UltraVNC and ZoneAlarm (ZA ignors all mouse clicks)

[uncpotato]

I have been using UltraVNC for long.
It is a very convenient tool for those who needs to get access to his/her computers @anywhere from anywhere.

I have one windows 2000 machine installed with ZoneAlarm.
Whenever ZoneAlarm pops up, asking for permission to access the net for a new program, strange things happen: Though you can see the ZoneAlarm popup, move your mouse pointer, but mouse clicks are ignored. It seems to me that ZoneAlarm could be using some non-standard way to handle mouse clicks?
Strange as it can be, you can still use TAB to move the focus, but you cannot press the space to simulate the click. But, you can still move the focus to close the window...

[bevtech]

zone alarm can cause issues with uvnc i would look into pchelpware

[grumpa]

Zone Alarm: Overview >> Preferences >> General >> Uncheck "Protect the Zone Alarm Client".
---
If checked it prohibits someone changing it's (ZA) settings remotely.

[bevtech]

grumpa,

We need a document on zone alarm if you could just write all the issues and solutions you have come across with zone alarm I will make a FAQ so others can find it quickly.. I know the uvnc team would appreciate that and I would too..

[grumpa]

bevtech:

I don't know how much I can add to a Zone Alarm FAQ. The "Unprotect the ZA Client" is important if you want full control over the remote host. With Client Protection enabled, you will eventually run into a situation where ZA will stop you cold. When setting up, or remote managing, a LAN/Network it is to your advantage to ensure that ZA is set up identically on each host. That creates predictability in it's actions. Also mid-range (Med) settings provide adequate protection, while High and Low settings tend to function in the extreme (too much or too little). Once ZA is protecting you, less is better. If ZA is installed on a host that I plan to remote manage, I make sure that I "exercise" VNC every way I can, before I assume it is fully remote able. That includes LAN-to-LAN, WAN-to-LAN, and both web access and viewer access. This produces the complete range of "Med" dialogue/alert pop-up messages to Allow or Deny access, and is arguably the only way you can be sure ZA is properly configured for VNC. The final thing I will mention, and it is a decision you have to make is whether to check or uncheck ZA's Overview >> Preferences >> Check for updates (Automatic / Manual) field. I check only Manual. The reason is that some automatic updates will add to, modify, or re-default ZA Preferences and Settings. The result can be the surprise end (blocking) of your remote VNC capability.

Regards ...

[argeedblu]

Unfortunately, the solution you suggested does not appear to be available in the latest(?) version (7.0.408.00) of ZA Security Suite.

Glenn

[travelback]

I am using version 6.5.737.000 of ZoneAlarm and to solve my issue I gave UltraVNC super rights under program control [programs tab]. As soon as I did that, I was able to control ZoneAlarm through remote.

[argeedblu]

Thanks for the suggestion. However, that solution is not available in the ZA version I have installed 7......

Glenn

[travelback]

Sorry that didn't help. I'm sure it wont help either that I had 7 for a short time and went back to 6 because it is more stable IMHO. Don't get me wront I love ZA, but sometime I think some programs are better left alone.