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Zonealarm tell me I have problems! Do I?
Norman-B
Posts: 1,638 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
I done an update from Zonealarm and was "invited" to do a PC health check. Are they just trying to sell me software or is my PC in such a poor state?
System Status
Security Check: Failed
Vulnerabilities were detected on your system which can lead to stolen information, lost data, and corrupted files...
Optimization Check: Failed
Performance bottlenecks were found that can cause reliability problems, slowdowns, and crashes.
Repair Check: Failed
Health problems were identified that may lead to instability, decreased performance, and even complete system failure.
Security Checkup Analysis
Active Spyware Infections
Failed
details 
Definition
An active spyware infection is the result of a parasite program that has infiltrated your PC and is currently carrying out its dangerous and privacy-compromising mission. You can become infected with spyware by downloading and installing free software, being tricked into installing a purportedly helpful tool on your PC, or even by simply browsing the web or reading email messages.
Problem
A total of 2 currently active spyware infection(s) were detected on your PC. Spyware infections compromise security and privacy, allow attackers to gain control of your system, and result in general system sluggishness and instability.
Security Flaws Check
Passed
details
Definition
A system security flaw is a known vulnerability in Windows that, if exploited, would allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to or control over your PC and its contents.
System Security Settings
Faileddetails
Definition
System security settings include Null session unauthenticated external connections, denial of service attack vulnerabilities, and presence of dangerous file types that can be used to infect a PC with damage or data loss.
Problem
Potentially dangerous system security settings have been detected. These settings must be modified or disabled to prevent possible damage to the system.
Security Software Check
Passeddetails
Definition
Antivirus software and an Internet firewall protect your PC from viruses and unauthorized Internet and network access. Viruses are malicious self-replicating programs that infect your files and documents with the purpose of causing data loss and other forms of harm to your PC. Without a firewall, an attacker such as a hacker or identity thief can easily gain remote access to your PC and steal information, send unsolicited email, destroy files and data, or use your system to launch attacks on other computers.
Security Zone Settings
Faileddetails
Definition
Web content security zone browser settings control the actions that are authorized for a particular zone of the Internet or an intranet.
Problem
Insufficient security settings have been detected in a web content zone on your browser. These settings can create vulnerabilities if not reset to an appropriate default security level.
Windows Security Settings
Faileddetails
Definition
Windows security settings include Windows Automatic Update service which downloads operating system security updates, Windows Remote Registry service which allows support staff access to fix operating system problems, and Windows Messenger Services, a tool for communicating with other users over a network.
Problem
Windows security settings have been detected to be at less than maximum security. Windows Automatic Updates should be enabled; Windows Remote Registry and Windows Messenger Services should be disabled.
Optimization Checkup Analysis
Internet/System Performance
Faileddetails
Definition
Internet and overall system performance is affected by a multitude of important configuration settings in Windows that are not optimized by default. An unoptimized Internet configuration can lead to significant performance problems when downloading files or browsing the web. In addition, Your PC requires ample levels of free and contiguous system RAM in order to perform at optimum speeds.
Problem
Your current Internet and system configuration settings are not optimized for maximum performance. Your PC is most likely unable to download files and browse the web at peak speeds.
System Clutter
Faileddetails
Definition
System clutter is made up of unnecessary junk files that accumulate as a result of browsing the Internet, installing and uninstalling software, and various other means.
Problem
A total of 23 MB of system clutter was found on your PC. These junk and redundant files are wasting valuable hard drive space, robbing system performance, and causing potential reliability problems.
Windows Startup
Faileddetails
Definition
If Windows appears to take longer than it used to when it starts or loads, it is almost always caused by an overload of unnecessary and in some cases dangerous programs that have been configured to automatically start whenever your PC does. In most cases these auto-starting programs were added without your knowledge and are extremely difficult to remove or disable.
Problem
A total of 6 dangerous or unnecessary program(s) were detected that have been configured to start automatically with Windows. These programs are slowing your system and in many cases endangering your data, privacy, and security.
Repair Checkup Analysis
Hard Drive Health
Passeddetails
Definition
With use, hard drives can begin to suffer from a variety of problems that, if not repaired, may ultimately cause error messages, file corruption, loss of data, sudden program crashes, shutdowns, or restarts, and even complete system failure.
Invalid Uninstallers and
Broken Shortcuts
Faileddetails
Definition
Sometimes after installing a program it becomes corrupted and cannot be removed using the Windows Add or Remove Programs tool. In these cases, there is no clear method of removing the unwanted software from your system.
Broken shortcuts are links in Windows that are intended to start a program or access a web page but no longer work correctly.
Problem
There are currently at least 2 broken shortcuts and invalid uninstallers on your system. Broken shortcuts result in error messages or unexpected (and sometimes dangerous) behavior when used, and should be repaired immediately. Invalid uninstallers result in annoying errors and, most importantly, the inability to remove programs you want to get rid of.
Registry Problems
Passeddetails
Definition
The Windows Registry is a critical system database that stores configuration settings for programs, hardware, user accounts, and other important components of your PC. Over time, the Registry can become riddled with orphaned or erroneous settings and other superfluous data that causes unexpected program errors, sudden system shutdowns, loss of data, and general system instability.
Analysis RecommendationThe System Checkup safety scan has indicated that you have multiple security, performance and repair issues on your PC. To ensure your security problems are fixed, we recommend the award-winning ZoneAlarm® Internet Security Suite, and for performance and repair issues, iolo System Mechanic®. Get ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite or System Mechanic for a discounted price or buy both for only $49.95, $70 off! 
ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite
The most complete Internet security: includes antivirus, anti-spyware and firewall. iolo System Mechanic
Everything you need to fix and speed up your PC... automatically. • Proven most secure• Makes your PC run like new• Multiple layers of security• Boosts PC & internet speed up to 300%• Easy-to-use• Eliminates slowdowns, crashes & freezesOnly $39.95 (save $30)
Only $19.95 (save $30)
Feature Bundle ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite + iolo System Mechanic, only $49.95 for both products, save $70!
Only $49.95 (save $70)
System StatusSecurity Check: FailedVulnerabilities were detected on your system which can lead to stolen information, lost data, and corrupted files...
Optimization Check: FailedPerformance bottlenecks were found that can cause reliability problems, slowdowns, and crashes.
Repair Check: FailedHealth problems were identified that may lead to instability, decreased performance, and even complete system failure.
Security Checkup AnalysisActive Spyware Infections
Failed
details Definition
An active spyware infection is the result of a parasite program that has infiltrated your PC and is currently carrying out its dangerous and privacy-compromising mission. You can become infected with spyware by downloading and installing free software, being tricked into installing a purportedly helpful tool on your PC, or even by simply browsing the web or reading email messages.
Problem
A total of 2 currently active spyware infection(s) were detected on your PC. Spyware infections compromise security and privacy, allow attackers to gain control of your system, and result in general system sluggishness and instability.
Security Flaws Check
Passed
details Definition
A system security flaw is a known vulnerability in Windows that, if exploited, would allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to or control over your PC and its contents.
System Security Settings
Failed
details Definition
System security settings include Null session unauthenticated external connections, denial of service attack vulnerabilities, and presence of dangerous file types that can be used to infect a PC with damage or data loss.
Problem
Potentially dangerous system security settings have been detected. These settings must be modified or disabled to prevent possible damage to the system.
Security Software Check
Passed
details Definition
Antivirus software and an Internet firewall protect your PC from viruses and unauthorized Internet and network access. Viruses are malicious self-replicating programs that infect your files and documents with the purpose of causing data loss and other forms of harm to your PC. Without a firewall, an attacker such as a hacker or identity thief can easily gain remote access to your PC and steal information, send unsolicited email, destroy files and data, or use your system to launch attacks on other computers.
Security Zone Settings
Failed
details Definition
Web content security zone browser settings control the actions that are authorized for a particular zone of the Internet or an intranet.
Problem
Insufficient security settings have been detected in a web content zone on your browser. These settings can create vulnerabilities if not reset to an appropriate default security level.
Windows Security Settings
Failed
details Definition
Windows security settings include Windows Automatic Update service which downloads operating system security updates, Windows Remote Registry service which allows support staff access to fix operating system problems, and Windows Messenger Services, a tool for communicating with other users over a network.
Problem
Windows security settings have been detected to be at less than maximum security. Windows Automatic Updates should be enabled; Windows Remote Registry and Windows Messenger Services should be disabled.
Optimization Checkup AnalysisInternet/System Performance
Failed
details Definition
Internet and overall system performance is affected by a multitude of important configuration settings in Windows that are not optimized by default. An unoptimized Internet configuration can lead to significant performance problems when downloading files or browsing the web. In addition, Your PC requires ample levels of free and contiguous system RAM in order to perform at optimum speeds.
Problem
Your current Internet and system configuration settings are not optimized for maximum performance. Your PC is most likely unable to download files and browse the web at peak speeds.
System Clutter
Failed
details Definition
System clutter is made up of unnecessary junk files that accumulate as a result of browsing the Internet, installing and uninstalling software, and various other means.
Problem
A total of 23 MB of system clutter was found on your PC. These junk and redundant files are wasting valuable hard drive space, robbing system performance, and causing potential reliability problems.
Windows Startup
Failed
details Definition
If Windows appears to take longer than it used to when it starts or loads, it is almost always caused by an overload of unnecessary and in some cases dangerous programs that have been configured to automatically start whenever your PC does. In most cases these auto-starting programs were added without your knowledge and are extremely difficult to remove or disable.
Problem
A total of 6 dangerous or unnecessary program(s) were detected that have been configured to start automatically with Windows. These programs are slowing your system and in many cases endangering your data, privacy, and security.
Repair Checkup AnalysisHard Drive Health
Passed
details Definition
With use, hard drives can begin to suffer from a variety of problems that, if not repaired, may ultimately cause error messages, file corruption, loss of data, sudden program crashes, shutdowns, or restarts, and even complete system failure.
Invalid Uninstallers and
Broken Shortcuts
Failed
details Definition
Sometimes after installing a program it becomes corrupted and cannot be removed using the Windows Add or Remove Programs tool. In these cases, there is no clear method of removing the unwanted software from your system.
Broken shortcuts are links in Windows that are intended to start a program or access a web page but no longer work correctly.
Problem
There are currently at least 2 broken shortcuts and invalid uninstallers on your system. Broken shortcuts result in error messages or unexpected (and sometimes dangerous) behavior when used, and should be repaired immediately. Invalid uninstallers result in annoying errors and, most importantly, the inability to remove programs you want to get rid of.
Registry Problems
Passed
details Definition
The Windows Registry is a critical system database that stores configuration settings for programs, hardware, user accounts, and other important components of your PC. Over time, the Registry can become riddled with orphaned or erroneous settings and other superfluous data that causes unexpected program errors, sudden system shutdowns, loss of data, and general system instability.
Analysis RecommendationThe System Checkup safety scan has indicated that you have multiple security, performance and repair issues on your PC. To ensure your security problems are fixed, we recommend the award-winning ZoneAlarm® Internet Security Suite, and for performance and repair issues, iolo System Mechanic®. Get ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite or System Mechanic for a discounted price or buy both for only $49.95, $70 off! ZoneAlarm Internet Security SuiteThe most complete Internet security: includes antivirus, anti-spyware and firewall. iolo System Mechanic
Everything you need to fix and speed up your PC... automatically. • Proven most secure• Makes your PC run like new• Multiple layers of security• Boosts PC & internet speed up to 300%• Easy-to-use• Eliminates slowdowns, crashes & freezesOnly $39.95 (save $30)
Only $19.95 (save $30)Feature Bundle ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite + iolo System Mechanic, only $49.95 for both products, save $70!
Only $49.95 (save $70)
0
Comments
-
download spybot s&d or adaware.
They'll do the same job for free.[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"The internet is a great way to get on the net."
- Bob Dole, Republican presidential candidate[/FONT]0 -
It's a bit of both really, yes it's right there do seem to be some problems on your machine that their software will fix but it's nothing you can't fix for free without their software.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ for the spyware
http://www.ccleaner.com/ for the registry & shortcut problems
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 also for security ricksWinnings
01/12/07 Baileys Cocktail Shaker
My other signature is in English.0 -
My guess is that it's not to bad. Do you run any anti spyware software at present? It's probably just a couple of tracker cookies. It would be worthwhile checking the startup. As they are trying to sell you something it's unlikely that your going to get a clean bill of health.0
-
By the way, the first link that lucifer posted is the same as my adaware suggestion.
However Spybot search and destroy is also very well respected.[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"The internet is a great way to get on the net."
- Bob Dole, Republican presidential candidate[/FONT]0 -
At themoment, I have the following on my PC, Spybot/Adaware/Superantispyware.
What about all the other "Failures"?0 -
If youve run spybot and adaware, and its deleted everything malicious, then its simply a sneeky zone alarm advertisement method
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"The internet is a great way to get on the net."
- Bob Dole, Republican presidential candidate[/FONT]0 -
I forgot the link doesn't mention Adaware until you actually get onto the siteMercilessKiller wrote: »By the way, the first link that lucifer posted is the same as my adaware suggestion.
However Spybot search and destroy is also very well respected.
Don't you just love the way some of these companies try to get money out of you by scaring the pants off you with wild stories of deadly problems in your pc when most of them turn out to be nothing more harmful than a cookie?Winnings
01/12/07 Baileys Cocktail Shaker
My other signature is in English.0 -
My guess is that it's not to bad. Do you run any anti spyware software at present? It's probably just a couple of tracker cookies. It would be worthwhile checking the startup. As they are trying to sell you something it's unlikely that your going to get a clean bill of health.
Would you explain what I need to look for and do, please.0 -
Invalid Uninstallers andAt themoment, I have the following on my PC, Spybot/Adaware/Superantispyware.
What about all the other "Failures"?
Broken Shortcuts tells me you've been installing & uninstalling programs recently, not all installers remove everything some leave folders, dll files or shortcuts behind so you have to clean them up by hand, they're usually not dangerous.
You should check out Windows Startup though, MSConfig will show you what starts up when your machine switches on & lets you disable anything dangerous.Winnings
01/12/07 Baileys Cocktail Shaker
My other signature is in English.0 -
My guess is that it's not to bad. Do you run any anti spyware software at present? It's probably just a couple of tracker cookies. It would be worthwhile checking the startup. As they are trying to sell you something it's unlikely that your going to get a clean bill of health.
I have just run Adaware and it found,
Adware.Tracking Cookies x 170
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