Why are all of my outgoing connections blocked with Zone Alarm?

Question

The "internet" zone is set to high - but I've never had any problems until I downloaded today's Windows Updates. I don't understand why it's blocking the connections either - the programs have access to the internet, outgoing DNS is checked, and so is outgoing broadcast/multicast.

One solution is to set it on medium - but then all of the ports will be exposed. Anyone else having trouble with zone alarm and today's updates? Here is an example when I try to access google.com with firefox 3: http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sr111/google1.png

Answer 1

I had my ZA originally set to medium and reducing to a lower security setting did nothing for me. (But the windows update as being the culprit is confirmed.)

I'm glad it worked for you 'cause all it means for me is that the windows update is buggy as h**l.

Same exact issues as OP.  Everything is checked and designated correctly, windows update screwed it up somehow.

If you're having same issues as me here's what you can do:

1.) Uninstall the Update (from reading from people that tried this it didn't always work for them.. I chose option 2).  If you want to use this method, the name of the update is "Windows Update KB951748".

2.) System Restore

When using either method, first make sure you're not installing your windows updates without prompts (otherwise  you'll just install the update again and be back to square one).  To toggle the windows updates go the start menu -- the start button on the bottom left corner -- select Control Panel >> System >>  Automatic Updates (TAB) >> Your desired option (I use "Download updates for me, but let me chose when to install them).

2 cont) To do a system restore use the START menu >> All Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> System Restore.

Select "Restore my computer to an earlier time" and hit NEXT button.  You'll see several dates in bold.  These are dates your computer saved settings on.  Select the most recent date (before the update was installed, ie. when your ZA stopped working properly) and keep following the prompts as you continue.

Using System Restore does NOT lose recent data.  Just make sure you close all programs and save any unsaved work before continuing with the System Restore.

Good luck! :D

Answer 2

Had that same problem a few hours ago. Luckily I didn't do the update on my other computer and was able to do some research on the zonealarm forums. The temporary fix is to set the internet settings to medium until microsoft fixes the problem. A Microsoft rep mentioned that it is not the fault of Zonealarm, but a glitch in the security update of Microsoft.

I set my computer that had the update already to the medium internet setting for Zonealarm and then under the medium setting, you can one at a time check on different things to increase the security. For example, you can checkmark the block outgoing udp and tcp ports and still be able to get to the internet. Keep the port ranges blank so that it blocks all outgoing ports.

Answer 3

The problem is a specific Security Update that Microsoft distributed this week that effects computers running ZoneAlarm (all editions).  This is the temporary fix until Zone Alarm issues the patch this morning:

Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs

Check the box "Show Updates"

Wait for the entire list of programs to load.

Scroll down and look for "Security Update for Windows XP KB951748"

Click Remove and uninstall the Hot Fix.

Restart your computer; it should be fine now.

***EDIT***

The patch is published but Yahoo is blocking the URL:

http:  slash  slash  forums  dot  zonealarm  dot  com  slash  zonelabs  slash  board?board.id=cfg

Answer 4

Blade651 is correct.  I had the same problem today with ZA blocking all my Internet connections, and I had not changed any settings in ZA.  I adjusted my "Internet Zone Security" to medium and was back online.  Thanks Blade!

Answer 5

Nancy G - Ur post worked perfectly! Good job!

Answer 6

thank  you for the answer. A 3,5 hours ago I noticed same problems with ZA, I have uninstalled the program at least 3 times without luck tried to find out what's wrong.

Thanks again! Have a nice summertime where ever you live, You saved my nigth.