ipchains strange problem

[kernel.panic]

Ok, I'll make this simple:
Im running Redhat 7 - 2.2.16 with ipchains 1.3.9.

I've setup a firewall on my server that I connect to via ssh. When I run the firewall, the connectivity operates as it should, however, when I want to revert to open status to do some other things, I type "ipchains -F" and then lose connection to the server and can no longer connect to it in any way. I have to manually reset it (windows style) because there is no monitor/kbrd on it.

Anyone know why I am having this problem? I have not included the firewall config file because it seems as though it is inconsequential to this problem (also it is very long).

[hardigunawan]

It might be that the firewall input or output policy is set to DENY or REJECT. When you did an ipchains -F, it will flush the rules, but does not set the policy.

Try checking the policy with ipchains -L

[kernel.panic]

As a matter of fact, yes, I am using a DENY/REJECT-ALL-bydefault policy, so the first three lines of my firewall set those policies. I had thought they would be cleared out with -F but I guess not. Thank you for your help.