Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) prevents PCAnywhere TCP/IP connection

Situation:
You are unable to make a TCP/IP connection to a PCAnywhere host running under Windows XP. You suspect this may be due to the Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall (ICF).

Solution:

Before you begin: These instructions assume that you are using Windows XP in Classic mode.
In order to run a PCAnywhere Host on a system using ICF, you must add PCAnywhere as a service and enable the service.

To add and enable the PCAnywhere service:
  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Network Connections.
  3. Right-click the connection that you are using with PCAnywhere and select Properties.
  4. Click the Advanced tab, then click Settings.
  5. Click the Services tab, then click Add.
  6. Type a name for the service such as PCAnywhere in the "Description of Service" field.
  7. Type the Host computer's machine name or IP address in the "Name or IP address of computer hosting this service on your network" field.
  8. Type 5631 in the "External Port number for this service" field.
  9. Type 5631 in the "Internal Port number for this service" field.
    Note: If you have changed the default TCP port that PCAnywhere uses, substitute that port number for 5631 above.
  10. Check the box next to TCP.
  11. Click OK.
  12. Verify that the checkbox next to the service that you just added is checked, and click OK.
You should now be able to use the PCAnywhere host while running ICF.
    Note: We do not recommend disabling the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) if you do not have another firewall product installed. You should have a firewall running at all times.
  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Network Connections.
  2. Right-click Local Area Connection and then click Properties.
  3. Click the Advanced tab.
  4. Uncheck "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet."
  5. Click OK.