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Opening Port 80 in Windows Firewall

To allow web browsers to access ProPay WEB, you must open the HTTP port in Windows Firewall. This topic explains how to configure Windows Firewall to allow incoming web traffic.

Why You Need to Open Ports

Windows Firewall blocks incoming network connections by default to protect your computer from unauthorized access. When you install IIS and ProPay WEB, you need to create an exception that allows web browsers to connect to your server.

The standard ports for web traffic are:

  • Port 80: HTTP (unencrypted web traffic)
  • Port 443: HTTPS (encrypted web traffic)

You must open at least port 80 for ProPay WEB to work. If you're using HTTPS, you should also open port 443.

Opening Port 80 in Windows Firewall

Follow these steps to create a firewall exception for ProPay WEB:

  1. Click Start, then click Run.
  2. Type firewall.cpl and click OK. The Windows Firewall dialog opens.
  3. Click the Exceptions tab.
  4. Click the Add Port button.
  5. In the Name field, type ProPay WEB.
  6. In the Port number field, type 80.
  7. Select TCP (not UDP).
  8. Click OK to save the port exception.
  9. Verify that ProPay WEB appears in the exceptions list with a checkmark.
  10. Click OK to close Windows Firewall.

Port 80 is now open and ProPay WEB can receive incoming connections.

Opening Port 443 for HTTPS (optional)

If you're using HTTPS to encrypt web traffic, you must also open port 443:

  1. Open Windows Firewall (type firewall.cpl in the Run dialog).
  2. Click the Exceptions tab.
  3. Click Add Port.
  4. In the Name field, type ProPay WEB HTTPS.
  5. In the Port number field, type 443.
  6. Select TCP.
  7. Click OK to save the exception.

Both HTTP and HTTPS traffic can now reach your server.

Using Alternative Ports

If port 80 is already in use by another program or service, you can use a different port for ProPay WEB:

  • Common alternatives: 81, 82, 83, 5899, 8080
  • The same port number must be configured in three places:
  1. Windows Firewall exception (follow the steps above but use your chosen port)
  2. IIS website TCP port setting
  3. Router port forwarding configuration

Note: When using a non-standard port, clients must include the port number in the URL. For example, if you use port 5899, the URL would be http://yourserver:5899**.

Third-party Firewalls

If you're running third-party firewall software in addition to or instead of Windows Firewall, you must also open port 80 in that firewall:

  1. Open your firewall's configuration interface.
  2. Find the port exceptions or application rules section.
  3. Create a new rule allowing incoming TCP connections on port 80.
  4. Apply the changes.

Consult your firewall's documentation for specific instructions. Common third-party firewalls include Norton, McAfee, ZoneAlarm, and Comodo.

Testing If Port 80 is Open

After configuring your firewall, verify that port 80 is accessible from the internet. Use one of these online port checking tools:

These tools test whether your port is accessible from outside your network.

How to use port testing tools

  1. Make sure IIS and ProPay WEB are running on your server.
  2. Make sure your router is configured for port forwarding.
  3. Visit one of the testing websites listed above.
  4. Enter 80 (or your alternative port number) in the port field.
  5. Click Check or Test.
  6. Review the results.

If the test shows the port is open: Your configuration is correct.

If the test shows the port is closed: Check these items:

  • Windows Firewall exception is enabled
  • Router port forwarding is configured correctly
  • IIS website is running
  • Your ISP is not blocking port 80 (some residential ISPs block this port)

Port Management Software

Several third-party tools can simplify the task of managing firewall ports and port forwarding. These tools provide a more user-friendly interface than the built-in Windows utilities.

If you find a port management tool that works well for your organization, you can use it instead of manually configuring Windows Firewall.

Security Best Practices

When opening firewall ports, follow these security guidelines:

  • Only open the ports you need (don't create unnecessary exceptions)
  • Use HTTPS (port 443) instead of HTTP (port 80) when handling sensitive payroll data
  • Keep Windows and IIS updated with the latest security patches
  • Monitor your server logs for unusual access patterns
  • Use strong passwords for all ProPay WEB user accounts
  • Consider using a VPN for internal staff access
  • Disable the firewall exception when ProPay WEB is not in use (if applicable)

Related Topics

Source: Original CHM file `pro-pay_web_-_open_port_80_in_.html` Topic type: MISSING-GW (created from CHM content only)

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