EXPLORER.EXE wants connections from Internet

Ok. I downloaded an UPGRADE of ZoneAlarm (free) yesterday, right.

Then all sudden the ZA security Alert pops up telling me

Windows Explorer wants to accept connections from the Internet.

Application: EXPLORER.EXE


I'd like to say that I've had ZA for many years, but I can't remember
this thing asking for connection rights FROM the internet.

Oh and I SEEM to be able to surf fine so far, while this thing just waits for my 'answer'.


So, as usual I don't know what to do.
Allow or Deny ?

 

Hi ~*Nat*~,
You should block/deny this.

Do you allow explorer.exe outbound connections?

 

Hi Stem,

I appreciate your help. I DENIED it as you said I should.

And yes, under ZA's programs, Windows explorer (Explorer.exe) is allowed
to access the internet.

This was done "automatically" when I did a fresh install once if I remember right.

 

Hi ~*Nat*~,
Explorer.exe does not need internet connections. I would say you should change this to block/deny.

 

Really ? I never allowed it to connect by myself. It's just there, and allowed.
Strange.
Alright, I'll deny access to the internet also.

Thank You !

 

Well I tried Windows Explorer (Explorer.exe) to block internet and trusted zone access.

And I had a feeling it wouldn't work, because it's part of the system.


I get a pop up warning that if the settings to System Programs are changed
to custom (like deny/block/...it can cause serious problems.

Hmmmm...

 

Hi ~*Nat*~,
You can block explorer.exe from the internet without any problems. (I myself have always blocked this, with no ill effect).
You can allow explorer.exe access to the trusted zone

 

Hi ~*Nat*~,
I have just installed ZA, to show you:-

 

Stem, I blocked it to the internet. I got a warning, but I did it anyway.
I only allow to the trusted zone, like you said.

Hope all goes well.

Thanks again!

 

Dont worry,.. it is best to keep internet connections to applications that really need them. All will be fine

Your very welcome.

 

It amazes me how many apps. seem to be requesting to accept connections. With few exceptions I have them all blocked regardless of the ZA warning. Those I do not have blocked are set to ask then I only allow as needed.