ZoneAlarm Update

After reading a recent thread on the above, I tried to perform the update for my free version. In the process, ZA informed it could not update because it couldn't shut down True Vector. It said to do so thru Service Manager. I can find Service Manager nowhere in ZA. (Interestingly, the AZ overview states that "no further steps are necessary--AZ will alert you if you need to make any adjustments". I'm not sure if this includes updates). Can anyone help with this?

 

To get to services manager, press windows key + r (or click Start --> Run), type 'services.msc' (without the quotes) and press enter (or click ok)

Then, you can highlight any service with a single click, and type True Vector. This should take you right to the service you're after. From there, you can Start, Stop, or Restart a service, as well as configure its startup type, and which user account it should run as.

 

Thanks for the reply. In following your instructions, I get "cannot find the file" etc. regarding services.msc thru Start-->Run. I have Windows '98. BTW, what is True vector and what does it do?

 

Oh! Win98... my mistake here. You won't have a services manager. Instead, you can try this: Open the run dialog as before, but this time, type msconfig and press enter. On the dialog that appears, select the startup tab. There should be something on the list that corresponds to True Vector.

See this link.

If you have the executable file vsmon.exe being called as part of Zone Alarm, then I recommend that you go to the Malware Removal thread ASAP. Apparently, a virus can disguise itself as True Vector.

If not, then try unchecking the box that is next to true vector and restarting. You should then be able to perform an update for Zone Alarm w/o it getting in the way. However, the link above lists it as a required service, so you may want to re-enable it once your finished.

 

I thought the file vsmon.exe was a valid part of ZoneAlarm? I know it could be a virus if is it is capitalized or changed somehow, but as "vsmon.exe" it is an actual part of the program. If I am mistaken please let me know because it has been on my start-up list since I installed ZoneAlarm. I would be really irked if I found out that it was a virus. Thanks!

 

Here's what is on the link:


Startup Name Process Name Details

TrueVector VSMON.EXE Even if you don't have ZoneAlarm or ZoneAlarm Pro run at start-up you do need this

Zone Alarm vsmon.exe "Added by the RBOT.BO WORM! If this was the ZoneAlarm firewall the name column would be TrueVector"

 

Okay, I got the update installed. Thanks much. But as I asked before, is this update necessary as it states in the ZA overview to do no adjustments until advised to do so. Would this include updates?

 

I would imagine not. I don't think they would advise you to use an inferior product. I'd expect that this refers to changing access permissions, and such.

 

Thanks again!

 

Ok mada, that vsmon.exe thing has me worried. I have zone alarm free edition and have had "vsmon.exe"in my system scince i installed zone alarm. Thr properties sound legit because when i open the properties under product name it says that it is "TrueVector Service". And there is what looks legit info of the program that it is from zone labs. Is this the worm or legit because i never noticed a problem with za only that i manually updated once.
-the new tech guy

 

Here is a link with info about vsmon.exe http://process.networktechs.com/vsmon.exe.php i hope this helps.

 

Hi!

I don't mean to bud in, but my curiousity got me as I'm extremly confused, lol.


I have the free edition and have "True Vector Security Engine Version 6.1.737.000" displayed under "Version Information". Is that supposed to be there?

If I look in Task Manager, I see vsmon.exe Is that supposed to be there?

Again, sorry, I don't understand this stuff in the thread, just making sure that I'm ok as well. Thank you!

 

P.S.
Forgot to add a couple pics.....

 

Well the file is in C:/programfiles/zonelabs/zonealarm/repair/vsmon.exe. That is the location and I think all is well if i understand it correctly.
-the new tech guy

 

You are correct. VSMON.EXE is part of ZA.

 

Ok i was worried about that. Phew! Thanks!
-the new tech guy

 

Yes, True Vector (VSMON.EXE) is a required part of Zone Alarm, if it under startup it is listed as True Vector. If it is listed as Zone Alarm instead, it would have been malware.

Please see either my first link, my post or the below screenshot before freaking out! I apologize for confusing people! Check the startup tab of MSCONFIG to find out for sure!

 

Hi!

Thanks for the picture, that cleared up my misunderstanding. If ya don't mind having a peek at my screenshot, under Start Up Item, it says "Zlclient". That's the only thing I see that's associated with Zone Alarm in the list. Am I still ok?

I promise not to bug no more, lol.
Thanks!