Thanks for your reply, Jofm5. I tried that but it did just as it did the first time - it told me that there was an "important service update" available and I was immediately back in the same hole because it wouldn't let me ignore it. I cannot close the dialogue box and, should I download it, it will prompt me with the news that it is awaiting a newer version of Windows - every bloody time I turn the computer on! Perhaps I should ditch ZoneAlarm after all of the years for which I have been using it. Have you got any good recommendations for a trouble free alternative which will work well (and easily) with my Windows 98?