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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: PCdreamer on April 27, 2005, 09:10:34 PM

Title: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 27, 2005, 09:10:34 PM
I'm using Avast version 4.6.652
I'm using 0517-0

I'm using Windows XP Professional with SP1. I had
problems with SP2 so I'm sticking with this for now.

If you really need my hardware, I can figure up the
list, but the problem seems software related.  After
having quite a bit of connection troubles recently, I
updated the software last week. It asked me to reboot,
and when it was done, it notified me of an
incompatibility with ZoneAlarm Firewall. It said it
shut down whatever was causing the problem. After
this, my problems with my connection seemed gone.  I
have DSL connected through a gateway, my computer has
a network card that connects to that.  What was
happening is that I'd be connected as far as my
computer was concerned, but I couldn't access anything
on the internet. After the update disabled the
incompatible piece of software, this seemed to
disappear. It wasn't an instantaneous problem either.
It built up over time. At first it took days of usage,
perhaps a week or more, before I'd have a problem.
Then it got to where it only took hours.  I thought
the problem was solved, but last night it came back
again. I had rebooted only a few hours before. It
seems the more I use the internet, the quicker the
problem builds up. Then I just can't access anything,
though my connection is shown as still there.  I even
shut down Avast, but that didn't help. I'm not sure
what the problem is.

So does anyone have any suggestions? I realize the Zone Alarm problem is known, but what am I to do? I have the free version of Zone Alarm, btw. I don't know exactly what to disable or where in either program. I know web shield is still active in Avast. I guess it just shut down the transparent proxy part of itself in the latest version?  Please do advise.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 27, 2005, 10:20:43 PM
I even shut down Avast, but that didn't help. I'm not sure what the problem is.
You can make tests disabling: ZoneAlarm and WebShild of avast!
You should check your Internet settings and your proxy settings in each case.
Booting and cleaning DNS and Internet cache will help too.
Can you connect and browse after that?

I know you have already though about but, maybe SP2 won't harm you that much  :)
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 27, 2005, 10:37:51 PM
Well, the time I shut down all of Avast's functions, as it hopefully does if you right click on the system tray icon and tell it to, it didn't help. I guess I could try shutting down Zone Alarm next time though.

How do you check your proxy settings? I didn't know I'd set any. I'm fairly novice when it comes to such things.

Where do you go to boot your DNS cache? I booted my internet cache in IE last week. That didn't seem to make a difference.

SP2 on my first attempt failed to finish installing and corrupted Windows. After ghosting from a backup, said which backup is highly outdated now, I tried again.  I got blue screens and after crashes some programs had problems. So I can't trust it at this time. Maybe in the future. I know I'd updated my video card drivers as well, so that may have been the problem, or a combination of the two. Either way, one problem at a time. I want to solve this connection issue.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 27, 2005, 10:56:38 PM
I guess I could try shutting down Zone Alarm next time though.
Yes, please, test it.

How do you check your proxy settings? I didn't know I'd set any. I'm fairly novice when it comes to such things.
Make sure your browser is not set to "Work Offline" (this option is generally in the File menu). If it doesn't help, try switching the proxy settings from "Auto-detect" to "No proxy" (I'm assuming you're not connecting to the Internet via proxy).

Left click the avast icon > Settings
Update (Basic) > Details > Proxy

Where do you go to boot your DNS cache?
Open a DOS (cmd) window and run:
C:\Windows\system32\ipconfig.exe /flushdns

I booted my internet cache in IE last week. That didn't seem to make a difference.
To delete the temporary Internet files go to Internet explorer >Tools > Internet options > Delete files > Click delete all offline content (just to be sure) > click ok.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 27, 2005, 11:18:51 PM
Until the problem happens again I can't test by shutting down Zone Alarm. Not that that would be a great thing anyway, having to shut down my firewall to use the internet, but at least it would give me an idea of what was happening. I've okayed all of Avast, that I could tell, to access the net in ZA. I did that a while ago. I usually leave it so ZA asks to allow programs to act as a server, but I okayed that.

I use Firefox. I should have mentioned that. I did flush the dns cache as you directed.  Since this problem occurred after I deleted the Firefox cache, I'm not sure if it's related. I actually had a problem last week where I had to uninstall and reinstall Firefox.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention this. I don't believe I'm connected via a proxy, no. I have my NIC connected to a gateway system our cable provider has. Well, it's a DSL line that we get both our TV and internet from. Digital TV and DSL. The gateway has a DSL modem in it. The connection between my computer and the gateway is considered an LAN. Then the gateway connects to the internet.  I'm not sure how proxies work and/or if this would be anything close.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on April 27, 2005, 11:37:50 PM
the same thing happened 2 me,the connection icon in system tray said i was connected but i could not log on using mozilla thunderbird mail or access anything on the internet,i uninstalled zone alarm and that was the problem,but being that i like zone alarm(easy)i installed it again and set the internet security zone to medium(default high)and since then i have had no problems getting disconnected or browsing the web.bri
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on April 27, 2005, 11:39:01 PM
o ya,i connect by dsl-windows xp pro sp2
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 27, 2005, 11:47:08 PM
PCdreamer, would it be so difficult to you to configure your computer as an static IP and not a dynamic one?
I have a DSL and a router, the gateway, the modem and the LAN exactly you have.
I disable the dynamic IP address from Windows and configure all as static... No problems at all.
This solved a lot of my 'connections' troubles in the past...
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 27, 2005, 11:49:48 PM
My ISP charges an extra $10 a month, I believe it is, to have a static IP address. Otherwise you're stuck with a dynamic one.

I have XIT if you're wondering. It's a local company. You can visit their site at www.xit.net
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 28, 2005, 12:25:42 AM
My ISP charges an extra $10 a month, I believe it is, to have a static IP address. Otherwise you're stuck with a dynamic one.
I'm not talking about your 'external' IP but your internal one, the one of your computer into your LAN.
This number is completely different from the external one from your ISP.
Click on the network icon on the Control Panel and see that you can configure the IP of your local machine.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 28, 2005, 03:53:57 AM
Is there anything specific you should set it as? I think I did this once before with an old Win 98 machine, but it's been so long that I can't remember how to go about it. My knowledge of networks is very limited.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 28, 2005, 04:08:36 AM
Start Menu > Control Panel > Network Conections
Choose your LAN network
On the window that pop-up, click on Properties
On the window that pop-up, chose on TCP/IP Protocol and click on Properties

Write:
IP: 192.168.0.1
Subnet: 255.255.255.0
Gatway: 192.168.0.254
DNS (write your ISP DNS primary and secondary)

On the Modem properties (depends on your model) you must configure it is the 192.168.0.254 (gateway).

If something get wrong, you can return to the automatic detection of IP and booting...
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 28, 2005, 04:20:55 AM
How do I get my ISP DNS?  Also, how do I get to my modem properties.  I'm sorry to get so confused on you. I just don't want to mess thing sup.  You mention the Gateway IP. Does the gateway then register this as it's IP address, or how does this work?
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 28, 2005, 04:26:26 AM
How do I get my ISP DNS?
Sorry, you must go to the webpage. Do you have its address?

Also, how do I get to my modem properties.
After you do that configuration I've posted before, open a new browser window and type
http://192.168.0.254/
This is the gateway address... maybe you get your DSL Modem connectins properties.
You don't have to change anything.
Most probably, if you do the first configuration, everything will work without changing modem configurations.
Try  :)

You mention the Gateway IP. Does the gateway then register this as it's IP address, or how does this work?
No, it's your internal IP again. The Internet (me, for instance) won't be able to see it.
All your computer (regardless the LAN, the router and any other internal IP your your network) will be a single and unique IP to external world.
This number will be give by your ISP, it's automatic and you cannot change it. This way, two computers never have the same external IP.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 28, 2005, 05:19:38 AM
I'm not sure what webpage.

Maybe I'll get my DSL Modem connection properties?  Okay, I won't change anything, even if I could get to something to change. lol
I hope it'll all work.  I'll probably wait until tomorrow, when I'm more awake, to mess with these things. Do you think this will resolve my problems with my connection? I know Avast and ZoneAlarm don't want to work right together, but then someone mentioned turning the security level of ZA down. Is that really safe?

Edit:
When you say modem configuration, do you mean network card?  I was just wondering since I don't have a modem. The only modem is the DSL modem built into the gateway, which has nothing to do with my computer.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 28, 2005, 02:51:15 PM
Do you think this will resolve my problems with my connection? I know Avast and ZoneAlarm don't want to work right together, but then someone mentioned turning the security level of ZA down. Is that really safe?
avast and ZoneAlarm work fine together, specially, you will be able to connect.

When you say modem configuration, do you mean network card?  I was just wondering since I don't have a modem. The only modem is the DSL modem built into the gateway, which has nothing to do with my computer.
Sorry, you're right, my hardware English is not that bad.
Network connection and card as you use them to link your computer, your DSL and the Internet outside  8)
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 28, 2005, 08:05:21 PM
Well, I know Avast had that update that disabled part of the web scanner or whatnot so it would work with ZoneAlarm. I still seem to have problems, too.

I'm still not sure how to get my ISP DNS. You said to write is as primary and secondary. Sorry again for my confusion here.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 29, 2005, 03:50:57 AM
I'm still not sure how to get my ISP DNS. You said to write is as primary and secondary. Sorry again for my confusion here.
If your email is pcdreamer@servername.com.uk you can ask your ISP (probably, www.servername.com.uk).
The DNS address should be informed by your ISP. It looks like a number, for instance, 201.174.2.14
You don't need the secondary. It will be useful. But you need the primary.
Which is your ISP?
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 29, 2005, 08:01:01 AM
My ISP is XIT.net  They're a local company. I might have to call them to find out the exact number, just to be sure.  What's weird is my connection will sometimes last for days, and others it won't last but a few hours. I think I've got it fixed, and then nope.  It's not predictable. I still think it might be ZA and Avast, but then perhaps not. My ISP charges you if you have them come out to check things and they find nothing wrong on their end, but I might end up having to resort to that. I'll just hope these TCP settings will help. I'll try to impliment them as soon as I get all the relavent info. Thanks.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 29, 2005, 02:40:19 PM
My ISP is XIT.net  They're a local company.
Is it this one? http://www.xithome.net/
I can't find any information there, just THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTIO  :-\ :'(
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 29, 2005, 08:42:07 PM
That's them, but I thought they had a site at www.xit.net  Strange.  I wonder if I'll have to call them and request the information.  Hopefully they'll understand what I'm doing.

Edit: Also, more specific information on my Network setup.

I've got a 1394 Net Adapter and then a Local Area Connection, underneath which it says the name of the Realtek integrated NIC I have.  Above, under the broadband heading, is my connection to XIT. I'm not quite sure which to add these settings to once I have them all. The LAN or the Net Adapter?  I checked the XIT connection above, and it doesn't have any DNS servers listed either. It has it set to autodetect.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 29, 2005, 08:45:46 PM
That's them, but I thought they had a site at www.xit.net  Strange.  I wonder if I'll have to call them and request the information.  Hopefully they'll understand what I'm doing.
The address you've posted is redirected to mine...
There is no FAQ, no Help, ...
But, of course, they must have a primary DNS address as they are an ISP  8)
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 29, 2005, 08:48:18 PM
I'm reposting what I just put in via an edit above just in case you missed it. You replied too fast! lol  No, I'm not complaining.

I've got a 1394 Net Adapter and then a Local Area Connection, underneath which it says the name of the Realtek integrated NIC I have.  Above, under the broadband heading, is my connection to XIT. I'm not quite sure which to add these settings to once I have them all. The LAN or the Net Adapter?  I checked the XIT connection above, and it doesn't have any DNS servers listed either. It has it set to autodetect.

I still have to figure out what their DNS server is though.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 29, 2005, 08:57:40 PM
I'm not quite sure which to add these settings to once I have them all. The LAN or the Net Adapter?
Start > Control Panel > Network connections (the LAN).

it doesn't have any DNS servers listed either. It has it set to autodetect.
Sure, it's autodetect but if we write the numbers there everything will be static and could work.
Can you send me an IM with your email address?
I can send you screenshots (sorry, they will be in portuguese)  ;)
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 29, 2005, 09:26:42 PM
I talked to their tech support, and he didn't think changing these settings would make a difference. He said that the gateway defaults to an address for the computer. I didn't completely understand all he said, but he doubted it would make a difference and stated the connection might not work if you did this. I don't have a router, btw. I just connect my computer directly to the gateway. I'm not sure if this makes a difference.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 29, 2005, 09:40:28 PM
I talked to their tech support, and he didn't think changing these settings would make a difference.
We're trying to solve a problem that sometimes you have the connection. Sometimes not.

He said that the gateway defaults to an address for the computer.
Ok, you don't have to setup a gateway... let it blank.

But he doubted it would make a difference and stated the connection might not work if you did this.
Of course, if you set this wrong it won't connect.
But this is the easy answer. He does not want to lose his 'precious' time telling you what to do.
If you do something wrong, two mouse clicks and you return to dinamic IP and DNS, I mean, you return to the original configuration.
It won't mess your computer. But you must know the DNS for God!  :(

I don't have a router, btw. I just connect my computer directly to the gateway. I'm not sure if this makes a difference.
Do you plug the DSL modem directly to your computer, doesn't you?
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 29, 2005, 09:54:29 PM
Quote
Ok, you don't have to setup a gateway... let it blank.
What he meant is the gateway box, the one that decodes the TV and has the DSL modem in it.  He said that they use Mac addresses or something like that and the IP of your computer doesn't really matter. Their box, or as they call it gateway, gets your internet IP address and such. Trying to explain what you said to him just resulted him in telling me the same.

Quote
Of course, if you set this wrong it won't connect.
But this is the easy answer. He does not want to lose his 'precious' time telling you what to do.
If you do something wrong, two mouse clicks and you return to dinamic IP and DNS, I mean, you return to the original configuration.
It won't mess your computer. But you must know the DNS for God!  Sad
He does seem to care. He's talked to me enough. It just might be that he doesn't completely understand why I'd be doing this. He did give me the DNS.

From what I could gather he said that the IP for your computer is not important. The connection between it and the Gateway box creates a default IP for your computer, and it isn't significant. I wish you could talk to him. lol It just serves to confuse me.

Quote
Do you plug the DSL modem directly to your computer, doesn't you?
Yes. I connect my computer to the Gateway box they provide. Between the two there is an LAN. Then I connect, signing on, through my XIT broadband connection from there to the internet.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on April 29, 2005, 10:36:27 PM
It just serves to confuse me.
So, don't worry. Let the things as they are right now.
If you have connections troubles, post again reporting what's wrong.  :)
Enjoy life  :)
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on April 29, 2005, 10:43:47 PM
I guess you're right. I rely too much on my computer. I still don't know what's causing the problems. I just updated Zone Alarm and rebooted. Hopefully things will hold together over the weekend. I'll be sure to keep checking here.  Darn my dense nature when it comes to the complexities of computers, or at least what seems complex to me. I really appreciate all the help you've given. I'd like to genuinely thank you.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on May 01, 2005, 05:09:21 AM
I hope that double posting isn't frowned upon. I noticed my connection freeze up again tonight. Closing and reopening Firefox seemed to fix this. AIM was fine. So I'm not sure what caused that. It seems ZoneAlarm might be the cause. Someone mentioned setting it's protection level to medium to cure this. Does this really make a difference? I'm not sure I want to lower my security level.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on May 01, 2005, 03:13:57 PM
Someone mentioned setting it's protection level to medium to cure this. Does this really make a difference? I'm not sure I want to lower my security level.
Yes, High settings on the privacy security of ZoneAlarm can prevent WebShield of working well.
Maybe some user of ZoneAlarm could post more info  ::)
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: essexboy on May 01, 2005, 03:49:41 PM
For best results disable both privacy settings on ZAPro the actual effect on your privacy is negligable (least ways I have found none) I use FF1.03 and IE6 with xpsp2.  When I check my system with CrapCleaner there are no tracking cookies or data miners,  I have very, very few popups and ads plus I used RejZor AEC to give me full webshield protection and I experience no connection problems..  I have noticed some problems with FF where it sometimes opens 2 instances of the browser and neither display, I have to use task manager to shut all instances down then FF works OK ;D


EDIT I am on DSL
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on May 01, 2005, 03:54:33 PM
using zone alarm i must put the internet security setting at medium if not i will lose my connection and i must reboot(i tried kerio&sygate ill stick w/zone alarm on medium -easy firewall)like pcdreamer said computer is online you just cant connect to anything?i use ff,opera&int.exp.
avast&zone alarm free
win xp
dsl
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: essexboy on May 01, 2005, 04:06:19 PM
Quote
using zone alarm i must put the internet security setting at medium if not i will lose my connection

Intriguing I have my security settings on high with no problems at all
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on May 01, 2005, 04:14:28 PM
when i reboot and get connected again im fine then it seems like when i leave the computer for awhile i get disconnected,like overnight then come back in morning open internet explorer or any browser and get that white page sayin cannot be displayed,when i set it on medium i have no problems at all.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: essexboy on May 01, 2005, 04:23:55 PM
It sounds like you are auto disconnecting.  However I'm not sure how to fix that as my comp only connects when I tell it to.   I don't see how ZA can be doing that though.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on May 01, 2005, 05:59:43 PM
im not sure why this happens but when i uninstall zone alarm and reboot after i never get disconnected my computer stays on all the time no problems(dsl)i tried kerio and sygate and had no problems but i like zone alarm cause it very simple,
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: essexboy on May 01, 2005, 11:45:15 PM
The only thing I can think of is that you are activating the ZA internet lock somehow, does the tray icon for ZA change into a padlock?
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on May 02, 2005, 01:53:00 AM
no,doesnt show that its locked,i have no idea,i think with zone alarm internet setting set to medium im protected just not stealthed(i think)?
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on May 02, 2005, 03:04:01 AM
I think with zone alarm internet setting set to medium im protected just not stealthed(i think)?
Bri, don't worry that much about ZA privacy control (only in Professional version).
The internet level must be at High and the Local area (I don't know how they call it) could be at Medium.  ;)
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on May 02, 2005, 03:56:27 AM
The internet level must be at medium? I have it set to high. Also, I have the resident protection of Avast set to medium because it slows things down and causes pauses in programs running when I have it set to high.  My local security is set to high on ZA.  Have there been any Avast updates recently? I have it set to manually check. I don't like for anything on my computer to change without my knowing.

Since I just have the free version of Zone Alarm I don't have the extra privacy settings you all mention.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on May 02, 2005, 04:20:37 AM
technical i use the free version of zone alarm,i dont mean the privacy controls i mean the internet security setting in zone alarm free.if i connect through dsl (direct connection to internet)and no proxy,must i configure it because of zone alarm and webshield to go through a proxy(localhost-12080)?and then maybe i will stay connected?
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: essexboy on May 02, 2005, 03:47:00 PM
Try this, open control panel - network connections - right click your connection, select properties - select options tab - check IDLE TIME BEFORE HANGING UP I have mine set at never  what is yours set at.   Because you will disconnect from the net after the set period of time. 

Avast does work with security settings at high both intenet and trusted..

Edit:  do you have a dial up dialog appear on first connection to the net or have you set your system to connect automatically.  I have mine set up never to dial a connection so when I start my browser I get a dialup dialog,  however, if you are set to connect at start up and have disconect after Xhours idle then this may be where your problem lies.  I am on DSL 
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on May 02, 2005, 03:52:18 PM
Bri, I'm not sure, maybe follow what essexboy said (both at High level).
For me, when I have a LAN (local network) and a connection to the Internet is shared, the settings must be Medium for the LAN and High for the Internet Zone. Otherwise I can't share components (printer, files, etc.) into my local network (LAN).
Other configurations, I mean, a single computer connected to the Internet could allow both at High level.
I edited my first post.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: essexboy on May 02, 2005, 03:55:16 PM
Technical I'm not on a LAN so I can survive with them set to high plus I don't allow shares...
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on May 02, 2005, 07:29:18 PM
Technical I'm not on a LAN so I can survive with them set to high plus I don't allow shares...
Essexboy, you're right and I'm wrong, so I've edited my post.
The common user will set the security level to High  8)
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: essexboy on May 02, 2005, 10:37:51 PM
Quote
The common user
  Aw shucks just 'cos I'm from Essex you fink I'm common ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on May 02, 2005, 11:48:14 PM
Quote
For me, when I have a LAN (local network) and a connection to the Internet is shared, the settings must be Medium for the LAN and High for the Internet Zone. Otherwise I can't share components (printer, files, etc.) into my local network (LAN).
Other configurations, I mean, a single computer connected to the Internet could allow both at High level.

How do you set the security to medium for your LAN while leaving it high for the net? I'm not sure how that works. All I have are options for Internet Zone and then Trusted Zone. I have both set to high.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on May 02, 2005, 11:51:28 PM
All I have are options for Internet Zone and then Trusted Zone. I have both set to high.
Sorry I do not use ZA that often (in my computer).
Most probably the LAN zone is the Trusted Zone.
The Internet is the other.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on May 03, 2005, 03:05:42 AM
im on dsl,i connect directly to internet(when i reboot im automatically connected)
essexboy heres what i did-(control panel-network connection-right click connection-select properties-select options tab(not there)-it says connect using 3com(network adapter)-click power management-then there was a check in the box next to allow the computer to turn off this device to save power,i unchecked it and see if that works
i set zone alarm to high on internet and trusted
windows xp pro
thanks bri
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on May 03, 2005, 04:09:25 AM
So bri, you've not got it set to high for both? You mentioned before that you'd set it to medium to fix the problem.

My DSL connection requires me to connect manually. It's only automatically connected to the LAN when I boot, which is the connection between my computer and the digital TV box, which contains the DSL modem.

Edit:
I got an email back from Avast saying to go here:
http://www.avast.com/eng/webshield_issues.html#idt_6871
I've manually configured a proxy for both Firefox and IE.  Will I have to do this with everything I use online? That being AIM, YM, Mozilla, Netscape, Outlook, and so on? I'm not sure if this has solved the problem, but I hope so.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on May 03, 2005, 04:41:49 AM
i always had to have it set to medium or i get knocked off line,but as i mentioned in my post before this one essexboy mentioned something so i tried that and now i set them both to high(direct connection no router,dsl)and well see if it works.i tried that settin up proxy but same thing happened,so ill wait-pray and see what happens,bri
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on May 03, 2005, 07:10:23 AM
What'd you try? I read a previous entry where you did something with power management, but my network settings don't include that anywhere. I'm still not sure whether or not I have to setup the proxy for each program. I wonder if I need to set it specifically or just to autodetect.  But this is another subject. You were talking about what essexboy mentioned?
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on May 03, 2005, 04:14:11 PM
pcdreamer read back to essexboy' last couple post's in this topic and youll see it on the connections management,anyhow i left the computer last night and i was online running bearshare and then got up this morning and bearshare was still online but avast had an error(could not update)and mozilla thunderbird could not connect and either could any of my browser,so i went in system tray right clicked on zone alarm(free)and shut it down,when i did that everything had access to the internet?i give up with zone alarm cause its not working with my system,ill keep tryin some other ones out,good luck pcdreamer
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: essexboy on May 03, 2005, 07:34:24 PM
I do not have any proxies set up for Internet Explorer, FireFox, Outlook Express or Thunderbird.
Avast was just installed and let run with all sensitivity settings on high, ZAPro is set on high for internet and trusted zones with both privacy zones turned off. I used RejZor's AEC to take full advantage of Webshield . 
Also running while online is M$AntiSpy.
To be honest I've run out of ideas as to where your problem might be, do you have the latest version of ZA  (5.5.094.000) Have you tried uninstalling and then re-installing ZA?

Ther is an answer somewhere just aint found it yet... ;D
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on May 03, 2005, 09:04:27 PM
ive tried everything,as i said its something to do with zone alarm because without it i stay connected 24x7,bummer cause i like zone alarm very easy firewall for me.ill try some other freebies,bri
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: essexboy on May 03, 2005, 09:49:23 PM
I have heard some good things about Kerio although I'm not sure if it's free also sysgate is available.  However as a numpty I've only used ZA 'cos it's simple.  I'm sure someone will be along soon with some good suggestions.. ???
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on May 03, 2005, 09:56:06 PM
I have heard some good things about Kerio although I'm not sure if it's free also sysgate is available.
Sure it's freeware. Some features (the pro ones) will be unavailable after a trial period and only the freeware will stay working.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on May 03, 2005, 10:08:52 PM
i went to download.com and looked,im trying one now called netveda safety.net(free) pretty simple,went to pcflank and ran stealth test and it passed then went to shields up and said port 0 is seen on the net but is closed??ill see how this one goes for awhile i guess?
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on May 04, 2005, 04:47:13 AM
So far giving full access to Avast's various pieces in ZA and then setting up the proxy in Firefox has worked, but I'll keep testing. I've not done much today, and my problems with my connection often spur from prolonged use. If I don't do anything, the working connection lasts longer. So we'll see. I'll also reboot either tonight or tomorrow and see what happens. My ISP is supposed to be doing an update tonight or tomorrow night so that might throw me a little. We'll see.

Edit/Update:

For some reason my connection works for everything for the most part without problems, but it still goes dead with Firefox after a while of use. So if I close and reopen it, it works again, but it's still stalled and slow, often requiring me to reload a page to get everything to load.  I setup the proxy for web shield(is it?), but that doesn't seemed to have solved my problem. Does anyone have any ideas? I'm stumpted as to what's causing this.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: essexboy on May 04, 2005, 11:40:48 AM
Quote
I do not have any proxies set up for Internet Explorer, FireFox, Outlook Express or Thunderbird.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on May 05, 2005, 03:36:32 AM
I don't get it then. I just don't get it. What's wrong? I've scanned for viruses, spyware, adware, and so on. I've cleaned anything I could find. I've granted all of Avast's various parts access in Zone Alarm. I even setup proxies as the email from Avast's tech support pointed me to at their FAQ page. I don't know what's left to try.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: Lisandro on May 05, 2005, 03:43:32 AM
I don't get it then. I just don't get it. What's wrong? I've scanned for viruses, spyware, adware, and so on. I've cleaned anything I could find. I've granted all of Avast's various parts access in Zone Alarm. I even setup proxies as the email from Avast's tech support pointed me to at their FAQ page. I don't know what's left to try.
But, after all this long thread, which is your problem now?  ??? ::)
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on May 05, 2005, 03:45:55 AM
Quote
But, after all this long thread, which is your problem now?

Just a couple of posts back I updated about what's going on.  I think it's on the previous page now though.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on May 05, 2005, 04:06:40 AM
pcdreamer,instead of getting aggravaited and ready to throw the computer off the wall ;D) try another firewall(unless you paid for yours)zone alarm and avast on some peoples systems have problems like i did.try some other firewalls out and maybe youll have better luck,i know from experience,bri
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on May 05, 2005, 04:25:19 AM
Well, I shut down Zone Alarm a moment ago to see if it made any difference in Firefox. No other programs have shown any connections problems in several days. Firefox is slow on the net though and images on pages, especially pages with lots of content, often don't load. I end up reloading the pages in order to see everything.  Eventually, nothing will load in Firefox at all. Closing the program and reopening it seems to fix this though, at least for a while. These are recent events, however.  I've rebooted again and we'll see what happens. I don't know of anything I've changed that would cause the connection problem that affects all programs to disappear. It seems that sometimes when I reboot things behave better than others. I'm still not certain it has nothing to do with Zone Alarm either. It just seems less likely now.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: PCdreamer on May 06, 2005, 08:03:49 AM
I know I'm probably bugging you all to death by now, but my problem persists. Where as it had only seemed to be affecting Firefox recently, after rebooting last night and using the computer throughout the day, the full out connection problem returned. My browser could no longer do anything, and I tried IE as well to no avail. Shutting down ZA this time seemed to unlock the problem where as before it did not. I'm not sure why it's so difficult to know for sure what's going on. I may try uninstalling ZA, but I've heard that's a difficult process. I know others here have done it though. In that case, I'll need another firewall.
Title: Re: A strange twist on a known problem
Post by: bri on May 06, 2005, 02:09:57 PM
pcdreamer,zone alarm has its own uninstaller(from start menu),ive uninstalled it without any problems,bri