by your BullGuard application. We recommend contacting your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or your network administrator for further assistance.
If the issue does not persist, then it is likely that your BullGuard somehow conflicts with that application. Please continue to Step 2.
Note: Please DO NOT FORGET to enable the On-Access and Firewall protection after you are done.
Step 2. Check for other firewalls in use
BullGuard does NOT recommend using 2 different security products at the same time on the same computer unless you really know what you are doing. If you are using 2 or more such applications, please continue to use one of them and uninstall or deactivate the others. In doing so, you will avoid incompatibilities, system slowdowns and even serious crashes.
In particular, we strongly recommend you use only one Internet security suite on the same machine.
Step 3. Find out which BullGuard module is causing the issue
Connection issues are most likely due to settings or rules within your Firewall which are conflicting with existing connection settings in that application. Please perform the following steps:
a) Be sure that all BullGuard modules are enabled.
b) Disable the modules one by one and then check if the issue persists. If it doesn't, then please contact our Support as soon as possible. If it does, please proceed to Step 4.
Note: Please DO NOT FORGET to enable the modules after you are done troubleshooting.
Step 4. See if critical network/Internet components are allowed
First, please open the Firewall section and choose the Advanced mode.
Go to the Profiles tab and double-click the Custom Security profile.
In the profile settings window, click the Application Rules tab and find all entries related to:
- Internet Explorer and other browsers
- svchost.exe
- Generic Host for Win32 Applications
- Outlook, Thunderbird or other email clients
- Any entry related to the program that does not work properly with BullGuard enabled
Please note that the policy for these entries must be set to ALLOW, which means they are allowed to access the Internet.
IMPORTANT!
- If an application is set to BLOCK, it will not be able to access your Internet connection.
- SVCHOST.EXE and Generic Host for Win 32 Applications are Windows system files. Blocking them might disable your entire Internet connection. They must always be set to Allow.
If you have followed these steps and the initial issue persists, please contact our Support as soon as possible. We will do our best to assist you via email, live chat or remote assistance.
Kind regards,
BullGuard Support Team
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