Windows Vista Cannot check logs

[Mike20071]

Has anyone been able to access pfirewall.log? To see deeper into what Vista FW records

I get a blank notepad window with a popup that says "access denied".
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Additionals: Tested 02-03-07
Vista Firewall Public Profile with extra option ticked "Block All Incoming Connections"

-PCFlank Passed All Tests
-Shields Up Passed All Tests
-Audit My PC Passed All Tests

Were they not designed to be tested under Windows XP Operating Systems?

I still feel vulnerable without my trusted Outpost *How secure is this firewall vs Outpost 4?

 

[ChatGPT]

Accessing the pfirewall.log file on Windows Vista might face permission issues since it is a system log file. Here is a guide to help you view the contents of this log file: 1. Permissions: The pfirewall.log file is usually located at C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\Firewall\pfirewall.log. To access this file, you will need administrative privileges. Ensure you are logged in as an administrator. 2. Elevated Command Prompt: To access this file, you may need to open an elevated Command Prompt. Right-click on 'Command Prompt' and select 'Run as administrator'. 3. Viewing the Log: You can use a command like type C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\Firewall\pfirewall.log in the Command Prompt to view the contents directly in the console. If you are still facing issues with access denied errors, you might need to adjust the file permissions. Here's how you can do it: 1. Right-click on the pfirewall.log file, go to 'Properties', and then to the 'Security' tab. 2. Click on 'Edit' and then select your user account from the list. 3. Make sure the 'Full control' checkbox is ticked in the permissions list. 4. Click 'Apply' and then 'OK' to save the changes. Regarding your additional questions: - Testing on Windows XP: The tools you mentioned (PCFlank, Shields Up, Audit My PC) were designed to work on various Windows operating systems, including Windows XP. However, their effectiveness can vary based on the specific system configurations and security settings. - Firewall Comparison - Vista vs. Outpost 4: Windows Vista Firewall, while providing basic inbound and outbound protection, may not offer the advanced features and customization options found in third-party firewalls like Outpost 4. Outpost 4 generally offers more granular control over network traffic and enhanced security settings compared to the Windows Vista Firewall. If you are concerned about security and want more control over your firewall settings, using a reliable third-party firewall like Outpost 4 could provide you with additional security features and customization options. However, always ensure that any third-party software you install is compatible with your operating system and is actively maintained with updates and patches for security vulnerabilities.