MSN Messenger and Zone Alarm

[Stu_Millard]

Have you considered that it might just be a conflict between ZA and Windoze firewall?

Does ZA work without problems if the Windoze fw is off?

I can discount that. I have ZA configured so that when it is active, XPFW is not. There is only one firewall running at any one time.

[Stu_Millard]

you say that you switch zone alarm off and sign in to msn...what happens if you then turn zone alarm on again?

I think I need to clarify what I do. If I connect with ZA active, MSN (9 times out of 10) won't connect - but equally won't give any errors saying why). If I disconnect, disable ZA (I ain't going online on a BB connection with no firewall!), enable XPFW and reconnect, MSN lets me sign in - I haven't then tried activating ZA as that would disable XPFW (see previous reply to DS).

I might just build m'self a hardware firewall - I've got enough spare equipment lying around here to do it!

[deeze792]

you say that you switch zone alarm off and sign in to msn...what happens if you then turn zone alarm on again?

oh and have you told ZA that MSN can act as both server and client??

[deeze792]

oh and have you told ZA that MSN can act as both server and client??

I'm just browsing round some forums that help me when I get a problem

[damian_steele]

It seems that you are very definitely not alone in having these problems.

http://forum.zonelabs.com/zonelabs/s...msn+zone+alarm

This link shows just one or two (ahem!) threads on the ZA forum talking about the same issue. I didn't feel like dedicating the necessary few weeks it would take to go through them all looking for an answer.

So, enjoy!

[swopmebob]

Nah. Privacy control is on medium, although I suppose I could try and specifically allow cookies for MSN, but I don't think that that's the problem since, when Zone Alarm is off and the XP Firewall is in place, it's no bother... Ho hum, working at the moment though. El bizarro.

I did consider going for Zone Alarm Pro, but I'm a bit loathe to buy a piece of software when the current free version doesn't let the one thing out that I really WANT it to let out! And I don't trust XP Firewall enough yet to let it run unaided (if at all!)

Never had any problems with MSN when I was using zone alarm pro.But have gone back to Norton AV now.Not because of zone alarm fault.

[Stu_Millard]

oh and have you told ZA that MSN can act as both server and client??

Tried letting it have full access in both "Access" and "Server" sections for Trusted and Internet Zones - no difference.

But like I said, irritatingly working the minute I posted the question. Might be time to replace Zone Alarm (and buy something!) or speak to my buddies in Internet Security at work and have a look at their hardware firewalls for ideas....

[deeze792]

Tried letting it have full access in both "Access" and "Server" sections for Trusted and Internet Zones - no difference.

But like I said, irritatingly working the minute I posted the question. Might be time to replace Zone Alarm (and buy something!) or speak to my buddies in Internet Security at work and have a look at their hardware firewalls for ideas....

weird

Speak to ya buddies Stu

[Cocksparrer]

I have MSN & Zone Alarm, no problems with any of them. Try going into your ZA and check out whats being allowed in & out as traffic cant remember which section its in as im not at my pc at the moment. Good luck

[paladinz2k]

I use the Pro version of ZA and have no problems with Messenger.

The new Advisor in it seems to be unfinished, it doesnt even recognise Messenger or half the other programs, which is fine by me as I like to do my own settings anyhow. Its found a few dodgy items that Norton 2005 and McAfee never spotted as well.

Its not really recommended to run 2 firewalls, you are liable to get conflicts, far better to run one that you are happy with. If it it is so unreliable you need a 2nd backup firewall then its not suitable for the job in the first place.

Ever considered getting a router and doing away with a firewall?