ZoneAlarm nag popups

[rmcmorran]

Looks like a new "development" for ZoneAlarm - just in the past week or so, each time I log into my computer, I get an irritating popup nag from ZoneAlarm - "ZoneAlarm Security Options", a load of advertising blurb and "Tell me more" and "no thank you buttons". Clicking on "no thank you" has no effect - the advertising nag pops up right back again the next time I log in. Looks like this is a new "feature" of ZA to persuade all us free users to hand over our cash to stop them pestering us.

Discussion of ths problem here:
Re: How do I stop nag screen? - General - ZoneAlarm User Forum

So, looks like it's time to ditch ZA and get something better.

I don't mind paying for software if I have to, but why stick with ZA? Any better products out there?

[tallin]

I run ZoneAlarm version:7.0.483.000 free. No nag screens with ver: 7.0
I did not upgrade to ver: 8.0 reading so much wrong with it so decided to avoid it.

kind regards,

[rmcmorran]

Well since I have ZA 8, I wonder if there is any way of disabling the nag adverts?

It's ironic that this product now behaves just like a virus.

[zep516]

The information below comes from another forum see if it helps you.

"Open Zone alarms
Click "Overview" on the left panel
Click the "Preferences" tab at the top right
Check for product updates, check "Manual"
You'll get a warning box telling you if you do not update you will be at risk from hackers etc
Click "Yes"
Done."

[rmcmorran]

Ah, switching to manual updates does it?

Great, I'll try it thanks!

[rmcmorran]

No it didn't work, I still get the annoying popup adverts.

ZoneAlarm clearly is geared up to selling the paid-fo product to individuals, and is working more more visibly as a viral advertising machine than the firewall that everybody used to rave about. So, I will pay to get something useful, but I won't let ZA nag me into buying theirs. I dont respond to pester marketing.

[GS3]

To disable Zonealarm 8 nag screen

In safe mode (as zonealarm seems to protect it's registry keys by holding them open, even if you untick 'protect zonealarm client', and even if you close ZA.. so safe mode is easiest)

Load regedit, Then set the following key to 0
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm] "RunUpsellNotice"

[rmcmorran]

Thanks - I tried that but no effect - also tried setting showWelcome to 0 but it didn't work either.

They're buggers these guys.

[GS3]

Yeah, I thought it had fixed it but it came back. I am sick and tired of Zonealarm.
First V6 became unusable without warning and totally screwed up my computer.
Now V8 has this stupid nag screen.
I am going to give Comodo a try. Matousec gives it a very good review.