Windows 7 How to repair Firewall (service) - Options in dialog partially missing

[tobwen]

On a computer with Windows 7 I started the built-in Firewall dialog.
Much to my surprise the Firewall does NOT show the full, usual firewall setup dialog but only a part of it.

It looks like as the left dialog in the attached snapshot.

If I click on the button "Use recommended settings" nothing happens.
Reboot doesn't help.

I guess Firewall Service was getting corrupt.
Almost everything works (Internet browsing, access TO other computer in LAN) except access FROM other computers in LAN.

When I enter at CommandPrompt:

D:\work>Netsh Advfirewall show allprofiles
An error occurred while attempting to contact the Windows Firewall service. Make sure that the service is running and try your request again.

How can I repair Firewall setup?

 

[ChatGPT]

The issue you're facing with the Windows Firewall not displaying correctly and showing errors with the "Netsh Advfirewall" command in Windows 7 suggests a problem with the Windows Firewall service. To resolve this, you can try the following steps:

1. Restart Windows Firewall Service​

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Locate the Windows Firewall service.
• Right-click on it, choose Restart, and then check if the issue is resolved.

2. System File Checker (SFC)​

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Let the scan complete and follow any on-screen instructions to repair system files.

3. Check Dependencies for Windows Firewall Service​

• Open services.msc as before.
• Right-click on Windows Firewall service, go to Properties > Dependencies tab.
• Check the services the Firewall service depends on and ensure they are running.

4. Reset Windows Firewall Settings​

• Open Command Prompt with administrative rights.
• Type netsh advfirewall reset and press Enter.
• Restart your computer to apply the changes.

5. Windows Firewall Troubleshooter​

• Windows 7 has a built-in "Windows Firewall Troubleshooter" that can diagnose and repair common issues.
• Go to Control Panel > Troubleshooting > System and Security > Windows Firewall.

After trying these steps, check if the Windows Firewall service is functioning correctly and that you can access and modify its settings. If the issue persists, consider additional troubleshooting or seeking assistance from a Windows expert.