Windows Firewall Won't Allow PING or Remote Assistance

[joelrob]

I'm using Group Policy Editor on Server 2003 to manage Windows Firewall settings in an mixed XP/Vista desktop environment. I've made the correct settings to allow ICMP echo, and it shows up in the inbound rules on the workstations, but the Vista machines still do not respond to PING and don't allow inbound remote assistance offers.

Anyone else had the same issue and found a fix?

Thanks in advance

 

[linney]

On the Vista Machines make sure the settings for Control Panel/ Remote Assistance, "Allow remote assistance connections to this computer" are correct. Also look at the additional settings under the Advanced button.

Are there any other security products with hidden firewalling components (or a firewalled router) that could be interfering with the ping command?

Can you ping (or even Remote Access) if you start the Vista machine in "Safe Mode With Networking"?

 

[joelrob]

There is no Control Panel/Remote Assistance, but under the Remote tab of System Properties, Remote Assistance is enabled. (This is being applied correctly from the GPO)

No other security products, Windows Firewall the only software firewall, all machines connected to switches, no routers in between.

Have not tried the safe mode with networking yet, will give that a shot next.

 

[linney]

Can you follow up on this comment and see where it takes you?

"Offer RA from Vista to XP is supported, but Offer RA from XP to Vista is not supported".

Windows Vista Resource Kit Chapter 23: Supporting Users Using Remote Assistance (Part 2)

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/ar...ing-Remote-Assistance-Part2.html?printversion

See if the article talks about your situation, it is a large article and I haven't read it.