AFS Firewall Utility

Some of the recent AFS performance problems have been traced to large numbers of Windows computers connecting to AFS which have the XP Firewall configured in such a way that it prevents the AFS servers from communicating properly with these workstations. This causes excessive traffic and wait times to build up on the servers, causing slow performance for all those accessing AFS and for many Notre Dame web pages (www.nd.edu).

The OIT has developed a utility to make modifications to the Windows firewall which will help to reduce the performance problems. Anyone using a Windows computer is encouraged to run this program. If you are not sure if you're using AFS, you are still encouraged to run this program to ensure your computer is properly configured.

To download this program, please click here. Once you have downloaded the file, locate it on your hard drive and double-click it. It will take only a few seconds to run, and will then display a message stating "Your Windows Firewall has been successfully configured for AFS." Click OK and resume your normal work.

What the Utility Does

• Enables firewall exceptions if disabled
• Deactivates all exceptions (services, ports, apps) except AFS Callback
• If exceptions are already enabled, it leaves the configuration intact

We are also developing a program to update your version of the OpenAFS client. Any Windows computer currently using the OpenAFS client will need to install it once it is available and announced. We expect this utility to be ready for campus distribution by mid-January.

Special Instructions for Departmental IT Staff

If you wish to deploy this utility without the completion dialogue box, please contact the OIT Help Desk at 631-8111 and request a special version designed for that.