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Fix promised for Windows Update / ZoneAlarm problem
If you've been avoiding the now infamous Microsoft security patch that broke internet connections on Windows XP computers with the popular ZoneAlarm firewall, there are updates from Checkpoint to fix the problem.
The official word from Microsoft can be found on this KnowledgeBase article.
It's a worry with Windows Updates, Windows would have us install them as soon as they become available but this recent incident does not make this seem like a good idea. Although I'm running full Automatic Updates these days, I used to select the option to download the updates and then prompt me to install. Frankly, I rarely had the time or inclination to check up on the updates first so there didn't seem much point.
The situation was much the same when I was running Ubuntu Linux. It would alert me to updates and I would install them, often without reading the list of fixes. I'd be interested to hear from any Mac users as to their ways for dealing with updates.
Give CheckPoint due credit though, it hasn't taken them long to come up with a patch.
It may not put anyone at their ease, but yesterday was the day when Windows XP Service Pack 3 became part of Automatic Updates. It's been three months since the Pack was released and I personally have had no problems with it. But it's always a good idea to take the time for a full backup when big updates are in the pipeline, whatever the operating system.
Even the instructions on the Zone Alarm site (link as above) didn't work; I tried option 2 which involved uninstalling the update, reboooted and still couldn't connect. Then tried Option 1 and changed the Zone Alarm security level to Medium - still no connection. It was only when I slid the security level to Off that i finally got on line.
I intend to change my firewall to Comondo.
Pauline
posted-by Pauline Young | July 11, 2008 3:06 PM
The update file you need to uninstall to fix the ZoneAlarm problem is KB951748.
John
posted-by John Sia | July 11, 2008 11:56 PM
Just spreading the word that the incompatibility was fixed.
Go here for more info: http://download.zonealarm.com/bin/free/pressReleases/2008/LossOfInternetAccessIssue.html
posted-by James Grant | July 12, 2008 12:04 AM
I have just fixed a friends computer with this problem. However, there must be millions of users out there who cannot access the internet for advice, and who havn't a clue as to what might have caused there sudden loss of internet connectivity. I imagine it will be a busy time for ISP helplines this weekend. But it is outrageous for MS to issue a patch that does this sort of damage to a popular and widespread program.
posted-by RonH | July 13, 2008 5:31 PM
I had these problems and found the answer by chance in the forums.
After spending 2 days offline and phoning my ISP.
One would think that at least the ISP would be the first to know and have the answer
posted-by virginia | July 14, 2008 3:08 PM