Security programs sometimes make the screen to go black when you try to capture.

We're hearing that security programs, like ZoneAlarm and Norton, have

recently added a "feature" which blocks screen captures. That may sound

great until you realize they don't just block bad boys, they block everyone,

including you, the computer owner, from capturing his or her screen. The

problem seems to be worst when capturing "secure" web pages, ones where the

lock appears, like our order page.

So, how do you turn the darn things off? We're offering fame, praise and a

virtual pat on the back to clever readers who figure that out! Cranky Dave

insists the best way is Control Panel / Add or Remove Programs.

Steve

Update: Does your security program block screen capture?

Here’s the update we promised about security programs blocking screen capture. It turns out, there’re only two programs that do this, Norton Internet Security 2008 and ZoneAlarm ForceField.

For Norton, the “protection” seems erratic. If you’re one of the lucky, or unlucky, “protected” users, turn off “Crimeware Protection” to restore screen capture.

As for ZoneAlarm, the so-called “ForceField” is apparently off by default, disengaged, so it shouldn’t be blocking capture. But it still seems to cause problems for many customers. If that’s you, we recommend using a different browser. Apparently, ForceField only “protects” Internet Explorer.

Thank you to all the generous, wise and attractive contributors who contributed!

Steve

Norton Internet Security 2008

Rick Wyzykowski provides the following fix, including screenshots. Thanks Rick!

1 Click on the Norton Internet Security tab up top.

2 Click Reports & Statistics at the bottom.

3 Click View Transaction Protection.

4 Enter your password for Norton Internet Security.

4 You’ll see a recent date where CaptureWiz.exe was blocked… highlight that event and click Allow/Block on the lower-right.

5 The “Status” which said “blocked” before should now say “allowed.”

Go into Norton settings, click on transaction security and disable Crimeware Protection. 15 minutes should be enough time. Then you’ll be able to do your captures.

- Larry Adams

Re-installing the latest version of CaptureWiz magically fixed this problem for me. Now I’m a very happy camper!

- Brigitte

I haven’t encountered the problem, but users can add CaptureWiz to the list of "allowed" programs to access the internet. This isn’t the usual reason why a program is listed in Norton, but it may solve the problem. Users may also want to try a different browser.

- no name given

I don’t have any problems capturing secure web pages, but I had to turn off Phishing Protection to permit downloads from my bank.

- Hanne Røschke

We stopped using Norton (Symantec) because it interfered with Microsoft Outlook and did other funny things.

- Preben Karby

Simply don't buy or install Zone Alarm or Norton!

- T Palmitesta

Dumped Norton years ago, worst security program on earth and most difficult to remove.

-Burl Jacks

Due to problems, I removed Norton from all my computers.

- Joao

ZoneAlarm ForceField

Only the “ForceField” version of ZoneAlarm seems to be a problem.

ZoneAlarm Security Suite

I found no problems. You can customize “SmartDefense” to warn you before allowing captures, but by default, captures work perfectly without warnings. Norton products generally don’t meet my needs.

- Jeff Marshall

I have no problems.

- Leo Burke

ZoneAlarm Pro

I don't see a problem. I use Firefox 3 browser, & OS is XP. Norton –yuk!

- Christine B

ZoneAlarm, unspecified version

No problems with latest upgrade.

- G Hollowell

Deleted it from all 3 of my computers, never to be seen again.

- Lt Perret

Bit Defender

No problems using Bit Defender.

- Jeff Marshall

Comodo

I prefer Comodo. It's free and works fine with CaptureWiz. Count me in cranky Dave's corner. I don't recommend ZoneAlarm, except the free version, due to "bloat," otherwise known as "feature-itis." And, IMHO, Norton hasn't made a good product in 15 years, too many bugs and resource hogs.

- Jim Konzak

McAfee

Knock on wood, no problems with McAfee. A programmer friend of mine describes Norton as a virus in itself.

- Beau Smith

NOD 32

No problems with NOD 32.

- Ton Holleboom

Outpost Security Suite Pro version 6

No problems here.

- Paul Valembois, Belgium

Trend Micro ("PC-cillin") Internet Security 2008

Spend a few bucks and buy a serious security program which doesn’t treat you like a child! I am an ICT-professional for 43 years and use PC-cillin from Trend Micro for some 10 years. I can totally modify PC-cillin to my wishes.

- Sal van Gelder

Haven't had problems with Trend Micro PC-cillin. Got rid of Zone Alarm and Norton when they became a nuisance.

- Esther Phillips

Trend does not have this problem. I suggest sending strong complaints to the offending companies.

- Marv Spears

AVAST

No trouble.

-Joseph

AVG

No problems.

- Jay Hutchinson

Non-specific tips

When all else fails, nothing can block your digital camera!

- Loren Blaney

You may be able to save the page as an html or mht file:

- Dennis Hollingsead

Most security tools have "defaults" that users can change manually with a Yes or No to accept the instruction. Also, websites can often be captured using ALT + PRTSCN.

Now, where are you gonna take all of us contributors for a fun-filled prize vacation?

- Jack Seward