Having trouble with Zone Alarm Firewall blocking access to the internet on randomly. What is going on here?

Question

I know about setting up which programs are allowed and which are not. But this has happened several times. For instance, if my computer goes on standby, and i bring the Firefox back up, it always says Page Not Found, until I close out Zone Alarm. I've heard Zone Alarm has a block if you are inactive on the internet or computer that it turns on automatically, but I am not sure that's what wrong. Sometimes randomly, I'll be in a video game or surfing the net and get disconnected from the game or sites will stop showing up and Ill have to close out Zone Alarm.
Note: this is the free version. I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling several times. Usually it works perfect for about 3 weeks and then starts giving me this ****. What is going on here?
Another Note: If I Close it out, and then restart it, the page is STILL not found until Zone Alarm is completely shut off. I dont trust Microsoft Firewall, and I'd like this program to work like everyone says it does.

Answer 1

on the Zone Alarm settings, Check and see if your Mozilla Firefox is Allowed (it should Be a check, if it an X it means no,) if it isn't change the value to ALLOW. and also, take a snap shot of a bunch of folders on the zone alarm with ALT-Print Screen Sysrq. and paste in Paint. E-Mail to my [e-mail] if u have questions.

Answer 2

You're wrong in not trusting XP Firewall. It works fine. I've run A LOT of port scans and NOT ONCE have they found a SINGLE port open. If I were you, I'd get rid of Zone Alarm and activate XP Firewall. Try it and do some tests. You can always go back to ZA.

Answer 3

You don't mention your OS.... I know lots of people having trouble with Zone Alarm & XP. If you're behind a router - I think it's overkill. I've used Microsoft Firewall and a router for years and never had a problem. Personally, I find firewalls a hassle.

Answer 4

It sounds like its a program conflict. It might be the firefox.