up vote 0 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

SYSTEM INFO: MS Windows XP Professional Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Build 2600

System Model Dell OptiPlex GX270 System Type X86-based PC Processor x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 9 GenuineIntel ~2793 Mhz BIOS Version/Date Dell Computer Corporation A06, 9/29/2004 SMBIOS Version 2.3 Total Physical Memory 1,024.00 MB Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB Internal HDs: c (80G) + f (40G)

BACKGROUND: My 6 year-old PC had a working "System Restore" (SR) I found quite useful -- until I installed ZoneAlarm's Security Suite two years back when I was running XP SP2. After working with ZA's support I was able to get SR to create and hold restore points, but was only able to restore to them in Safe Mode.

Then ZA support demanded I upgrade to SP3. Although I can still create and hold SR restore points, they now aren't functional even in Safe Mode. ZA support has run out of ideas and I have run out of patience.

QUESTIONS:

(1) I would like to replace ZASS with separate, free but dependable real-time apps that (a) work together and keep SR functional (once repaired) (b) duplicate and expand ZASS' real-time security capabilities without conflicting with one another AND (c) be supplemented with on-demand-only use of other free security apps as necessary

I am considering: --real-time COMODO Firewall --but unsure what/which real-time anti-virus, anti-adware/malware/rootkit apps to add to it and what if anything else I might supplement them with on-demand

Which combination of free security apps work best with COMODO Firewall....in real-time without conflicts...and which other on-demand-only apps should I add?

(2) What steps do I take after that to repair SR? Since my current restore points are useless, I don't mind erasing them if that's part of the fix.

link|improve this question
Have you tried deinstalling ZA and then trying a system restore? It might just be ZA blocking your system restore – Ivo Flipse♦ Aug 19 '09 at 7:45
feedback

2 Answers

up vote 2 down vote

I can only make a meager attempt to answer your question. I am running Windows XP Home Edition. On startup I use COMODO Firewall Pro, in conjuction with AVG Anti-Virus Free version 8.5.409, SnoopFree Privacy Shield version 1.0.7 and Windows Defender. Using this combination I have never had any issues with SR not functioning. All four seem to make nice with each other and haven't had any conflicts.

link|improve this answer
thanks...familiar with first two windows defender is anti-spyware? is snoop-free like anti-malware? – user6501 Sep 23 '09 at 21:01
Sorry it took so long to get back to your question. Here's the description from the help file: SnoopFree Privacy Shield is a powerful privacy protection system for Windows XP. It protects you from programs that install keystroke loggers, take pictures of your screen and read text from your open windows. If a program tries to do any of these actions, SnoopFree Privacy Shield will pause the offending program and let you decide if you want to allow it to have access. This is free software! If you find it useful, feel free to pay for it. You don't have to, but I'd really appreciate it! – Patriot Sep 28 '09 at 15:13
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

http://bertk.mvps.org/html/reinstall.html

I had to repair SR once: The above link may help.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.