i am running zone alarm, not the pro version or anything, just the free one. I have a problem with my computer not letting me connect to msn messenger while i am running zone alarm. It usually has this problem right after restoring from a hibernation. Usually the only way for me to get around this problem is to completely restart the comptuer (not just hibornate). I have zone alarm set to allow access to msn messenger.

Howdy: Have you tried another Firewall like Agnitum outpost I think there is a Freeware version out there Life is too short To Spended on Troubleshooting the Zonealarm Also there is another Fabulous Firewall But it is not Free it Called "Kaspersky Anti-Hacker " Bon Courage..

try sygate free . has worked well for me for years

Are you sure ZA isn't autmotically locking the connection after a period of time. When it comes back on look at the little lock at the top of the program , is it closed ? If so then the internet is locked , just click on the little lock to open . By default it will lock after 10 minutes if inactivity .

I am sure it isnt set to lock out the internet after a time period because it only does it sometimes, and i can still often time surf the internet (not all the time). I just cant connect to msn.

You can go to this site and do a search. They specialize in ZoneAlarm, but they don't work for ZoneAlarm. They are volunteers who know a lot about these things. http://forum.zonelabs.org/zonelabs You'll find the search feature at the bottom of this page. You can also join and then you can post your own questions. Sorry I can't help you more, but you will want to bookmark this site as you will probably need it sooner or later to get answers to questions that might arise. You will also be able to find this site in your ZoneAlarm HELP menu. I'm not ignorant, I just need more learning!