ZA program access

I recently just added ZoneAlarm (latest version) to my Home XP, and everytime I turn on the computer it asks me if I should let Windows Explorer access the net. Why does Explorer need net access. And about 20 minutes later, Service.exe requests to go online. I use updated AVG and online Trendmicro for virus scans, and use updated Spybot for spyware removal. Why and what are these things that are asking for access. I have a Dell 5100 laptop that I think may be the service.exe, but nothing happens when I refuse access for both Windows Explorer and service.exe.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi BTN
Explorer requests access to the "network" because if you are on a lan network it may require access to browse the files on your local network which is the other side of the firewall.
The help file will also request access to the network when opened because it contains links to MS web-pages but will still work sufficiently without granting access.
I`m sure a google search of service.exe will give you information on weather to grant access to this application too.

I use MSN Messenger and also have the Linksys wireless PC 54g card software to both load at startup. Do you think this has anything to do with it? I could not find much on service.exe.

Might also want to check out Black Vipers site for 'his' take on what 'services' can be disabled or manualized in XP.

http://www.blkviper.com/WinXP/supertweaks.htm

Perhaps a search on your system for the exe and a properties scan of this file may give more to go on i.e. the manufacturer.

hey BigTimeNovice...go to "start"..."run" and type in msconfig and see what shows up there in your startup menu.Maybe Dell has some kind of auto-update program,if not,you still might be able to see who "owns" the program that wants to go online....could even be an ereg...(electronic registration) :)