XP Update breaks ZoneLabs

A recent Windows XP update (KB951748) caused an internet lockout for Zone Alarm users. I often install ZoneAlarm for my clients with ongoing security issues because it allows them to see incoming and outgoing traffic messages. This can be very informative for users, helping them to understand how many times their computer is connecting to the internet, and where it is reporting. Although the Windows XP firewall is equally robust, it tends to remain invisible to the user, and they may not even be aware if it is on or off.

Of course, the simplest solution to this problem was to activate the XP firewall, and deactivate ZoneAlarm. Thanks Microsoft! ZoneLabs counseled users to turn their Zone security settings from high to medium. ZoneLabs has released an update for Zone Alarm which will fix the problem.