Zone Alarm Fire wall new questions.

[tpolcha]

I should have asked these questions first before I made my changes.  Learning and flying off the cuff.

I just deleted my Norton suite and have exchanged all my protections using free ware's.  My firewall of choice is Zone Alarm.

I just downloaded and installed it but I don't know how to find it.  How do I know it is turned on and protecting?  I should only be operating one firewall to avoid PC confusion.

During registration, it asked me to submit my address so I would get new information and I think updates via email.  Is Zone Alarm a completely stand alone (visually passive) program that I cannot make changes to or view its status.  I don't know when to turn off Window's default firewall that I still have "on".  Any ideas and your experience please.

Thanks, Tom

[Broni]

What Windows version? I can't give you instruction for Windows firewall without this info.
Windows firewall has to be disabled first, before installing ZoneAlarm.
Zone Alarm, if active, should show up as an icon in your taskbar.
Check C:\Program Files.....look for Zonelabs folder

[evilfantasy]

You should see ZA in your Task Bar. It should have installed to C:Program Files so you may look there for it.

Disable windows firewall http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283673

[evilfantasy]

Got scooped by Broni, sorry for double info....

[tpolcha]

Thanks Broni for your reply, at least we have a dialogue started.  My O/S is Window's 5.1.  Maybe you can readvise me again after I discuss my issue and assumptions.

First, I know how to use windows control panel and either the "firewall or security center" icons to disable the Window's firewall.  It is currently set to "on".  I've since removed the download; it completely locked up my internet capability.

While I had the download installed, I tried turning off the Win f/w and my internet capability was still disrupted.  I know it is a compromise to have two f/w's operating at the same time.

What I don't understand is, how do I access the internet to download the z/a f/w without the protection of of at least the window's f/w still in operation while I am working?

Am I missing a step?

Since I am new, it would help if the instructions come slow at my speed of understanding especially when it comes to learning how to access the program files discussion that was brought up earlier.

Incidently, the icon on my taskbar (as previously mentioned) never appeared.   I used the install / uninstall function to remove the download.
 

   

[Broni]

Firstly...

My O/S is Window's 5.1

I assume, we're talking Windows XP, then.

Secondly, turn your Windows firewall ON, for now.

Now, when you uninstalled Norton, it's very possible, it didn't remove everything, especially registry entries.
Go Start>Run, type in:
regedit
Hit Enter.
Registry Editor will open.
Go File>Export, and save your registry file to known location.
Go Edit>Find
In "Find" field type in:
Norton
Click OK.
When entry is found, right click on it, click Delete
Hit F3 to find next Norton related entry. Right click, Delete.
Continue, until no more Norton entries are found.

Repeat same action, looking for:
Symantec

Now, you need a firewall. I'm not a big fan of ZoneAlarm, so I'll recommend Comodo: http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
Download it.
Turn your Windows firewall OFF.
Install Comodo.
Restart computer to see, if everything checks out.

[tpolcha]

Broni,

I am still trying to clean up the PC with your instructions.  I think everything is working so far as I am editing the registry like you said to do. 

I've removed my spyware , rootkit and (from some time ago) past A/V trial programs.  I just got done deleting the Norton files the registry identified.  I have a new question now. 

After Norton; I asked the registry to "find" Symantec.  The left side of the screen seems to look like it located a point somewhere in the middle of the drop down tree.  I'm lookin at a mile listing of binary type files.  The point is, I don't know where Symantec starts and where it ends so I know I have completely deleted all the Symantec files. 

Any ideas how I should approach this?

Since you advised a free firewall, do you use and recommend a free anti virus?

Thanks for all your help. 

T   

[Broni]

The left side of the screen seems to look like it located a point somewhere in the middle of the drop down tree.  I'm lookin at a mile listing of binary type files.  The point is, I don't know where Symantec starts and where it ends

I'm not quiet sure, if I understand. When "Find" finds something, that entry is usually highlighted.

As for free antivirus, yes I'm using AVG free, and happy with it: http://free.grisoft.com/

[evilfantasy]

Have you tried the Norton Removal Tool?

[tpolcha]

Not yet.

First I felt is was more important for me to understand how to learn and use the "run" commands and functions of editing the registry.  I'm new so I am cautious and take my time learning; stop everytime I see something wrong or just don't understand it.  You guy's out there are a great help and I really appreciate your time.  By that; I can one day maybe help someone.

So I went back to work in the registry and think I have solved many of my problems.  The other reason I didn't run the tool yet was; if I'm going to remove Norton Symantec, installing the tool would be downloading more software and that might just compromise my initial objective which is to remove any identity of old Norton ware. 

Now that I cleaned it up, AVG A/V free edition is now working properly where it wasn't before when I started this project. 

Now back to the beginning of what started this whole dialogue; a firewall.  I've decided to stop my attempt working with Zone Alarm and go with the other recommendation "comodo".  What are your opinions, what has worked for you?

Tom

[tpolcha]

EvilF,

I just read your entry at the beginning of this catagory "read first".  Very informative; I will study it.

Thanks, T

[evilfantasy]

EvilF,

I just read your entry at the beginning of this catagory "read first".  Very informative; I will study it.

Thanks, T

Thanks 

The Norton Removal Tool runs from the desktop, it doesn't actually install. Just delete the exe when done and it is gone. I would still suggest running it. Symantec/Norton entries are everywhere and finding them all manually might be impossible.

Comodo and I/my computer don't get along very well. My preferrence is PC Tools Firewall Plus Free But everyone has their preference.

The registry is really not the place to start learning in. It is a dangerous place to make changes even for a skilled user. It is best to use tools to clean it up. The space gained by deleting dead entries is so minimal you will most likely never notice the difference.

Auslogics Registry Defrag is what I use "if" I am bored. It isn't something that needs to be done often.

Then the Registry cleaner in CCleaner is probably the safest to use.

Let us know how everything goes. EF

[Broni]

Comodo is the best, you can get (including paid firewalls).

[Broni]

I would still suggest running it.

I'd be curious myself, if it's gonna find more stuff.

[tpolcha]

I will give it all a try especially the removal tool; except the Ccleaner right now. 

I read an article that it could cause some interference with Window's Media Player 10. 

I had to roll back to WMP10 when my daughters b/d gift; mp3 player specifically required that version in order to download music to her player.   

I've collected and saved all of yall's notes.  Once again, I appreciate your help.  It has saved me allot of grief.  I'll post my new success's.

If you folk's live in America, please enjoy a Happy Thanks Giving.