XP and Zone Alarm ?

[PSJ]

Hello Everyone, I have loaded XP PRO and am using the latest version of Zone Alarm for XP. Here is the question, after the machine boots up the Zone Alarm pops up and asks: Do you want to allow Generic Host Process For WIN 32 Services to act as a Server?
Also asks : Do you want to Allow(Generic Host Process For WIN 32 to Access the Internet?
I am on Road Runner (cable modem).
What is up with these two items? PSJ

If I say "NO" to these items everything works great "UNTILL" the machine goes into "STANDBY" then when the machine comes out of standby I can't get back out onto the Internet without Rebooting!

[tha 4NiK8R]

Zone Alarm is pretty buggy...you might want to look for an alternative....like buying a real firewall (i.e. SonicWall, NetGuard, PIX, etc). I know these are a bit more expensive than the software alternative, but you get what you pay for. ZoneAlarm is weak at best, not to meantion the limits it puts on the user of the PC. SonicWall Soho10 is a nice alternative.

Peace!

[WebHead]

I've never had any problems with ZoneAlarm, however, I prefer NIS2K1.

[RobertV]

ZoneAlarm, for the most part, has been flawless for me. I've tinkered with several firewall products -free and otherwise- and none can compare. Most likely, a bit of configuring is all you need. Unless it's needed, block the Generic Host Process server but allow it internet access. This is easily done in the ZA properties. Have fun.

[jimmm33]

I don't think Zonealarm is the problem and I don't think a different firewall will solve the problem.

Microsoft don't give much details.

<a href="http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q250/3/20.ASP" target="_blank">http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q250/3/20.ASP</a>

I have read that Generic Host Process For WIN 32 is used to send info back to MS, what info I dont know. I cant seem to find any info about what services use Generic Host Process.

Does anybody know?

[PSJ]

Hello Everyone, I followed the instructions of "RobertV" and that has solved the problem "but" I still would like to know what these two items are trying to do or who they are trying contact and for what reason. Thanks, PSJ