Latest windows update KB951748 stops all internet access for Zone Alarm users. Just given me a hours grief to rectify so this warning might save others the trouble.


SJB

Many Thanks. I will keep a watch out as I use Zone Alarm.
Out of interest how did you end up rectifying the problem.

Trevor

Hi Trevor,

I checked my router diagnostics and this could ping google so I immediately suspected zone alarm, so I shut it down and I had access again.

As all I had done that could have possibly impacted was a windows update so I used the system restore to go back to before the update.

Rather helpfully zone alarm have the following on their site, how one is meant to access it if one needs it is a moot question.

Workaround to Sudden Loss of Internet Access Problem

Date Published : 9 July 2008

Date Last Revised : 9 July 2008

Overview : Microsoft Update KB951748 is known to cause loss of internet access for ZoneAlarm users.

Impact : Sudden loss of internet access.

Platforms Affected : ZoneAlarm Free, ZoneAlarm Pro, ZoneAlarm AntiVirus, ZoneAlarm Anti-Spyware, and ZoneAlarm Security Suite.

Recommended Actions - Option 1 (recommended) :

Uninstall the hotfix:
Click the Start Menu
Click the Settings menu
Click on Add or Remove Programs
On the top of the add/remove programs dialog box, you should see a check box that says "show updates"
Select this checkbox
Scroll down until you see "Security update for Windows (KB951748)"
Click remove to uninstall the hotfix.
.



Recommended Actions - Option 2 (also recommended but requires more technical skill) :

Add your DNS servers to trusted zone:
To add a single IP address:
From the Overview panel, select the Firewall panel then click on the Zones tab Click Add, then select IP address from the shortcut menu.
The Add IP Address dialog appears.
Select trusted from the Zone drop-down list.
Type the IP address and a description in the boxes provided, then click OK.
If you are not sure what IP addresses to add
Click the Start Menu
Click on Run
Type cmd.exe
In the command prompt type:
ipconfig /all
Look for DNS Server(s) in the output of the command
For each IP address listed, navigate to the zones panel of the firewall tab, add the IP address, select trusted zone, and press apply. After you are done adding DNS servers click the apply button.
.



Recommended Actions - Option 3 (not recommended as it temporarily reduces your security level) :

Navigate to the ZoneAlarm Firewall panel
Click on the Overview tab
Move the Internet Zone slider to medium.



SJB

Many Thanks.
You can always rely on Microsoft to bring out great security updates.
No internet access sorts most security problems.

Apparently today there are major patches being realised due to an insecurity in DNS lookup. Fozz

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7496735.stm

quote:

Some readers have contacted the BBC saying that applying Microsoft patch had caused problems with their PC. However, a Microsoft spokesman said its call centre staff had not seen any calls about such problems

Good old Microsoft! I wouldn't know where to start to go about phoning their call centre!



SJB

Uninstall the security patch as the recommended action? I wouldn't recommend it. It's a security patch, not a hotfix.

I'm not so sure all the blame can be laid at Microsoft's door.

Over two years ago, I had so much trouble with Zone Labs Security Suite conflicting with just about every program I cared to install on my PC. I literally had to run in Safe Mode in order for it not to crash whilst doing scans and there was no help forthcoming from their Customer support.

In the end I gave up and switched to McAfee instead. I haven't had a single problem with my security software since.

Steeve

Indeed I would not be the great advocate of Zone Alarm I once was. Strange I made the journey exactly the opposite way - McAffe to Zone Alarm- for exactly the same reasons about 4 or 5 years ago.


SJB

Many Thanks SJB

If I had not read your post yesterday I would have been stuffed.
XP Auto updated and rebooted this morning - No internet access.

ZoneAlarm now have an update on their web site if people can get there and download it.

Trevor

No problem, glad the post helped someone.


SJB

I was just about to post something on this very thing no Access to the web with XP ,although Vista on my lap top is fine ,more Micro$oft skulldugery to force us to change to Vista ??

Better still, why use zone alarm at all? If you're sat behind a BB Router with a
built in firewall you can block all incoming traffic to HTTP only.

Hardware is better than software.

Rich

Just in case anybody's having trouble the Zone Alarm download is here.

I can verify that it all seems to work correctly.