DO NOT upgrade with the new Zone Alarm firewall IF you have XP with service pack 2 !!

After installation you will get a BSOD (blue screen of death). The new ZA is not compatible with XP SP2.

I am currently fixing my system and will post instructions to repair your computer as soon as I have all the data available.

I wanted to post the warning now while I can.

XP SP2, wasn't that like in the 1800's or so

XP SP2, wasn't that like in the 1800's or so

Be fair, it was closer to 1917.

Anyway, it should come as no surprise that modern firewall software written in 2012/13 does not play well with an older operating system where the service pack is so very very old.

XP SP2, wasn't that like in the 1800's or so

XP SP2, wasn't that like in the 1800's or so

Be fair, it was closer to 1917.

Anyway, it should come as no surprise that modern firewall software written in 2012/13 does not play well with an older operating system where the service pack is so very very old.

Some people do use XP because they like it. What you use is up to you asaiac. this is a warning to those who might be using it. OK?

Not ALL people with XP SP2 will have a problem, but some will, as I have discovered from my own problem with the new ZA update. If you wish to proceed with the update and you do get BSOD's this will help you to restore your computer back to working order.

1st ) boot the computer in safe mode with networking ( F8 )

2nd ) follow the steps below (except step 13 if you have an unregistered copy of XP)

Mandy M.: 1.) Click Start -> Run

Mandy M.: NOTE: If you do not have the Run option on the Start menu, you can press and hold the Windows logo key and tap the letter R .

Mandy M.: 2.) Type Msconfig in the run box

Mandy M.: 3.) Click OK

Mandy M.: 4.) Once in Msconfig, click the Startup Tab, and remove the checks from everything.

Mandy M.: 5.) Click the Service Tab, place a check in "Hide All Microsoft Services." Now remove checks from everything.

Mandy M.: 6.) Click OK

Mandy M.: 7.) SAVE the ZoneAlarm clean tool from the link below:

Mandy M.: http://download.zonealarm.com/bin/free/support/download/clean.exe

Mandy M.: 8.) When the download box pops up, choose SAVE. In the next box, choose Save to Desktop (or wherever convenient to you)

Mandy M.: 9.) Restart your computer (On restart ignore the system box that pops up but do not tick the box).

10 ) Run the file you saved to clean out ZA and follow the on screen prompts to complete the uninstall. Be sure to restart your computer if prompted.

11 ) Now you can follow the system instructions box to start windown normally. In 'startup' uncheck teh 'Forcefield' tab to stop it from activating. Restart if asked to.

Mandy M.: 12.) Clear your Windows temporary file cache by following the steps below:

Mandy M.: - Go to Start -> Run

Mandy M.: NOTE: If you do not have the Run option on the Start menu, you can press and hold the Windows logo key and tap the letter R .

Mandy M.: - Type %temp% and click OK

Mandy M.: - Select all of these files and delete them

Mandy M.: - Empty your recycle bin

Mandy M.: 13.) Please ensure all critical and non-critical Windows updates are installed by going to Start->All Programs->Windows Update->Check for Updates. If there are updates available please install them, restart the computer, and check for updates again. Please continue this process until all updates are installed.

3rd ) Now, either you can find another firewall or update your XP to SP3 (make sure system restore is on as some computers dislike SP3) then you can restore your computer to an earlier date. OR you can reinstall your older version of ZA (but that is not reccomended)

No, this is not my own work. I have clarified some points that were not in the original text and steps. The main body of text comes from ZA's own forum.

HTH someone

I'm cool about XP, I used it myself up until six months ago, but the version I ran had SP3 installed along with the 100+ other updates issued since SP3 was released. Running a fully patched XP is one thing, running XP on SP2 only is something else entirely.

I agree, not a lot of point using ZoneAlarm if you are not installing the latest service packs and patches.

DUDE ! WIN XP SP 2 is EOL! (End of Life) So you update ZA for win 8 and wonder why it crashes your old box...... Install at least win 7, reproduce the BSOD - Than that is worth a post. Sorry about bickering here, but this one is obvious.

You haven't kept the steam pressure up, Stoke that Boiler!