firewall repeatedly disables

From: Martha (memiller89@earthlink.net)
Date: 04/04/03 

From: "Martha" <memiller89@earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 07:21:52 -0800

My firewall protection is getting disabled consistently. I
use Windows XP Home Edition. It is a few days old Dell
Inspiron 8200.

I pasted my e-mails to and from Dell and Earthlink below.
Hope it is good to give you an idea of my problem.

  ...................................................

FROM EARTHLINK:
Dear Martha,

Thank you for your reply.

Upon reviewing your issue, it seems that the problem is
with your Firewall. This firewall comes bundled with
Windows XP by default. Please contact the Microsoft
Support Department to resolve your issue.

-------------------------
FROM MARTHA TO EARTHLINK:
I followed the instruction sent to me from earthlink and
my firewall stayed
enabled until I turned off my laptop.
BUT, when I restarted my laptop this morning, signed on
with Earthlink.net
and checked the status of my firewall, IT IS NOT enabled.

My firewall protection still is getting disabled
consistently.

Any other thoughts to help me keep my firewall enable?

Thank you,
Martha (4/3/03....9:40AM)

----- Original Message -----
From: <service@earthlink.net>
To: "Martha Miller" <memiller89@earthlink.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2003 4:34 PM
Subject: Re: Other - (KMM41269528V31683L0KM)

Dear Martha Miller,

Thank you for contacting us.

ICS host computer.

To enable ICF using the Network Setup Wizard:

1. Run the Network Setup Wizard. To access this wizard,
point to Control
Panel, double click Network and Internet Connections, and
then click Setup
or change your home or small office network.
2. The ICF is enabled when you choose a configuration in
the wizard that
indicates that your computer is connected directly to the
Internet.

To configure ICF manually for a connection:

1. In Control Panel, double click Networking and Internet
Connections, and
then click Network Connections.
2. Right click the connection on which you would like to
enable ICF, and
then click Properties.
3. On the Advanced tab, check the option to Protect my
computer and network.

4. If you want to enable the use of some applications and
services through
the firewall, you need to enable them by clicking the
Settings button, and
then selecting the programs, protocols, and services to be
enabled for the
ICF configuration.

You are done with the changes.

If your issue still persists, please feel free to contact
us.

Firoz A.
Electronic Support
EarthLink, Inc.
Why Wait? Move to EarthLink.
CSR ID#: 2293
Case ID 23223450

Original Message Follows:
-------------------------

Form Message

First Name: Martha
Last Name: Miller
Email Address: memiller89@earthlink.net
Alternative Email:
Account Type: Dial-up
Issue: Other
Detailed Issue:
Operating System:
Hardware:
Application Type:
POP Phone:
DSL Phone:
Domain:
Account Verification:
Invoice:
Message Body: My firewall protection
is getting disabled consistently. I use Windows XP Home
Edition.

I first e-mailed Dell and below is part of there response:

Please note that this firewall feature is not a part of
hardware
shipped by Dell. Also, this feature is provided by your
ISP to
protect your internet activity. I would suggest you to
contact
the technical support section of your ISP to resolve this
issue.
There must be some configuration settings specific to your
ISP
that needs to be configured.