Is Smart Firewall really turned off?

Norton Security | Norton Internet Security
1

I am trying to test a networking issue in my home network, and to start, I want to turn off NIS 2010 Smart Firewall and Intrusion protection for a few minutes to check that I can connect without a firewall stopping me.   When I disabled them, I still have connection issues.  So, I went to the GRC Shields Up page, which checks your ports.  I expected to see that I was considered "vulnerable" since I supposedly have no firewall on, but, Shields Up shows ALL PORTS are STEALTH, consistent with the firewall being on!

 

How is this so, if the firewall is supposedly off?  No doubt if my ports are stealth, my connect will fail as is happening!

 

I am running Win 7 Home, and yes, Windows Firewall is off!

 

Let me add that I am on a 30 day trial, but I assume that doesn't matter.  It is allowing me to turn the firewall "off", at least Norton is saying so (see above, that doesn't seem to be the case)

2

Hi zigner:

 

How are you connected to the internet.  If you have a router, it will have its own firewall that might be causing the problems rather than the Norton firewall.

3

Hi, yes that seems to be it.   I know Norton has additional benefits, but it is kind of amazing the router alone is providing so much protection.