How to Open an SSL Port
By Damarious Page
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a protocol that helps to secure user data when it is transmitted across the Internet. Common uses of the SSL protocol are when people shop or bank online. Users might notice that the standard "HTTP" protocol in the Internet browser's address bar includes the letter "S," which signifies the connection is secure. However, many other activities on the PC utilize SSL in the background, such as using email clients and establishing virtual private networks. If you are having trouble using a secured service or application on your PC, your problem may be that you need to open the SSL port.
Windows 7
Click "Start." Type "Windows Firewall" in the search box at the bottom of the "Start" menu. Click on the link from the list of results on the menu.
Click the "Advanced Settings" link in the left pane of the window. Select "Inbound Rules" in the left pane.
Choose "New Rules" in the right pane. Fill in the "Port" radio button. Click "Next." Fill in the "TCP" radio button. Type "443" in the "Specific Local Ports" field. Click "Next."
Select "Allow the Connection." Click "Next." Check mark "Domain" and "Private." Click "Next." Name this new rule "Open SSL Port 443." Click "Finish."
Click "Outbound Rules" in the left pane. Repeat Step 3 and Step 4, and this will complete the opening of the SSL port using the Windows Firewall in Windows 7.
Windows Vista
Click "Start." Type "Windows Firewall" in the search box at the bottom of the "Start" menu. Click on that link from the list of results on the menu.
Click "Allow a Program Through Windows Firewall." Click "Add Port" on the "Exceptions" tab.
Type in "Open SSL Port 443" to name this rule. Enter "443" as the port number. Click "TCP."
Click the "Change Scope" button. Select "My Network." Click "OK" and this will complete the opening of the SSL port using the Windows Firewall in Windows Vista.
References
Tips
- If you use a third-party firewall program, navigate to the developer's support website to download the user manual to learn how to open ports.
Warnings
- Administrator privileges are required to open ports in the Windows Firewall.
Writer Bio
Damarious Page is a financial transcriptionist specializing in corporate quarterly earnings and financial results. Page holds a medical transcription certificate and has participated in an extensive career analysis and outplacement group workshop through Right Management. The West Corporation trained and certified him to handle customer support for home appliance clients.