ALG.exe

[BettaBuy]

I have this process running ALG.exe and when looking at the description in services it says "Application Layer Gateway --provides support for 3rd party protocol plug-ins for internet connection sharing"

Is this something I can turn off on a single pc, not networked and not sharing connections ?

windows xp

thanks

[puk]

For a guide to XP services go to BlackViper

You'll find ALG listed 2nd in the service list as disabled(for supertweak).

Puk

[Atomic Rooster]

You probably can turn it off. I found this from PC Magazine:
FILENAME: Alg.exe.
PROGRAM NAME: Application Layer Gateway.
DESCRIPTION: Part of Windows XP that provides support for ICS and Internet Connection Firewall (ICF).
RECOMMENDED ACTION: If a third-party firewall warns you that ALG.exe wants access, check to make sure you're not double-firewalled. If you are, disable ICF. If you are using neither ICF nor ICS and are warned that ALG.exe is trying to access the Net, deny it. A Trojan horse or worm may be trying to use it as a backdoor.

[BettaBuy]

ah, thanks guys

i turned it off, and it shuts down xp's ICF (internet connection firewall) also.

as long as i have a 3rd party firewall installed, i should be ok ?

[Atomic Rooster]

Yup. You should be fine.

[BettaBuy]

cheers

[djm1k0]

from what i'm gettin is that the alg.exe is the firewall that comes with xp ? i have norton internet security 2004, is it better to use both firewalls, can i use both firewalls if i stop alg.exe ?

[ugnius]

Ordinary alg.exe is the legitimate system file. but there are some spywares using the same file name. Be sure to check the location.
Source: alg.exe