what is this ??

I recently installed XP on my PC. ZA Pro is alerting me that "GENERIC HOST PROCESS FOR WIN32 SERVICES" is trying to connect from my PC to the Internet ! What is this "new" alert ?? Never had it while using Win98SE .
Also, what is an "IGMP" protocol ? Received a few of those alerts as well !

thanks and regards,
bill

 

As Paul indicated this could be several things. My guess would be: XP is checking if there are any updates available.

Regards,

Pieter

 

Windows ME and XP and most other software do auto look for updates by default on install.
I always turn auto update off on all my software.
That's just me though. If you don't turn them off , you either have to put up with the alert everytime it access the internet or Tell the firewall to always allow it. Don't we like to be in control as to when a program access the internet?

 

hi,
On NT system, svc.hosts.exe are a kind of laucher to monitor different programs.

Enter tasklist /svc to see which ones and tasklist /? to see the other commuters.

No need to allow access to the W3 for any svc.hosts.exe. Everything runs without permiting OUT

Have a look here about : http://www.blkviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

http://www.les-smileys.inforum-city.com/diables/blueScreen_D.gif

 

Thank you all for the responses! It's good to know that "GENERIC HOST PROCESS FOR WIN32 SERVICES" is NOT a threat to my security. I'm still finding my way around XP...GRRR !
I can't seem to find Win XP's auto update feature. Would like to turn it off !
Thanks again,
bill

 

Maybe there is an easy way, but Atomic (downloadable at: http://www.xp-erience.org/article.php?sid=734 ) can do it for you and lots more.

Regards,

Pieter

 

"WARNING: THIS IS TO BE USED ON A FRESH INSTALL OF WINDOWS XP PROFESSIONAL ONLY!"

Sounds like a great program for that group, though! Pete

 

Pieter,
isn't their a tweaking tool already in XP ? I believe I recently typed in a string in the run menu and it brought up the tweaks that are mentioned in the "Atomic" proggie !!
Darn, I can't remember what I typed in "run" or where I found it !!
bill

 

Hi,

Among the services : disable automatic updates
See the link in a former post about viper for all the services you may disable.

or use : an option disable it

XP-Antispy : http://www.xp-antispy.org/

Rgds,

JacK

 

Jack is right: It´s even easier. I just don´t know the exact names of the path, but I hope you can figure it out.
Start > Config screen > System control > Services > Automatic updates right click the appropriate service and in the dropdown menu you can stop the service.
In the description it says something like: This stops the automatic updates, you can manually retrieve them at the windows update site.

@ eyespy

If you ever find that command again, I´d very much like to know


Regards,

Pieter

 

Right Click----------> My Computer Icon----------->Properties--------------->Automatic Updates(on the top)-----------------> Turn off Automatic Updates.


Technodrome

 

If you don't have the "my computer" icon turned on, click start>run type services.msc and you will get to all the services that Jack is talking about ealier. There you can use the advice that blackviper has, that is pretty good.GA

 

Pieter,
Here is the "run command"----- gpedit.msc


And here's the website I got it from...very good site !!
http://www.dougknox.com/

enjoy,
bill

ps.......I managed to turn of the "auto update" thanks to everyone's help

 

BTW.....
If I don't allow "GENERIC HOST PROCESS FOR WIN32 SERVICES" to access the internet, I can't connect at all !!
regards,
bill

 

A nice feature of the global policy editor is the ability to shut off windows messenger. To get to it, open the policy editor(gpedit) expand computer configuration>administrative templates>windows components>messenger

 

Eyespy,

Thnx for the link. I haven't had time to read it yet, but I will make time.
Blocking Generic Host Processes completely could result in your computer not being able to contact your ISP, wich would explain your probelms accessing the internet.
I use SPF 5 and have settings for GHP at ask. When I start the Internet connection I have to click allow twice.
As far as I figured out, once for registration in my home network and once for registration ISP.

Hope this helps,

Pieter

 

Hello,

No, it does not
It's set on DENY TCP/UDP IN and OUT everywhere I install a FW. No need at all
as far as it runs (you cannot kill the process anyway )
Cheers,

JacK

 

JacK,

Is it allright if I post the popups SPF produces, tonight? (I'm at work now )
Maybe you can take a look and tell me what's what.

Regards,

Pieter