PC freezes after Zonealarm update

[Tefler]

I wonder if anybody can help me. Zonealarm (the free edition) was demanding to be upgraded, so I did so. During the update, it reported that it had managed a 98% download, then everything froze. I had to turn off the computer manually. When I rebooted, the computer simply froze. I booted in safe mode, removed Zonealarm - through add/remove programs - and then did a system restore. Now I'm working without a firewall and, although the PC does work off and on, it still keeps on freezing, and even ctr alt del won't get it to close down.

I'd be really grateful for any light that can be shed on this, as I'm feeling like sending the PC out of the window just now. I'm using Windows XP with the new version of Avast as an antivirus.

[Buenchico]

Have you got the XP installation disk? If so, put it in the drive, select 'Install Windows' and then 'Update Installation'. Doing so will re-install Windows 'on top of itself', so that all of your software and files are retained but your registry (which is obviously corrupt at present) is put back into order.

That's just not a 'theoretical' response. It's the method I used a few days ago to sort out a problem on my own PC. It's really effortless.

Chris