I recently did a clean re-install of Windows 7.

One of my programs checks for updates, with no facility to turn off the checking, so I made an outbound rule in Win7 firewall .

It still does the checking. I have it blocked on all fronts, and the rule enabled. Firewall service is running, Firewall is on, notifications checked, though I never get a notification.

I checked the logs, they are empty. Hmmm.

So I added Chrome portable to the FW list (I usually use Firefox). Created a 'block outbound' rule, rebooted. Chrome works as usual.

Created an inbound rule, rebooted. Chrome is unhindered, no notification, no log entries at all.

Did some perusing on the net, found mostly instructions to add rules. Yep, my rules, according to the pages I checked, were set up correctly, but Win FW is not doing its job. I don't have access to configure the wifi router.

Did a search on TV, most informative thread I found on the subject was this one:

Are others out there using the Win7 FW? Are you certain it is working?

I would never rely on a Windows firewall

I run ZoneAlarm Extreme Security

Thanks for the reply.

I checked out a few, ended up with Comodo for the time being, next time I have to re-install windows I may try another. I'm impressed with how easy it was to transition, and it's easy to maintain the firewall rules. It came with a secure browser, will check it out when I have time.

It's sort of like being confident that the lock on your door is sound, and then realizing it works so well because no has tried to break in yet.

Windows Firewall is basic but it does work. Maybe you were creating the rules incorrectly?

Have to admit, I have never used Windows firewalls. There are too many good and trusted firewalls out there for free that are streets ahead of Windows.

Comodo does seem OK. I used that for a while then reverted back to Zone Alarm after an update was sorted for it.