I recently deleted and reloaded ZA free as a first step in a cleanup process. I know I must re-allow access to known programs but I keep getting access requests even though I have already answered with "remember". I think the problem is that my system self-reboots (xp) and the responses are lost. It seems to work better if I make a clean restart after giving each answer but that is very time-consuming. Is there a way to save the settings without going thru the shutdown process?

mike,

this is only if you want all these programs and ip's you are talking about to be blocked, otherwise, don't listen to me.

you could always turn your Internet Zone Security and Trusted Zone Security to High and turn Alert Events off, so you'll never get those popups again, and anything that should be being blocked anyway will be blocked. and then if you ever have problems with programs accessing the internet, i'm sure you know how to add programs to your allowed list

NeoEnder

Sounds to me like your database is corrupt if it will not remember your settings. This can occur as a result of abnormal shutdown like a power outage or computer crash. What happens is True Vector doesn't have time to write the files on your settings. I believe you can fix this by resetting your database. You will lose all your customizations in ZoneAlarm.

1. Go into the Overview Preferences tab and turn off "Load ZoneAlarm at startup".
2. Reboot into safe mode. Instructions if needed
3. Go into the folder named internet logs {do a search if you don't know where it is in your OS}.
4. Delete everything in that folder.
5. Empty the recycle bin.
6. Reboot into normal windows.
7. Restart ZA manually.
8. Recheck the "Load ZoneAlarm at startup".

[quote="BillC"]Sounds to me like your database is corrupt if it will not remember your settings. This can occur as a result of abnormal shutdown like a power outage or computer crash. What happens is True Vector doesn't have time to write the files on your settings. I believe you can fix this by resetting your database. You will lose all your customizations in ZoneAlarm.quote]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for that great info. I've had exactly the same thing - might be a coincidence, but I noticed that this was more likely to happen after using the windows update and installing a patch or fix ... previously well behaved products fall over.

(Did not ask but has the user checked to make sure that his operating system has not automatically set the firewall on - this happens after on of the XP PRO updates (can't recall which) ... but does seem to cause problems with ZAPRO (any other software firewall too I suspect). There is only supposed to be one firewall (software) running at the same time or both get stuffed up. If the user does not know how to check just ask ...

I sorta knew there was some sort of database but thought such things might be stored in the registry (like outlook express rules for example).

My solution has worked always, and as you say, you lose all previous settings. I just re-install and then specify a clean installation that does kill the faulty files (and settings) without having to re-enter the key. Pretty fast - both solutions require a reboot though.

I do wonder if there may be a link between this and XP PRO restore ... just a thought. Some programs (like Interbase for example) use a default file extension that somehow causes Restore to fire every time you access the database - over time leading to decreased performance and eventual corruption.

But if I understand what was said originally, ZAPRO has already been 'told' to deny a program server rights to the internet (for example) and upon re-boot ZAPRO asks if messenger can have server rights and offers you the opportunity to tick the box to 'remember'. And yet you can see the big X saying no while at the same time seeing this dialog box.

I'll hunt around to see if there is a utility to fix this. When it happens in outlook express (and it does every now and then) you just rename the old folders file and a new one is created on next use.

I have also noticed a link between the length of time you take before seeing the logon screen and logging on - it is OS dependent. But the general observation has been to wait just a little long and you *should* be OK - as in, less likely to run into problems.

The more stuff you have to load at startup then the longer you might need to wait even on a fast PC.

Will keep you info on treatment in a safe place though ... like I said, great stuff.

Mike C
Australia