Upgrade from ZASS 7.0 to 9.1: Optimal way?

[eliuri]

Hello:

I'm using Zone Alarm Security Suite: 7.0.483.00

I had gone back to this 7.0 version over a year ago after some reboot problems (very slow Windows shutdowns) after having upgraded to an early 8.0 version. That problematic upgrade had been done via a clean uninstall-->install. Seemed then that ZASS 7.0.483.00 was the most stable version of ZASS at the time.

I would like to attempt to upgrade again to the latest version. I believe this to be ZASS: 9.1.008.000.

Quesions:

1) Have there been sufficient improvements in ZASS software since the early 8.0 series - to avoid the issues which forced me to go back to that earlier 7.0 version?


2) What is the optimal way to do this upgrade so to avoid those earlier problems which led me to go back to the earlier version in the past?


The exact sequence of the steps--as well as do's and dont's-- would be most appreciated.


Thanks in advance:

-Eliuri

=============

Windows XP Professional Edition: SP3

Zone Alarm Security Suite 7.0.483.000

Firefox 3.5.3

IE 7.0

Dell Computer
OptiPlex GX 260
1.5 Gig RAM
Pentium(R) 4CPU 2.00GHz

[GeorgeV]

Originally Posted by eliuri

Hello:

I'm using Zone Alarm Security Suite: 7.0.483.00

Quesions:

http://s118.photobucket.com/albums/o...h_1welcome.gif to the Zone Alarm User Forum..

Quesions:

1) Have there been sufficient improvements in ZASS software since the early 8.0 series - to avoid the issues which forced me to go back to that earlier 7.0 version?

There have been a few changes to ZASS since your Very Old ZASS 7.0.483.00.




ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite version 9.1.008.000 (Latest Version)[LIST][*]Windows 7 operating system compatibility[*]Component Object Model (COM) monitoring (to stop advanced attacks that use the COM Windows component)[*]Improved antivirus/anti-spyware with enhanced rootkit detection[/LIST]ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite version 9.0.114.000[LIST][*]Browser security fixes:[LIST][*]Fixed: Unable to install Adobe Flash Player add-on under Mozilla Firefox 3.5.3 in Internet mode[*]Fixed: Unable to install No Script add-on for Firefox when virtualization is enabled[*]Fixed: Communication with Smart Defense Advisor.[/LIST][/LIST][LIST][*]Other fixes:[LIST][*]Fixed: AV DAT version is correctly refreshed after an AV update[/LIST][/LIST]ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite version 9.0.112.000[LIST][*]Browser security fixes:[LIST][*]Fixed: Not possible to type in Internet Explorer (IE) 7 in Private browsing mode[*]Fixed: System stops responding after opening PDF file in IE 7 and 8 on XP when virtualization is on[/LIST][/LIST][LIST][*]Compatibility and Stability improvements:[LIST][*]Fixed: Blue screen crash after starting IE 7 (if ForceField is set to manual startup)[*]Fixed: Performance problems when using iTunes[*]Fixed: Screen freezes during ZoneAlarm installation or configuration in some cases[/LIST][/LIST][LIST][*]Other fixes:[LIST][*]Fixed: Adding a firewall rule to block a specific hostname blocked all traffic[/LIST][/LIST]ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite version 9.0.083.000[LIST][*]New Browser Security:[LIST][*]Advanced Download Protection:[LIST][*]Detects the latest zero-day threats in downloads that you initiate-before they reach your computer[*]Includes heuristic analysis and program check[*]Can run and analyze download behavior in a virtual environment if necessary[/LIST][*]Spy site detection[*]Signature and heuristic phishing detection[*]Website safety check and rating[/LIST][/LIST][LIST][*]New unified anti-virus and anti-spyware engine: [LIST][*]Scans 80%-90% faster and combines anti-virus and anti-spyware into one scan [*]More advanced scan options- riskware, ADS, heuristic scanning, and more exception options [*]Additional on-access scan controls [*]On-access scanning now detects spyware[/LIST][/LIST][LIST][*]Program control features to stop advanced security bypass attacks:[LIST][*]Timing attack protection[*]Service control manager protection (not supported on 64-bit and Windows 7)[/LIST][/LIST][LIST][*]Other enhancements:[LIST][*]Many performance improvements[*]Reduced number of unnecessary alerts[*]Windows 7 ready (Free compatibility update to run on Windows 7 when it is released)[/LIST]Note: To streamline in an age where web privacy controls are built into the most popular browsers and email attachment scanning is included in the major email applications, privacy controls and inbound MailSafe have been removed with this release.[/LIST]ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite version 8.0.400.020[LIST][*]Firewall Enhancements for the High level setting:[LIST][*]Service Control Manager (SCM) monitoring to catch drivers being launched[*]Raw disk access detection added to catch malware that tries to open the kernel memory directly[/LIST][*]Installation:[LIST][*]Cleaner uninstall[*]Automated Windows XP Service Pack 2 upgrade option[*]Faster upgrade installations[*]Vista Service Pack 2 support[/LIST][*]Fixed Issues:[LIST][*]Fixed issue where Antivirus could not be enabled.[*]Incompatibility issues with Remote Desktop connections have been resolved.[*]Incompatibility issues with Cisco VPN have been resolved.[/LIST][*]Other Enhancements:[LIST][*]Email security now supports 64bit Vista, IMAP accounts and the Windows Mail client[*]Stability and performance improvements[/LIST][/LIST]ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite version 8.0.298.035[LIST][*]Added extra Conficker worm detection.[/LIST]ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite version 8.0.059.000[LIST][*]Performance improvements:[LIST][*]Improved system boot time[*]Improved start-up time after hibernation and sleep mode[/LIST][*]Anti-virus improvements:[LIST][*]Fixed automatic antivirus/antispyware update setting not saving in Vista (ZoneAlarm Antivirus and Internet Security Suite)[*]Fixed view update not opening the update dialog (ZoneAlarm Antivirus and Internet Security Suite)[/LIST][*]Compatibility and Stability improvements:[LIST][*]Fixed compatibility issue with Microsoft VPN[*]Fixed occasional crashes in vsmon engine[*]Fixed occasional hangs during shutdown[/LIST][*]Various other improvements:[LIST][*]Various install and upgrade improvements[*]Two security enhancements[/LIST][/LIST]ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite version 8.0.020.000[LIST][*]Fixed compatibility issue with Network Magic and networking software that comes with certain brands of routers[/LIST]ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite version 8.0.015.000[LIST][*]Security improvements:[LIST][*]Many Firewall/OSFirewall improvements stop more attacks, pass leak tests[*]Enhanced self-protection. More hardening and other self-protection added to withstand an onslaught of attacks ("stability under fire")[*]Early boot protection - new icon with a special tooltip now appears sooner during start-up (though security is active even before the icon shows).[*]Enhanced: Root-kit protection within OSFirewall blocks more threats[*]New daily credit monitoring - monitors your credit reports daily with email alerts and reports; notifies you if there have been changes because these are often an indication of identity theft.[*]Newly updated Identity Protection Center makes it easier for you to protect your identity in the physical world too.[*]Various antivirus and anti-spyware improvements.[/LIST][*]Performance improvements:[LIST][*]Anti-virus: Scan modes added so you only scan what you need, increasing scan speed by 50% while still providing superior protection[*]Improved reboot time, login time, session start, UI loading, various other performance improvements throughout the product.[/LIST][*]Ease-of-use improvements:[LIST][*]New User Interface[*]One-click Fix-it button lets you fix issues instantly[*]Improvements in Smart Defense: Millions of applications have security access automatically pre-set so the user doesn't have to set them[/LIST][/LIST]ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite version 7.0.483.000
==================================

2) What is the optimal way to do this upgrade so to avoid those earlier problems which led me to go back to the earlier version in the past?


The exact sequence of the steps--as well as do's and dont's-- would be most appreciated.

================================

The simplest procedure is to :

1.Download the Latest ZASS installer preferably with IE Browser and no Download Manager/accelerator like Get-Right, Livewire, Bit-Torrent) and save it to your Hard drive.

(MultiPlatform, installer will install on Both WinXP SP3 and Vista)


ZASS http://download.zonealarm.com/bin/fr...seHistory.html

2. Before you Uninstall your current ZA, UNcheck "Load ZA... at startup" (under Overview - Preferences tab)

3. Reboot the Computer. So that vsmon.exe/TrueVector will be removed from Memory

4.) Now use the new ZoneAlarm Removal Tool: Click here http://download.zonealarm.com/bin/fr...cpes_clean.exe

Save to desktop, right click and "run as administrator" This tool will remove all ZoneAlarm products from your system.

Please just download and run the tool, following the instructions. (you can un-install without net connections)

5.) Now Install the new update (clean) and Accept the default Setting, Auto-Learn Mode and Choose Trusted Zone, not Internet Zone..

NOTICE: Please note that ZASS and ZAXS do not play nice with many overlapping security tools (even if disabled).

To troubleshoot ZASS/ZAXS issues removethe other Security programs and re-install them once you see that ZA works as it should.

For example, the Following programs do not work well with ZoneAlarm, Norton/Symantec, McAfee,AVG, Spyspweeper, Spyware Doctor, trojan hunter, adware, SpyBotSearch & Destroy, PC tools Threat Fire, any other Anti-virus, Anti-spyware, Registry Guard or locking tools, etc...

Please Post back with your Progress Report..
--------------------------------------------------------

[eliuri]

Thanks George:

Yes, seems much has been improved...

Three follow-up questions:

1) Can I run that Removal Tool without first running the ZA uninstall program? Or is that only intended to clean up after an uninstall?

2) Need I verify that those Program Files\Zone Alarm, Windows\System 32\Zone Alarm files, and Windows\Internet Logs are in fact removed after running that tool? And then delete those if they aren't? Or is this tool sufficient?

3) Can the ForceField add-ons/functionality in ZASS: 9.1.008.000 be prevented from installation during the routine installation procedure, or must this be done via a custom install?

If those add-ons are installed along with the ZASS, can they later be uninstalled or disabled afterwards? Can the Forcefield service also be disabled, or will it continue running in the background?

I had read about some difficulties caused by the Force Field function in both Firefox 3.5 and in using foreign languages. I use foreign language fonts a good deal of the time, as well as Firefox 3.5. Hence my concern about this.

Thanks again for your detailed answer:

-Eliuri

[GeorgeV]

Originally Posted by eliuri

Thanks George:

Yes, seems much has been improved...

Three follow-up questions:

1) Can I run that Removal Tool without first running the ZA uninstall program? Or is that only intended to clean up after an uninstall?

2) Need I verify that those Program Files\Zone Alarm, Windows\System 32\Zone Alarm files, and Windows\Internet Logs are in fact removed after running that tool? And then delete those if they aren't? Or is this tool sufficient?

3) Can the ForceField add-ons/functionality in ZASS: 9.1.008.000 be prevented from installation during the routine installation procedure, or must this be done via a custom install?

If those add-ons are installed along with the ZASS, can they later be uninstalled or disabled afterwards? Can the Forcefield service also be disabled, or will it continue running in the background?

I had read about some difficulties caused by the Force Field function in both Firefox 3.5 and in using foreign languages. I use foreign language fonts a good deal of the time, as well as Firefox 3.5. Hence my concern about this.

Thanks again for your detailed answer:

-Eliuri

1.) All you need do is run the ZA Removal tool..
and follow the istructions durring the removal..

2.) is this tool sufficient, YES, Just the removal tool..

3.) when Re-installing ZASS , don't get in a Hurry, Read each display..

one of the displays will ask you if you want to install two Browser ADD-ONs.. Un-check both Add-on's.. that will eleminate the Forcefield add on..

as for FireFox.. Lucky for me, I never used FireFox, so I never had a problem with fireFox..

[jrwooden]

George:

I can only guess at how many thousands of hours of frustration your posts here have helped other users of ZA avoid ;-)

I am getting prepared to upgrade to V9.1 from V8.0.
I have AdAware and MalwareBytes-AntiMalware installed on my PC, but WITHOUT the resident scanners/background portions of their programs running. I run and interactive scan with these products from time to time just to get a "second opinion". I have seen no problems with this configuration and ZA V8.0. Would you think this would be OK for V9.x as well?

THANKS!
Jim

[GeorgeV]

Originally Posted by jrwooden

George:

I can only guess at how many thousands of hours of frustration your posts here have helped other users of ZA avoid ;-)

I am getting prepared to upgrade to V9.1 from V8.0.
I have AdAware and MalwareBytes-AntiMalware installed on my PC, but WITHOUT the resident scanners/background portions of their programs running. I run and interactive scan with these products from time to time just to get a "second opinion". I have seen no problems with this configuration and ZA V8.0. Would you think this would be OK for V9.x as well?

THANKS!
Jim

Welcome to the Zone Alarm User Forum

I see no problem using those two Malware programs from time to time, just do not run then Full time ..

The simplest procedure is to :

1.Download the Latest ZA installer preferably with IE Browser and no Download Manager/accelerator like Get-Right, Livewire, Bit-Torrent) and save it to your Hard drive.

(MultiPlatform, installer will install on Both WinXP SP3 and Vista and Windows7)

http://server.iad.liveperson.net/hc/...10&action=view

2. Before you Uninstall your current ZA, UNcheck "Load ZA... at startup" (under Overview - Preferences tab)

3. Reboot the Computer. So that vsmon.exe/TrueVector will be removed from Memory

4.) Now use the new ZoneAlarm Removal Tool: Click here http://download.zonealarm.com/bin/fr...cpes_clean.exe

Save to desktop, right click and "run as administrator" This tool will remove all ZoneAlarm products from your system.

Please just download and run the tool, following the instructions. (you can un-install without net connections)

5.) Now Install the new update (clean) and Accept the default Setting, Auto-Learn Mode and Choose Trusted Zone, not Internet Zone..

NOTICE: Please note that ZASS and ZAXS do not play nice with many overlapping security tools (even if disabled).

To troubleshoot ZASS/ZAXS issues removethe other Security programs and re-install them once you see that ZA works as it should.

For example, the Following programs do not work well with ZoneAlarm, Norton/Symantec, McAfee,AVG, Spyspweeper, Spyware Doctor, trojan hunter, adware, SpyBotSearch & Destroy, PC tools Threat Fire, any other Anti-virus, Anti-spyware, Registry Guard or locking tools, etc...

Please Post back with your Progress Report..
--------------------------------------------------------

[phyl]

There is a long list of changes through the version, but what they don't tell you are the features that get REMOVED! A few versions ago they removed the IM security feature without any announcement, it was just gone. Version 9 now has NO MORE ad-blocking and script control. While the script blocking has caused some problems, I quite enjoyed browsing with few ads, whereas after "upgrading" Internet Explorer is now filled with nasty ads and scripts. If you enjoyed the ad-blocking feature you now will have to invest in an additional product.

[fax]

Hi!

the removal of ZA privacy control is clearly reported in the release history, the same applied to IM sometime ago.

You can use the free adblocking extention in firefox or IE7PRO in IE to block ads and active content. No need to pay for a tool to do that.

Cheers,
Fax

[phyl]

Originally Posted by fax

You can use the free adblocking extention in firefox or IE7PRO in IE to block ads and active content. No need to pay for a tool to do that.
Fax

Thanks, I will try this.

[fax]

You're welcome!
We try our best here doing voluntary free support... not always our work is appreciated.

Cheers,
Fax