802.11g/Compaq/XP Firewall

[mehmetmunur]

I recently purchased a compaq presario with a wireless g adapter. However, I was having some difficulty connecting to my wireless router (Netgear WGR614), which works perfectly fine with another compaq and netgear wireless b adapter. The problem was that even though I could see an IP address on the TCP/IP screen and I had very good to excellent signal strenght, I would not be able to receive any packets, though sending hundreds. So I called upon good old customer service, and after tens of minutes of waiting, was told that I would have to disable the windows xp home firewall to connect to my adapter. I asked if there would be a way to configure the windows xp firewall so that I could still have wireless connection and a firewall, and I was told, "no". So please tell me if there is a way I could use windows xp firewall and use my wireless internet.
I know that there are a lot better options out there compared to windows' firewall, such as norton internet security, which I use on my desktop. I guess all I need is confirmation that compaq's technicians have no clue what they are talking about. Thanks for all the answers in advance.

 

[mehmetmunur]

Nothing like solving your own problems. For those of you who might encounter a problem such as mine, it is a good idea to check both ends of th equation. I thought my wireless router was in great shape, because it worked with other devices. I went to Netgear's website, and downloaded a firmware update. This gave me WPA, instead of just WEP, and burst mode which significantly increased my b and g broadcast speeds. I was not wrong to assume that Compaq technicians were not knowledgeable. I was able to use my firewall along with WGR614's with no conflict whatsoever.