I am trying to use Windows Firewall, which always worked fine until recently. When I boot up my computer, it says that my computer may be at risk because there is no firewall. If I wait 2 to 3 minutes, the firewall starts up and I can use my computer in the normal way. Why is this happening and what can be done? I have Windows XP, IE 7. This seems to have started when I upgraded to IE 8, which I have changed back to IE 7. No help!

To turn it on, go into control panel, right click Windows firewall and create a shortcut. When you start your computer just click on the firewall that will now be on your desktop, and activate it. I have to do that sometimes when I get the same message that you do.. good luck.
I don't know why this happens, but you could always get the free zone alarm firewall by searching "free zone alarm in Google.

Upoin due consideration, I realized that this shortcut won't work for me because my desktop doesn't come up until the firewall is activated. Thank you anyway.