Steam breaks connection by changing firewall settings

[ownmaster]

Hi, I have Windows 7 and use TinyWall application for managing Windows Firewall.
And every time I start Steam my connection breaks for a few seconds. I checked Windows Application log and there found a record from TinyWall: "Reloading firewall configuration because C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe has modified it."

So, the question is - how can I disable this Steam behavior - I guess there is no need to do something in Windows Firewall EVERY Steam start.

[crunchyfrog]

I'm not familiar with Tinywall, but the obvoius answer is to make exception for Steam to allow it to make changes.

Steam is most likely trying to make changes because the correct ports are being blocked or something.

[ReBoot]

Or you could uninstall this TinyWall. Steam doesn't break connection, something else does. And a program digging inside the firewall is a good candidate.

[ownmaster]

Yes, I didn't write exactly correct, Steam doesn't break connection - it modifies firewall configuration, and in response to that modification TinyWall resets connection.

So, I'm looking for a way to disable such Steam behavior - firewall is not a toy and it should be configured rarely.

[ReBoot]

Originally posted by ownmaster:

Yes, I didn't write exactly correct, Steam doesn't break connection - it modifies firewall configuration, and in response to that modification TinyWall resets connection.

I knew TinyWall was the problem. Well, change it's settings not to reset the connection

Originally posted by ownmaster:

firewall is not a toy and it should be configured rarely.

This reads like principle thinking. Let's pretend I don't understand principle thinking, what EXACT problem arises when Steam configures the firewall?

[indy]

Did you ever figure that out?
I am using Tinywall as well and Steam should not mess with Firewall settings unless asked to.

[ownmaster]

Originally posted by indy:

Did you ever figure that out?
I am using Tinywall as well and Steam should not mess with Firewall settings unless asked to.

No, still have the same problem.
I just got used to run Steam carefully. 8)
Planning to find an alternative to Tiny Wall.

[Novalight]

For any of those that land here after Googling.

Disabling the SteamService.exe service seems to work just fine. Steam just complains on startup, but better than disconnects or firewall rule tampering.

[ownmaster]

Originally posted by Novalight:

Disabling the SteamService.exe service seems to work just fine.

You are a genius! :)

Update: additionally you must enable UAC. If UAC is disabled, Steam.exe is still able to modify firewall settings, even if the Steam Service is disabled.