Create a Windows Firewall Exception for Retrospect

Windows Vista
Windows XP

Create a Windows Firewall Exception for Retrospect

All faculty and academic office computers are eligible for our backup through our automated backup system, Retrospect.

With Windows Vista and XP operating systems, you need to make exceptions in the Windows Firewall settings in order for Retrospect to continue backing up your computer with the firewall turned on. Unless you follow these instructions, Retrospect will not be able to back up your system.

To access the exceptions window in Windows Vista

1. Click Start and then click Control Panel; click on Classic View.
2. In the control panel, double-click Windows Firewall to open it.
3. By default, the Firewall should be on, if not click on "Turn Windows Firewall on or off" in the sidebar and select the "On" radio button and click OK.
4. Now click on "Allow a program through Windows Firewall" in the Windows Firewall window. This will open the exceptions tab in the Vista firewall settings window.
   

To access the exceptions window in Windows XP

1. Click Start and then click Control Panel.
2. In the control panel, double-click Security Center to open it.
3. Click Windows Firewall.
4. By default, the On (recommended) option may be selected. If it is not, please select this button.
5. Click the Exceptions tab and follow the instructions to add ports below.

For both XP and Vista do the following:

1. Click Add Port (refer to Figure 1).



Figure 1.


2. In the Name box, type: Retrospect (TCP) (refer to Figure 2)
3. In the Port Number box, type: 497
4. Make sure TCP is selected.
5. Click OK.
   
   

Figure 2.


6. On the Exceptions tab, Retrospect (TCP) should have a check next to it (refer to Figure 3).
   
   
   Figure 3.
   
   
7. Click Add Port again and do the following (refer to Figure 4):
   • In the Name box, type: Retrospect (UDP)
   • In the Port Number box, type: 497
   • Click the UDP option.
   • Click OK.
     
     
   
   Figure 4.
   
   
8. On the Exceptions tab, Retrospect (UDP) should have a check next to it (refer to Figure 5).
   
   
   Figure 5.
   
   
9. Click OK to close the Windows Firewall window. Set-up is complete.

Retrospect should now work with the firewall settings turned on.

Need more help?

Contact your liaison if you have any questions about your backups, or send email to helpdesk.