I am running Windows XP Pro and ZA Firewall/Anti-spyware. I also have AT&T DSL at home. I've been doing system restore in the last two days in order to get back online.

I suspect it was due to the recent Windows updates because I had perfect internet access up till the reboot after updates. After googling, folks said XP KB951748 is causing the problem for no internet. I also saw two suggestions:
A. Remove KB951748; 0r
B. Set Zone Alarm to "Medium" instead of "High".

Where else will I will find better advice? Voilą! I know FT will have a thread on this!

What can a non-techie do to avoid the headache? I set up my system to notify me when Windows updates are available/ready to install. Right now, the yellow icon is sitting in my system tray, prompting me to install two things (KB951748 & Malicious software removal tool July 2008-KB890830). I know I have to de-select KB951748 so not to lose my internet AGAIN after reboot.

I assume the system will keep bugging/notifying me to install the bad guy whenever I use my computer.

Is there any EASY & qickie workaround before Microsoft releases a newer fix? I rather not to perform another system restore and I don't want to change my ZA settings from High to Medium. TIA!