Many vendors have enabled the built-in firewall feature of Windows XP by default. This firewall, like any other firewall can cause problems for software such as the Cisco VPN Client. If you are unsure how to configure the firewall to work with the client, it is best to disable it by following the directions below.

1. Go to your desktop, right-click on "My Network Places" or "Network Neighborhood" and click 'Properties.'

2. Right-click on "Local Area Connection" and click 'Properties.'

3. Select the "Advanced" tab, and make sure the checkbox under "Internet Connection Firewall" is unchecked as shown, and click 'Okay.'

4. Return to the "General" tab, click on "Internet Protocol" and click 'Properties.'

5. Click 'Advanced.'

6. Choose the "Options" tab, select "TCP/IP Filtering" and click 'Properties.'

7. Verify that "Enable TCP/IP Filtering" is unchecked as shown, then click 'Okay.'

8. Click 'Okay' in the resulting windows, and reboot if prompted.

You have now disabled the firewall features.