Enabling Remote Connection through FIrewall with Firewall diasbled

Question

I'm running a dedicated server with Windows Server 2012 R2. Recently I locked myself out by Enabling Windows Firewall. No port rule was in place so the remote connection got blocked completely.

I had to order Firewall deactivation via the Serial Console (registry edit through Ubuntu) to be able to get in again. Right now Windows Firewall is disabled and I can only enable it by pushing the "Use recommended settings" button.

The problem is that I can't add a new In and OUT rule to the Firewall to enable Remote Connection without Enabling the Firewall again. I'm worried that if I enable it I'll be locked out again. Can't do it through PowerShell or netsh either because Firewall is disabled and cannot be edited.

Is there a way to add required rules in the registry or something so when I push that "Use recommended settings" button for the Firewall I'll not get disconnected and locked out?

Thanks.

Answer 1

To open the ports while the firewall is disabled start by making sure that the firewall service is enabled but not on. Now open up the Advanced Firewall snapin for MMC and select the Remote Desktop predefined rule for "In" only you DO NOT need outbound to remote in. Now select "Enable Rule" but when selecting the rules make sure not to select public unless your network connection is set this way. I have attached a picture for guidance.

You should now be able to start the Firewall service and stay connected as well as establish new connections.

Hope this helps.