BleepingComputer.com: Zonealarm Users Lose Connectivity After Microsoft Update

ZoneAlarm users found an unpleasant surprise this week when they installed the latest Microsoft Security Updates. If you use ZoneAlarm and installed the Microsoft Security Update KB951748, then you may have found that you are now having issues connecting to the internet. This is caused by a conflict between Zone Alarm and changes made by the Microsoft Update.

This issue is only affecting ZoneAlarm users who have their security level set to High. Some sites are recommending that you change your security level to Medium in order to resolve this issue. We do not think that is the correct answer as you are putting your computer at risk by lowering the security level. Instead, if you are using ZoneAlarm and are having these problems you should use the guide below to resolve your issue.

I experienced the same problem too. I had to completely remove Zone Alarm on my PC to make it work again.

Actually since I choose not to automatically Install Windows Updates I got away with it , I had already read all the Stories flying around the Web before it asked me to Install the Windows Updates including the Security Update mentioned, so I just waited till the Fix a week later and then updated the Security on Windows. Although I did backup my Data a bit during that week.

Well, I haven't installed zone alarm, but I also have problems with "Software Distribution Service 3.0. Ihave to RESTORE my PC to a point before that is installed. Is there a way to prevent my PC from installing that package from Microsoft?

To stop Windows Updates Installing Automatically follow this - Start > My Computer > View System Information > "Automatic Updates" Tab > Then set it to one of the other Options.

Hope that helps.