Action Center can't turn on Windows Firewall

metalmuscle · 22 May 2011

This problem started a few days ago. I can't even really tell you guys if I installed any updates or new programs because I don't even remember, which probably means, that I, in fact, DID NOT install anything new on the machine before this error starting popping up. I routinely restarted my Dell XPS M1530 laptop, running windows 7 sp1, and I saw a windows notification in the bottom right of my taskbar.

It states that I have 1 security issue; I need to turn on Windows Firewall. When I click "Turn on Windows Firewall (Important)", a new error comes up saying that "Action Center can't turn on Windows Firewall." When I click "Turn Windows Firewall on manually," and then "Use recommended settings," nothing happens. I get the spinning wheel as if my computer is trying to do something, and nothing seems to happen after that "hourglass" goes away.

I tried going into services.msc and starting Windows Firewall that way, but I get yet another error message: "Windows could not start the Windows Firewall on Local Computer. For more information, review the System Event Log. If this is a non-Microsoft service, contact the service vendor, and refer to service-specific error code 13.

After checking the event log, I see that there are a BUNCH of errors that relate to this problem, which started on the 19th of this month, which was 3 days ago. The error log has an ID of 7024 and says "The Windows Firewall service terminated with service-specific error The data is invalid.."

What can I do to fix this error! I've tried researching various ways to fix this for the past 3 days to no avail. Can someone please help me!?

Thanks in advance!

-Frank

metalmuscle · 22 May 2011

I should probably add that I have done [multiple] scans with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and avast!, including a boot-time scan with avast! Some trojans and whatnot came up from malwarebytes, but even after complete removal, I am having this problem.

Carolyn · 22 May 2011

Try this

SFC /SCANNOW : Run in Command Prompt at Boot

MowGreen · 24 May 2011

Please check this registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile

In the left frame, click on StandardProfile.
Is there a DoNotAllowExceptions listed in the right frame ?
If yes, what is showing for it's Value ?

If the answer is no, DoNotAllowExceptions is not listed,what Names are listed for StandardProfile in the right frame ?

metalmuscle · 24 May 2011

Hey guys, I ended up doing a fresh install of windows 7. I had to do this because when I tried doing a repair install, I got all sorts of errors. It turned out to be no big deal to do the fresh install and I already was able to re-install all of my drivers, applications, etc.

Thanks for the help, though. I appreciate your suggestions!

MowGreen · 27 May 2011

metalmuscle said:

Some trojans and whatnot came up from malwarebytes, but even after complete removal, I am having this problem.

Hey guys, I ended up doing a fresh install of windows 7. I had to do this because when I tried doing a repair install, I got all sorts of errors. It turned out to be no big deal to do the fresh install and I already was able to re-install all of my drivers, applications, etc.

Thanks for the help, though. I appreciate your suggestions!

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