Everything is trying to access the internet ?!?

even CursorFX

from WinCustomize Forums
Hi all,

I have tried to find this on the internet, but I've no idea how to phrase the question/statement correctly I guess.

I just had to do a clean install of Vista SP1 and all my SD apps, so I know my machine is clean.

It seems that practically everything is trying to get to the internet for some reason.  My firewall will tell me that this or that program wants to access the 'trusted zone' and then it asks for permission to access the internet.

Programs include the Vista Bubbles screen saver, CursorFX, RightClick (there are no plugins), the DWM, Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host, the disk defragmenter, Spider solitaire game, Notepad (!), and a bunch of others, some of which make sense, most don't.

Anyone know why so many apps are trying to get out?  Does anyone else have this happening?  I mean why would Notepad need to access the internet?

I've run Spybot, AdAware, AVG, Hijack This....no issues.  So what's up?

Thanks,

David
3,664 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Sounds like you're using Zone Alarm.  I stopped using Zone Alarm because of the same issue you describe.  Most programs do tend to access the internet for updates, etc. and are not malicious in any way.  It looks like you've already done the necessary checks so you can either get rid of Zone Alarm (Windows Firewall should suffice) and all its pop-ups or keep clicking allow.

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Dave, you're getting paranoid ;p ....none of those are accessing the internet (it's the OSfirewall giving you the prompts). Eyeball the logs once..... 

On a fresh install of ZA, set Program Control to 'Low' (which will turn off adviser and put OSfirewall in learning mode) and manually put Component Control in learning mode. This in no way affects your internet firewall protection from the outside world....it only pertains to your machine. Run for a couple of days and then crank it up to medium (or high, if you feel lucky  ;) )
Offworld Trading Company
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm not on a Vista system but do have Zone Alarm. Works fine for me.

I think with a clean install you will run into this with any Firewall. I believe you can turn off the notifications, but they do serve their purpose. Once you authorize the program to have access they will stop. You have good virus and adware protection. ;) 

Don't authorize anything that you don't understand why it would need access to the internet. Do some research first.  ;) 
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I used to use ZoneAlarm, then it got to be more trouble than it was worth. Now I just use the Windows firewall, plus I'm behind a router.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I used to use ZoneAlarm, then it got to be more trouble than it was worth. Now I just use the Windows firewall, plus I'm behind a router.
End of quote


Same here
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks folks!!!

I, too, am behind a router, the firewall is one of those "just in case" things.

I found it amusing that I would get warnings about Notepad and other very innocuous apps.

Dave, you're getting paranoid ....   )
End of quote


Paranoid??? what do you mean by that...what, do you know something? Is there something going on????

;)
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I used to use ZoneAlarm, then it got to be more trouble than it was worth. Now I just use the Windows firewall, plus I'm behind a router.
End of quote
Same