Windows Update and Zone Alarm

I’ve had a number of people share reports of problems between the most recent Windows Auto Update and Zone Alarm. Due to the sudden death of our nephew Adam I haven’t posted sooner and may not be posting again for a little while.

Here’s an example of one of the Emails I’ve received from Andrew.

I've spent the better part of today trying to help my 72-year-old mother with her total inability to access the Internet. Tried everything known to man (AV scans, system restore, etc.) to no avail. AT&T tech support is useless. AT&T's answer is to refer you to Microsith, whose VM directs you to their webpage (how the &%$# you get there if you have no *&%$ Internet access) to "sell" you their services.

Finally figured it is a conflict with ZA, went to their page & followed suggestions. Personally, I use Sunbelt Personal Firewall (formerly, Kerio) as I have had MS/ZA conflicts in the past. http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Home-Home-Office/Sunbelt-Personal-Firewall/

Could you pass on this info re: MS/ZA in your blog and elsewhere? Thanks!

Both Microsoft and Zone Alarm are aware of the problem. Unfortunately, the only solution at this time is to change the Zone Alarm settings to “Medium”. At least that way you can connect to the internet.

I haven’t had an opportunity to evaluate if it would be better to reduce the settings in ZA or just Uninstall the update. Perhaps Andrew’s got the right idea. Might be good time to check out other firewall programs so you know you’re protected.