ZoneAlarm Update

[cadenton]

I have been successfully using the standard (free) version of Zone Alarm (version 3.1.291) on my IBM Think Pad (W2k) for over a year. I just attempted to download and install a Zone Alarm update (3.7.193).

It would start the installation process. The message then said that TrueVector was running and it would have to be closed to continue with the installation. I didn't know what TrueVector was. But after checking at the Zone Labs online Forum, I discovered that my problem was not unique. In fact, others have encountered more severe reactions to the update.

Now I'm a little afraid to try to get this update installed. What's the problem w/the update? How can I solve it? Is it worth it -- to update Zone Alarm?

Craig

 

[PaulTEG]

Truevector as I understand it is the actual firewall that does the packet inspection to determine whether or not the packet is allowed through.

I'm about to upgrade my own, and I'll report back here

2.6.362 to 3.1.395

Rgds
--Paul

It's important in life to always strike a happy medium, so if you see someone with a crystal ball, and a smile on their face ...

 

[PaulTEG]

No problems

Shut down zone alarm first
Run the update
Reboot

No problems, nicer interface

Should you upgrade, yes, mailsafe to quarantine vb script attachments is one reason, I can't imemdiately see any other upgrades, but I had the old version for 2 years, I'm sure there's newer patterns added, just haven't time to llok for them

Regards
Paul

It's important in life to always strike a happy medium, so if you see someone with a crystal ball, and a smile on their face ...

 

[cadenton]

That sounds promising. I already updated Zone Alarm on my Windows 98 desktop with no trouble at all. The problem installation is with my laptop, which runs Windows 2000. All the updating problems (described in the Zone Lab forums) seem to result with the W2k operating system.

I'm curious, which OS are you using?

 

[PaulTEG]

98, in w2k, did you check that the ZA processes were shut down before attempting the upgrade

It's important in life to always strike a happy medium, so if you see someone with a crystal ball, and a smile on their face ...

 

[cadenton]

I tried to update yet again -- after I had shut down the ZA Processing. It still hung-up and said that True Vector was running...and that the update couldn't proceed. Any other ideas?

 

[PaulTEG]

Disconnect from the network/internet.
Log on as adminsitrator, kill the true vector service, and shutdown Zone Alarm, then reinstall

HTH
--Paul

 

[cadenton]

I just tried all that. As before however, the installation program unpacks 22% of the contents and then stops, and opens the window stating that "True Vector is still running...and must be shut down...before the intallation can proceed." It says to use the "service manager" to shut down True Vector.
I went to the Task Manager "Proccesses" and tried to close "vsmon.exe" but it wouldn't let me. I don't see anything else running in the Task Manager that might relate to ZA -- but then again, I don't know exeactly what I'm looking for, etc.
Sorry. More ideas?

 

[PaulTEG]

Craig,

Is this still the same binary you downloaded a while ago? It might be corrupt, if you're on DSL or whatever can you download it again.

It's a good idea to know what services you're running, can you post a list of all running services that you DON'T know after you've killed the vsmon.exe. I don't have W2K at home, though I support it on several client sites, so I don't know which ones might be causing the problem.

Cheers
--Paul

 

[cadenton]

I downloaded a new copy of the 3.7 update from Zone Labs. I closed Zone Alarm. I shut down all the "processess" that I was allowed to -- using my W2K Task Manager. The installation still froze at 22%, gave me the same "True Vector" message, and wouldn't finish the installation.

Maybe the explanation provided by the "Forum Moderator" on Zone Labs' "User Community" page is true in my case:

"Zone Labs is continuing to investigate the reports regarding 3.7 upgrades."

"If you have a high CPU problem with version 3.7.098, you should upgrade to the latest version."

"If you have Windows 2000 and some programs will not start up with ZA running, you have several options.

(A) Be sure you are connected to the Internet or local network. This usually occurs only when disconnected.

(B) You can uninstall the latest version if you still have this problem, and revert to the previous version (see links below).

The problem will be resolved in the next release. Until then, the previous versions can be downloaded from the links below. If a link is broken, please copy and paste in order to get the entire link into your browser window."

 

[PaulTEG]

Craig,
Have you logged onto the machine as the administrator and killed the processes (processii) you belive to be the problem.

It looks like an "out" by ZA in that they're deferring you to a previous release, but admin privs on the local machine should allow you to completely uninstall the "previous" release, and install the new one.

How happy are you about the prospect of "tweaking" your registry

==Paul
Talk 2 you tomorrow, giving up cigarettes, looking forward to hangover at present (Not to be confused with a German port...only the spanish brew a fine port...enough already!!)

 

[cadenton]

Yes, I'm logged in as the administrator. So I guess I can just uninstall the old program entirely -- and start new, by installing the new version. Is it worth it? After all this, the old version works just fine. Am I asking for trouble? I'm not thrilled about "tweaking" my registry. That's a little beyond me.

 

[edfair]

There are some built in problems that can happen with a corrupted upgrade. You can get to the point that you can't upgrade, and you can't remove.
Solution if you've hit that spot is a manual removal as outlined on the ZA website. But it does take some registry work, but it is well documented.

Ed Fair
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[PaulTEG]

Craig,

Ask yourself, what have you got to lose by having a go?
Backup your data, and have a go, worst case scenario, you've gotta rebuild the machine, and your data's backed up so you can restore.

The registry's basically one big ole .ini file, but it's not rocket science. Take a backup before you start anything, at least that way you have somewhere to return to.

Have a go

By following this advice you, the reader, absolve me of any responsibility, and I expect no recompense in return if your issue is resolved (or not).

Damn, shoulda done law

Cheers
==>Paul

 

[jrpatdlgs]

Hi folks,

At the risk of jumping in here with both feet in my mouth, I'll offer a suggestion -- after stipulating that I did NOT have time to read all of your previous posts carefully. The trick to dealing with True Vector is to make sure ZA does NOT start up on boot. Don't bother shutting stuff down after you boot. Instead go and uncheck the "start up on boot" box on the main ZA screen. Then reboot the pc and you should be good to go with the upgrade as True Vector will not load.

If you have a DSL or cable "always on" connection and you're paranoid like me, then physically unplug the internet connection before you reboot.

Good luck.

John

 

[cadenton]

No need to apologize. Jump right in; the water's fine.
I tried unchecking the "star-up on boot" box in the ZA "Preferences" window, as you suggested. Unfortunatly, it didn't solve the problem.
The installation update continues to hang-up up exactly at 22% (just like it always has) and then I get the window -- explaining that True Vector is still running...blah...blah...blah, etc. Thanks for trying though.

 

[Ogi]

Download the latest version, 4.?? it's far better than 3.??, if you need to, start in Safe Mode, uninstall ZA then restart your PC and install the new version!

Cheers,
Carl.

 

[cadenton]

I'm just using the free version of Zone Alarm. I don't think they offer 4.?? in the free version. Do they? I don't see it available for downloading.

 

[Ogi]

Ah! You may be right, I've purchased mine as I really like this product.

Have you checked their site for uninstalling their product, I'm sure there is documentation there and will point out some files that may need manually deleting. I've got vague memories that there are certain files that need deleting within System32!!

Cheers,
Carl.

 

[usefulmaybe]

Craig,

Did you ever get this sorted out or are you still pulling hair?

Just a though which may help! You say you are using Win2K, have you gone to Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Services, located TrueVector Internet Monitor in the list of services, right clicked and selected properties, looked for where it states startup type (drop down box) and selected disabled. Reboot your PC and go back into the services list as described, and check that it says disabled next to it in the status field. If so you'll know that the True Vector Engine definately hasn't started up as a service and perhaps give it another go from there.

In my experience Zonealarm is designed in such a way that it shuts down the True Vector Monitor as part of the upgrade install, without any user intervention other than a Yes/No answer whe requested by the software install.

This really must be doing your head in!?

Let me know how you get on.

Darren