Well.. Thanks to Alaska Snow Birds
I followed this path
1: Called AT&T Their ROBOT told me of a "System Status update" which identified the problem as the microsoft security update
2: Attempted to call Microsoft at the phone number AT&T provided... No joy, (no connection, your call did not go through)
3: Did a SYSTEM restore and then allowed all updates save the one that caused the problem
4: Got on line.. Read the message from AlaskaSnowBirds mentioning Zone alarm
5: Went to the Zone Alarm web site, accessed LIVE chat,, Waited 12 minutes and a very nice employee code name CHAD said:
Chad: This is actually a widespread issue we are seeing this afternoon due to the latest Windows Updates. ZoneAlarm by Checkpoint is aware of this issue and working to provide a permanent solution. For the time being, you can remedy this by opening ZoneAlarm and then select Firewall on the left. Click the Main tab to the upper right and lower the Internet Zone Security from High to Medium.
Chad: Note: This is a temporary fix while we investigate the issue at hand. A permanent fix will be issued at the time we discover the resolution.
6: Thanked chad and filled out the evaluation (Very good marks)
7: Made the change he suggested (Setting internet to MEDIUM)
8: Allowed the update
9: Logged in here, no problems, and found I'm able to post this message
Thanks to Alaska for identifying the conflict and Zone Alarm to knowing what to do about it
Alaska. I suggest you re-enable ZA with the Internet security set to MEDIUM till an update comes out
I expect this update in the next couple of days (Just personal expectation, no "inside info"
Oh, and thanks to "Chad" too