Problem after updating Zone Alarm

**Dabhand16** · 08-04-2007, 15:21

I don't know if this problem is specific to my computer or not, but thought I'd share it with you in case it rings any bells.

I've been running Zone Alarm Internet Secuity since the begining of January with no problems at all. Within the last week or ten days I was informed of an update that I dully loaded and installed. After that, everything was apparently OK, but my utiliy app told me it could not detect any anti virus. A peep at the ZA web site resulted in uninstalling and re-installing the latest version.

Then I could not get my computer to start. It would get as far as showing the wallpaper, then it would stop and start booting again. I got it going in safe mode, and without being really sure of how, I got it going again normally. I ran the virus checker and the disc check in my utilities app, all was well. I suspected a problem with the hard disc, so decided to keep the computer switched on as my computer bloke could not take it in until after Easter.

All was going really well again until in my absence there was a windows update that required a re-start. This was done automatically, and of course, the computer would not start again other than in safe mode.

I managed to get hold of my computer bloke on the phone and when I told him this had happened after the Zone alarm update, he told me to uninstall it and see what happened as he had experience of ZA causing problems.

Needless to say, after the uninstall, the computer is working with no problems. In the short term, I've installed the free ZA firewall and AVG anti virus. I'm awaiting the reply to my e-mail to ZA technical support.

**stepheno** · 09-04-2007, 20:27

I used ZA for years and then a few niggles started creeping in with XP. Eventually I ditched it and now use Windows Firewall and Defender with AVG virus protection, oh and Spybot. Sorry not much help

j sotelo · 09-04-2007, 22:39

I also had a problem with Zone Alarm Internet Secuity when I updated, my PC was so slow it took 5 min. to load a webpage. tried many many different things,
what solved my problem was:

Uninstall ZA then
Go to C:\Program Files and delete the Zone Labs folder
Go to C:\WINDOWS\system32 and delete the ZoneLabs folder
REBOOT
Go to the Check Point Zone Alarm website and download the latest version of Zone Alarm Internet Secuity there, you probably wont need your key, I didnt.
PROBLEM SOLVED.

Its important that you download Zone Alarm Internet Secuity from the website and dont reinstall it from your disk.

I hope that it will also work for you...

**Dabhand16** · 09-04-2007, 22:47

Thanks for that. I'm waiting for a reply from their technical support at the moment, but I'll keep your suggestion in mind.

I uninstalled the app using their uninstaller which is supposed to remove all ZA files and folders, computer worked OK. I re-installed (clean install) and the computer immediately displayed the same problem. Uninstalling cured it again

I was so pleased to have ditched Norton, and ZA got a top review in a mag I trust too, so I don't really want to get rid of the ZA. Up until this latest update, it worked just fine.

j sotelo · 09-04-2007, 22:51

if you uninstall and go to C:\Program Files, and C:\WINDOWS\system32, their folder will remain, you need to remove those to get a true clean removal.

**Dabhand16** · 09-04-2007, 22:57

I did not realise that. While I'm waiting for their reply, I installed the basic free ZA firewall and the free AVG anti virus. I was considering doing this before I opted for the ZA Internet security.

As I said, I'll see what they say, and will try your cure if it looks like they are giving me the run-around.

Thanks again for your input - I appreiate it.

vicar · 14-04-2007, 18:16

Install 'Hijack This' run it and it will show you whats on your system. You can then use it to uninstall any trace of zone Alarm or apps left on your rig.

Please do not uninstall what you are not sure off. Caution, use it with care.

**Dabhand16** · 14-04-2007, 19:16

Thanks for theat Vicar. Since my last post, the free ZA firwall has also locked up and I've had to uninstall that too. I used the Za uninstaller then manually did the windows/system32/ZA folder.

Annoyingly, now researching another security suite, I've seen a couple of good reviews on Norton 2007. Both said that this version is much less resource hungry than previous versions, and that was the reason I ditched norton in the first place!

I have to say that in spite of the moaning and decrying the Norton product, over the years it has just worked. No conflicts, no hassel. I might just go back to Norton and put this down to experience.

vicar · 15-04-2007, 09:54

If it is any help i am now using Norton internet security 2007 on my vista premium and it's good, more easy to use than previous versions.

I like it.

**Dabhand16** · 15-04-2007, 19:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by vicar

If it is any help i am now using Norton internet security 2007 on my vista premium and it's good, more easy to use than previous versions.

I like it.

Thanks for the feedback. Looks like I'll be returning to fold, if you'll pardon the pun.

I take it that you are giving Vista the thumbs up too?

vicar · 25-04-2007, 23:55

Yes no probs so far in running vista except i MHo you need at least 2gig memory to get the best out of it.

**Dabhand16** · 26-04-2007, 07:27

Update. I have decided to go back to Norton as all of the reviews are saying that the 2007 version is a different animal to previous ones, and the hogging of resources issue is no longer there. All of the years I've been persevering with Norton it has always just worked and given no real problems other than the resource issue.

My initial fears that the HDD was on the way out have been proved wrong. The guy who built my computer had been running a really good deal on a new rig past me, but having done some research on the apps I use in video editing and finding out that all but one will not work on Vista, I decided not to upgrade my computer yet as I thought that when I did upgrade, it would make sense to go the Vista route.

I popped in to see him to just buy a new router and tell him that I would defer the new system until there was more compatibility with Vista, and some of the other issues I've discovered have been ironed out. When I left his shop, I had ordered a new system with the Duo Core processor, 2 gig of RAM, 160 and 320 gig HDDs, built-in card readers and WiFi + the new router and XP Pro!

I pick it up on Saturday.