i am using a windows 7x64 pc.
i had the avast internet security suite installed so the firewall was included.
i installed zone alarm after the avast subscription ran out and after i installed the avast free anti-virus.
i have tried letting the avast free anti-virus update and also registering it with the firewall shut down but no difference.
thank you for the link to the manual download.
i will try that next.