Add VNC to Windows XP Firewall Exceptions

Are you having trouble connecting to your Windows XP computer remotely via VNC? The common mistake most people make or fail to realise is that you must add the correct VNC port to Windows XP firewall exceptions. As Windows XP comes with a built-in “Internet Connection Firewall” any ports or applications that are not added to the firewall exceptions will be blocked.
To create an exception for VNC follow these instructions :

1. Click Start -> Control Panel -> Windows Firewall.
2. Click the exceptions tab
3. Click Add port. Name the port VNC, Choose Port number 5900, make sure you select TCP and click OK.
4. The VNC rule you created will now be listed under the firewall exceptions window with a tick to indicate that it is selected. Now click on OK to complete.

You should now be able to connect to your PC using VNC. If you are still having trouble connecting then it could be because you are using a router that has built in hardware firewall. In this case you need the to add the exceptions to the router as well. To do so read the following guide:

Port forwarding for VNC on Netgear DG834G/GT/N Router