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Configuring Reflection X Advantage with a Microsoft Windows Firewall
Technical Note 2240
Last Reviewed 05-Feb-2010
Applies To
Reflection X Advantage version 2.0
Summary
Technical Note 2240
Last Reviewed 05-Feb-2010
Applies To
Reflection X Advantage version 2.0
Summary
The Microsoft Windows Firewall is automatically enabled on all network connections and is configured to block all unsolicited incoming traffic. This note describes how to configure the Windows Firewall to work with Reflection X Advantage.
Note: The examples in this technical note are from Windows XP and Windows 7; the steps for other Windows operating systems are similar.
About the Windows Firewall
The Windows Firewall is a stateful host firewall that runs in Windows and blocks all unsolicited incoming traffic, unless configured to allow the traffic. Outgoing traffic is not blocked by the firewall.
When the firewall detects unsolicited inbound application traffic, a Windows Security Alert is displayed.
In Windows XP, the Alert window enables users to decide whether to block the incoming traffic (Keep Blocking), add the connection to the Windows Firewall Exceptions list and always allow it (Unblock), or allow only this specific instance of the connection (Ask Me Later).
Figure 1: Windows XP Windows Security Alert Dialog Box
In Windows 7, the Alert window enables users to select whether or no to allow the incoming traffic, and for which networks: Domain, Private, or Public.
Figure 2: Windows 7 XP Windows Security Alert Dialog Box
Running Reflection X Advantage
The first time you run Reflection X Advantage, the Windows Security Alert dialog box opens. To allow Reflection through the firewall on Windows XP, click Unblock (to always allow) or Ask Me Later (to allow the connection only this once). To allow Reflection through the firewall on Windows 7, ensure that the appropriate network check box is selected, and click Allow access.
On Windows XP, selecting Unblock adds the application to the Windows Firewall Exceptions list and enables the exception. Selecting Ask Me Later allows the current connection, but does not add the application to the Exceptions list. (You will be prompted with the Windows Security Alert again the next time you try to access this product or component.)
Warning: If you select Keep Blocking, the Reflection X product or component will not work through the firewall.
If you disallow access for Reflection X Advantage and later want to change this setting, you must manually add Reflection to the Exceptions list, as described next.
Manually Adding Applications to the Windows Firewall Exceptions List
To manually add Reflection X Advantage to the Exceptions list, follow the steps for your operating system to open the dialog box:
On Windows XP
- From the Windows Control Panel, click Security Center > Windows Firewall.
- Select the Exceptions tab, and click Add Program.
Figure 3: Windows XP Exceptions Tab
On Windows 7
- From the Windows Control Panel, click Windows Firewall.
- From the left pane, click Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall.
- Click Change settings.
- Click Allow another program.
Figure 4: Windows 7 Allow Programs Panel
Selecting the Reflection File
Once you have opened the dialog box, select the Reflection file:
- Browse to and select the appropriate Reflection executable file(s):
For a Workstation (one or both files may be used):
- X Manager (standalone) at C:\Program Files\Attachmate\Reflection X Advantage\rxmgr.exe
- X Manager for Domains at C:\Program Files\Attachmate\Reflection X Advantage\rxmgrdomains.exe
For a Domain Controller (both files are required):
- Reflection X Service at C:\Program Files\Attachmate\Reflection X Advantage\bin\rxs.exe
- Java package installed with Reflection X Advantage at C:\Program Files\Common Files\Attachmate\JRE\<version>\bin\java.exe
- Click OK to save the change.
For more information about manually adding applications or port exceptions to the Windows Firewall, see Manually Configuring Windows Firewall in Windows XP Service Pack 2 on the Microsoft web site: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/cableguy/cg0204.mspx.
