Stupid Windows update from MS!!

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Today I dutifully did windows updates on 2 computers. 1 XP pro, the other Win 2000. At the conclusion both had the same problem. Firefox, IE, Eudora, Skype … none could get to the internet. Finally on XP I did a system restore to a point prior to the update, and all is well on that machine. There is no such option on Win 2000. Any hints how I can get it back in operation … very frustrating as it is my main machine. … Al Stewart

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This won’t help with your current problem, but, the moral of the story is “check with Woody before you apply MS updates!”.

For your sake, I hope MS issues a fix to their fix quickly

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Thanks — I think!!

I managed to uninstall the last two security updates from today, and I’m back on line. — It was another learning experience.

Al

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You might want to read the knowledge base articles to see if there are any caveats. There may also be more information on what the patch is trying to fix. That might lead you to what is going on after the patch is applied. BTW, are both PCs otherwise up-to-date with service packs and patches?

Joe

--Joe

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Yep … both are completely uptodate … except for these that I uninistalled. I will be looking at MS again to see what they were supposed to be doing.

Thanks again.

Al

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If you are running ZoneAlarm see MS update KB951748 and ZoneAlarm — PROBLEM – dslreports.com for information about something that reads like your problem.

Joe

--Joe

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Thanks for the heads-up. Nice (I think) to know I’m not alone with the problem.

Al

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Hello Al, Could you please post the KB number of the updates that you installed that caused your problem? I don’t want to go through the same thing, so I will not install them if they show up when I do the Windows Update thingy.

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The problem appears to be update 951748 if you have the ZoneAlarm firewall – see AskWoody.

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My what swift service,

Thanks Hans.
Since I don’t use ZA, Windows Update will not suggest that update. But, it’s good to have the KB number, just in case.

I would like to ask a question re: the difference between Windows Update and Microsoft Update? Do they both perform the same task or is one better than the other?

Thank you.

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Microsoft *will* suggest that update to all Windows XP users. It only causes problems (as far as I know) if you have ZoneAlarm. I don’t have ZoneAlarm and installed the update without problems.

Microsoft Update is the newer, integrated update service, it combines Windows Update and Office Update. In general, I’d recommend using Microsoft Update.

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The answer is already posted …but yes … it appears to be 951748. I uninstalled two “security” updates on general principles, but I will put the other one back and wait until MS or Zone Alarm comes up with a solution to 951748.

Al

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>”I will put the other one back and wait until MS or Zone Alarm comes up with a solution to 951748.”

Expect it to come from Microsoft. ZoneAlarm won’t care because it was Microsoft that created the incompatable or corrupt update.

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Microsoft was closing an security issue. It is likely they will not change the patch because one third party program is incompatible. It is more likely that ZoneAlarm will have to issue an update.

Joe

--Joe

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Zone Alarm is looking at it …

Al

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It was their security hole in the first place and ZoneAlarm worked fine before they patched the hole. But, if ZoneAlarm is already looking into it, I suppose the 800 pound gorilla will prevail.

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Yes all that is true. Microsoft patched a hole is their operating system. I’m sure that the Windows firewall worked just fine. Generally, it is a third party vendor’s responsibility to ensure that their software works with an operating system not the other way around particularly when it is a security problem.

Joe

--Joe

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I know one thing: I’m glad I’m usually a procrastinator on OS patching, even though I don’t always read Woody’s warnings.

See Woody’s latest dated today! I guess I might have to be thinking about a new firewall if ZA is taking that kind of approach. Can’t afford to let the OS security go un-patched for long, OR be without a successful firewall.

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I agree; not quite the response you want from someone you’ve grown to trust.

I hope it’s just a stop gap, while the real fix is being feverishly worked upon.

If not, I guess the coming weekend is a good time to research & review the alternatives (although I’d rather be doing something more constructive).

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Whoa, wait a minute folks! Am I reading something wrong or not? I finally took the time to check the press release that Woody mentions in his latest. What Woody didn’t quote in his blurb is that there are links to download the latest which alleges to fix the loss of connectivity problem. That’s in addition to the “fixes” Woody did mention of adjusting ZA or removing the MS hotfix.

I followed the ZA link to the free version and downloaded ZoneAlarm Free 7.0.483.000 which is newer than the 7.0.473.000 I’m currently running. Do you suppose this 483 and the MS patch ARE compatible or have I missed something somewhere?

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Yes, they state[indent]

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Download and install the latest versions which solve the loss of internet access problem here:

or follow the directions below.

Option 1: Move Internet Zone slider to Medium

Option 2: Uninstall the hotfix

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[/indent]So ZA has already fixed the problem by releasing an updated version that is compatible with KB951748.

Changing security settings or uninstalling the hotfix are alternative workarounds, not ZA’s primary suggestion.

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The weekend is free again! Thanks for the update Hans – that’s more like the reply I would have expected from ZA.

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