Thank you so much for this bit of information. I did as you instructed and downloaded an update from Zone Alarm, but I still had to move that 'high' setting down to 'medium.' If not, then I couldn't get online. So I thought by uninstalling that 'hot fix' (#KB951748) would fix it for me, (so I could keep my setting on HIGH) I did that, but before it finished uninstalling, it said if I uninstalled that fix, then I would lose the ability of KB951978 from working. I don't know why MS doesn't know how these affect certain firewalls, if not all of them. Possibly Gates left at the right time!! Harriet -------------------------------------------------------------- Hello Harriet; I believe this addresses the issue you are dealing with; http://download.zonealarm.com/bin/free/pressReleases/2008/LossOfInternetAccess Issue.html Good luck. Bill ----- Original Message ----- From: [log in to unmask] (mailto:[log in to unmask]) > _Update for Windows XP (KB951978)_ > (javascript:parent.fnExpandDetails(10);) > (javascript:parent.fnExpandDetails(8)) _Windows Malicious Software > Removal Tool - July 2008 (KB890830)_ (javascript:parent.fnExpandDetails(8);) > _Security Update for Windows XP (KB951748)_ (javascript:parent.fnExpandDetails(9);) > I have a Dell Dimension 8400 using Win. XP Home.... and I also have been > using Zone Alarm free firewall, and Avast free Anti-virus. While ago, > Windows informed me I had some updates to download (the above). I did that, but > when I tried to get online, I couldn't get on. I looked in my firewall and > things had been changed about in there, and I don't know what is supposed > to be checked and which is not. So I changed it back, it still didn't work, so I > called the phone company and they told me to disengage my firewall .... I > did and it worked. So something in the firewall prevented me from getting > online. I had everything checked so it could do that, but it has to be Win > downloads and not my firewall. > So, I did a system restore to remove the downloads which now works. Does > any one know what Microsoft did in those three downloads to make those > downloads not work. And why does my Firewall get different settings > when I never touch it. Is there a better firewall or at least one that is easier to > work with than Zone Alarm which is free. > What I also want to know if how can I get past those three updates and > make it work with my firewall? Harriet **************Get the scoop on last night's hottest shows and the live music scene in your area - Check out TourTracker.com! (http://www.tourtracker.com?NCID=aolmus00050000000112) Do you want to signoff PCBUILD or just change to Digest mode - visit our web site: http://freepctech.com/pcbuild.shtml