From: Computerpilot on 10/30/2002
You need to uninstall Zone Alarm. Generally, I recommend that computer users that do not consider themselves to be slightly advanced or higher stays away from any *free* firewall software. May I recommend Norton Firewall 2003 or the Zone Alarm Pro suite? I think you will find these to be a better solution than what you are currently running.The problem with novice or average computer users and Zone Alarm is that they generally will be too liberal or conservative on what they choose to allow internet connection or not. The more conservative user will block out critical Operating System Internet access that will permantly disable your operating system even after Zone Alarm uninstall.
Now to the fix...
After you uninstall Zone Alarm, be sure that there are no instances of it running. Remember, you must completely uninstall Zone Alarm to get rid of it. Disabling will only make things worse. It still runs but blocks ALL internet transmissions instead of identifing them to you.
Depending on your operating system, you will want to run a System File Check (SFC) of your system files. Windows ME is the only OS that does not support this as it scans for system file corruption all the time. You probably will be ok if you just remove Zone Alarm with this operating system. With all others, you will need to post back what type of OS you are running for instructions (if you are unaware of how to accomplish this).
Hope this helps...
Oh, and by the way, you cannot sue the company. However, at the time of purchase, you can demand the particular software be removed. Once you have purchased the computer, you basically have signed a buyer/purchase agreement that you have agreed to purchase the computer with software 'as is'. Sorry, a little legal for you. If it makes you feel any better, the business that sold you the computer probably has some sort of warrenty. If it is still covered, just take it in.
Computerpilot