Okay, I fixed it, thanks. It’s some kind of new problem/incompatibility/interaction between Windows, Firefox and ZoneAlarm.
Whenever I accept an update or patch from either Windows or Firefox, I can’t connect to the internet afterwards. I get the message “Address not found.” ZoneLabs has a notice about it on their homepage.
Last week when a Windows security patch came in, I had to uninstall the patch to connect (the choice was either do that or shut down stealth mode on ZoneAlarm).
Now today FF 3.0.1 comes out and the same problem pops up. Shutting down Stealth Mode didn’t work this time, but completely shutting down ZoneAlarm DID work. Fortunately, after FF connected, ZA pops up with a message that a new network had been detected (i.e., my IP address had changed) and after I gave the OK to connect to it, everything worked fine. But I feel like I’m walking on a tightrope here.
Don’t think I’ll allow anymore patches or updates or anything like that on this computer again. Time to migrate everything over to my new computer and let this one retire!
There was an issue last week with a Windows XP update and Zone Alarm. Didn’t know Firefox 3 could affect it. Glad things are working.
dump the stupid Zonealarm and get the free Comodo firewall intead, or if you prefer commercial product, get Jetico(not for novice though). Both are way better at being a sole purpose firewall. I have never had any connection problems with those two.
Ditch the stupid ZA and get either Comodo(free) or Jetico(paid) firewall instead. Both are miles ahead of ZA at being the sole purpose firewall.