(Solved) Zone Alarm Installation Problems

[4dsmom]

I recently posted about having a problem with Zone Alarm wanting to connect to the internet each time Windows ME loaded. I decided to solve my problem by removing 3.1.395 by using add & remove programs. I downloaded version 2.6.88.2 from oldversion.com. When I try to install it, I get this message. " VSDB.DLL file is linked to missing export VSUTIL.DLL. Default exception filter. C:\windows\system\zonelabs\vsmon.exe A device attached to system is not functioning. I checked and the first of these 2 above mentioned files are in a zonelabs folder in windows\system. The second is in windows system and windows temp folders. I tried moving the zonelab folder to the recycle bin and I still get same messages and it makes a new folder and leaves same files behind. I tried both the 2.6.88.2 and the 3.1.395 installations and the same thing happens with both. I did not do anything but remove program with add & remove. I touched nothing else. I emailed Zone Lab but the priority in getting answers go to their paying customers. I understand that, but I am puzzled. Any suggestions?

 

[jbcalg]

ZA is one where it's best to use it's own uninstall (found in the Zone alarm folder)instead of the Window's add/remove

here's the ZA help page for various versions
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/support/znalmInstallFAQ.jsp

and here's a good resource: http://www.moonlake.net/security/docbza3.htm

i'd start with a complete uninstall following the steps outlined, then reboot, then run a registry cleaner, then reboot, then install

good thing it's a free program

 

[4dsmom]

Thank you, I will try that. I am afraid to do anything to registry. Afraid I will mess it up, so will try to do these oyther recommended thing. Should I delete the zonelab folders? I have 1 in windows system that contains 5 files....html.tdr, vsdb.dll, vsmon.exe, VSMON.RPT, vsruledb.dll.
thanks

 

[Deke40]

If you don't do it exactly like ZA suggests you will have many problems. I used the uninstall I got with ZA and it took me a long time before I could even access the internet. You will keep getting a ZA window. Good Luck.

 

[jbcalg]

just follow the ZA instructions, even print them out to refer to - it explains what to remove/delete and where to find it

you're wise to be cautious around the registry, but as long as you make a backup of the registry (store it where you can find it easily) and be sure you have the correct keys, then it's not a big deal to make the changes

good luck

 

[4dsmom]

Dear jbcalg

Now I really did it. I was having some problems with Pc freezing up and decided to do a system restore. I took it back to when I still had Zone Alarm. I thought whoopee! I fixed it. Well.... it is back, but the interface for the control center is BLANK! The only thing on it is where it shows what programs are running. All the rest is blank. The icon on task bar is working, the connect window comes up when Windows starts, tells me Zone Alarm has loaded. But I can't get the menu and other information the control center once showed. I have the 3.1.395 install program. Would it hurt to run it over top? Oh when wil l I learn to leave well enough alone?????

 

[jbcalg]

you're asking someone who 'accidently' deleted a 20Gb partition on the weekend (thank goodness for the old hdd with W98 and partition magic still on it, found & restored it in no time)

I don't do ME so i'm not sure why a system restore did not fully replace ZA

i'd probably go ahead and install on top, at least to see if you can get that version & restore point to work together

but you may still have to do a proper uninstall via the ZA method above to be sure it's working right

as always, make sure you have your data and 'i can't live without' files backed up
- keeps the blood pressure down when strange things happen

 

[4dsmom]

I think I have it up and running again. I ran the install program on top of the "faulty" program, again and so far everything seems to be working as should be. Now if I can find out why this darn thing keeps crashing on me. One solved and now another one. LOL

Thanks for all the help.