Norton Utilities - Scam?

[WhichWiccanWitch]

Well, its not often I speak out about things, but this situation has me infuriated.
OK, I have Norton Utilities 2000. And let me tell you, it has been great. So good that I have promoted it with friends and sites. But now, Symantec has the latest Norton Utilities 2001. Fine, if you can afford it, go for it - New versions are usually a good thing. But this version seems to be slowly wiping out the NU 2000 users. Seems upon the first "Symantec Live Update" shortly after the release of 2k1, the registry editor in 2k causes a fault error when using the find action. It doesnt crash the system, just the editor (so far). I have been at Symantecs board for several days trying to get direct answers. Many other NU2k users are having the same error. Symantecs reply? Use Microsoft RegEdit. Hey, if I wanted MSRegEdit, I would not be at the Symantec site trying to resolve the issue. I read for those several days the few options to resolve the issue..one including "Uninstall Windows and reinstall". I tried every solution they came up with to all the users. I didnt Uninstall Win, but I did soft-install it.I finaly, as of today 29Aug01,got a direct answer to the situation...here it is, via copy/paste.....
"I'm sorry for the frustration.

Unfortunately, the only correction that we have for this issue is in
the newer version, Norton Utilities 2001."....

Come on guys, thats like buying a 2000 Ford, the carbeurator fouling up, and Ford telling you, well, you'll just have to buy the 2001 model!!

Well, I am fuming again all over, so I need to wrap this up. What Symantec is doing is WRONG. I do not know without doubt that the "Live Update" is modifying my existing software..but all the evidence does lead to this..Yes, if I had the recources, I would further investigate, and go to court over this. I expect this from wanna-b programmers...but not from a leading software company.

Sincerely,

David M. Mogle
aka:WhichWiccanWitch
silverknight9@yahoo.com

[Kubie]

Witch, I understand your frustration. You mentioned cost. Take alook down this line of software to Norton's System Works 2001 (cd-only).
Carl

http://www.directdeals.com/category....gory=Utilities

[mc2phat]

I used to run clean Sweep and Speed Disk. The Disk Doctor etc are crap in my opinion. Crash Guard was the most horrible thing I'd ever installed. Now I run NAV only. When I did run any of their utilities, I wouldn't run them in the background.

[mc2phat]

The 2000 version of that software is known to not work very well on Windows 2000. Go here and read the blurb; the "More Info" links under Windows 2000 in the chart at the bottom are all dead. I went to Windows 2000 when it first came out, Symantec had it splashed all over their page early in w2k's release that the "2000" versions of their software were not compatible with w2k. So I gave my NAV 2000 to my sister and bought 2001 when it was released and it ran flawlessly. I know it sucks, but that's how it is.
Your problem sounds incredibly annoying. Pester them enough maybe they'll upgrade you to 2001 for free. They changed their support contractor a year or two ago, and my downloaded version on my wife's Win98 machine couldn't be recovered with their recover utility because the support provider of course had different servers. I called and whined and got free upgrade to 2001 for my trouble. I avoid such debacles now by purchasing the CD.
HTH

[WhichWiccanWitch]

Hey thanks for the tip, but I am running 98se...as in the letter, all was well (for a year and a half) until shortly after 2001 came out...

Thought you mite like to see this,,,,here is what i just posted at symantec.....and I'm not done yet...its VERY RARE that I do this...but this is outright wrong!!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, I have never written to a newspaper before, that mite show how I feel about the following situation. It will explain itself as you go along. It concerns software produced and maintained by the nationally known Symantec Corporation....This is what I posted at the Sym support site ..........http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/.......all refernces of "WhichWiccanWitch" are me, I am that Witch.

---------------------------------------------------------------------<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>---------------------------------------------------

Author: WhichWiccanWitch
Date: 07:25 PM, Aug 29 PDT
Subject: Symantec NU - Scam?

Product: Norton Utilities
Version: NU2000
Supported operating system: Windows 98 SE

The following concerns the NU Registry Editor fault that has been on
this board repeatedly.

The following letter, written by me, has been mailed to the following
2 email address, and 27 message/bulletin baords...

----------- -------------

Well, its not often I speak out about things, but this situation has
me infuriated.
OK, I have Norton Utilities 2000. And let me tell you, it has been
great. So good that I have promoted it with friends and sites. But
now, Symantec has the latest Norton Utilities 2001. Fine, if you can
afford it, go for it - New versions are usually a good thing. But
this version seems to be slowly wiping out the NU 2000 users. Seems
upon the first "Symantec Live Update" shortly after the release of
2k1, the registry editor in 2k causes a fault error when using the
find action. It doesnt crash the system, just the editor (so far). I
have been at Symantecs board for several days trying to get direct
answers. Many other NU2k users are having the same error. Symantecs
reply? Use Microsoft RegEdit. Hey, if I wanted MSRegEdit, I would not
be at the Symantec site trying to resolve the issue. I read for those
several days the few options to resolve the issue..one including
"Uninstall Windows and reinstall". I tried every solution they came
up with to all the users. I didnt Uninstall Win, but I did
soft-install it.I finaly, as of today 29Aug01,got a direct answer to
the situation...here it is, via copy/paste.....
"I'm sorry for the frustration.

Unfortunately, the only correction that we have for this issue is in
the newer version, Norton Utilities 2001."....

Come on guys, thats like buying a 2000 Ford, the carbeurator fouling
up, and Ford telling you, well, you'll just have to buy the 2001
model!!

Well, I am fuming again all over, so I need to wrap this up. What
Symantec is doing is WRONG. I do not know without doubt that the
"Live Update" is modifying my existing software..but all the evidence
does lead to this..Yes, if I had the recources, I would further
investigate, and go to court over this. I expect this from wanna-b
programmers...but not from a leading software company.

Sincerely,

David M. Mogle
aka:WhichWiccanWitch
s i l v e r k n i g h t 9 @ y a h o o . c o m

---------------- --------------------

I look forward to your response....Even if its a law suit. Hell, I
cant afford the 50 bucks for new software...what are you going to
take...my flippin' computer???



Author: WhichWiccanWitch
Date: 07:27 PM, Aug 29 PDT
Subject: Re: Symantec NU - Scam?

Heh, I am so fumed I forgot to put the sites in I posted at...here ya
go..........
McAfee.com
/aboutus/contact_us.asp?

Lockernome.com
rantrave@lockergnome.com

TechTVs
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Computing.nets
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Annoyances.org's
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Redneck-Puters'
General Discussion
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General Opinions And Reviews
Computer Tales

PC Mechanics'
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Tech News / System Security


PacMans Portal

****microsoft.com (yes, it's a site)


-----------------------------------------------------------------------<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>---------------------------------

No, I dont expect any response...I am just fuming!!!

Thank you tho for taking the time to read....

Sincerely
David M. Mogle
aka:WhichWiccanWitch
silverknight9@yahoo.com

[mike breck]

Sorry to hear about you problems Which.

I know it doesn't help you, but I thought I would give you my views about NU and updating programs generally.

I have Win98se and am still using NU version 3 which I bought when I ran Win95SR2.

I manually downloaded the update (after a bit of research and careful consideration) from their site to allow it to run with 98se. It runs fine.

But....I don't (and this is just me and my suspious mind) use auto update for NU or any of my programs. As far as I'm concerned updates are only for specific problems and if the program and system as a whole is running well...then I don't need an update.

I decide what's going on my hard drive - not Symantec or anyone else.

I like NU but I only use Speed Disk, WinDoctor, and Disk Doctor and I don't have any of their programs running in the background.

Thanks for pointing out a serious problem for other NU users like myself who might be considering upgrading to a newer version in the future.

Mike

[reboot]

Norton Utilities IS A VIRUS!
I used to be good, when it fit on a couple of 5 1/4 inch floppies, but since Peter Norton sold out to Symantec, it's all gone to he(double hockey sticks).
The ONLY thing Symantec is good for, is Norton AV, (well, Ghost is good too) and for the price, there are jucier alternatives.
There's NOTHING in NU that Windows (or DOS) can't already do, it's just put together in a hugely bloated package, with a fancy, mustard yellow GUI, designed to irritate the eyes, and wallet, create false errors where there are none, causes mucho amounts of grey hair, and helps to support the families of all the working tech's who get to repair the damage NU has done.
Symantec, we thank you for your support.

[WhichWiccanWitch]

I am really starting to see what both of you are saying. Like the false errors reboot spoke of.....NUSysDoc will tell me that my drive is 87% defragmented...when I go to defrag it, it then says it doesnt need it!!!! ARRGG. To Mike, glad you are having good times with old version. I am thinking about skipping all the crap, and using just the NU AntiV and Secirity.

[SARGE]

Guess I'm the onliest one that likes NU. I only use the Speed Disk for defragging on 3 pc's and never have a problem. Crash Guard, though, is first thing I delete upon installing. Disk Doctor is also useful. Used NU for several years with no problems.

NU a virus? How so?

[reboot]

Virus: Noun, any (computer) program that does more harm than good.

[WhichWiccanWitch]

Crash Guard....Oh man what a joke that was.....Ya, that was the first thing for me too!! I could not fathom how crash "gaurd" CRASHED SO MUCH!!! Ya know...guess that should have opened my eyes. But when I got this NUSystemWorks(?) I was brand new into pc, and simply didnt know too much...We learn as we go.. Hey, I really appreciate all (almost) the responses here, looks like great team work here!!!!!

[mike breck]

Yeah Which,

Every series of tests I've read of all the different "Crashguards" in UK PC mags suggests they cause more crashes than they prevent.

As well hogging system resources like nobody's business.

But it's the same with all these system suites. Each one has it's advantages and disadvantages. So you run the individual programs that are useful to you, when you need them, and leave the rest alone.

I still don't know how Speed Disk defrags in a fraction of the time it takes Windows. It certainly gets my thumbs up.

As for NAV, I wouldn't know. I use InnoculateIt. It's still free for former users but new users have to pay for the new "Suite" (ye gods not another "Suite").

When will these companies learn that we don't want "suites" of programs with one or two good programs and a handful of rubbishy addons.

Every company seems to be going "suite" mad.

Their trying to take over our 'puters I tell you!

Well, their not taking mine without a fight...we'll fight them on the beaches, on the workbench...etc, etc, etc.

[WhichWiccanWitch]

Man you hit it on the nose!!! I hear ya about the suite thing..its gettin' old.
Like ya said about taking recources and yadda..I ran accross a "Shut Down" program and HAD to see it. LOLOL. So there it sits in the sys tray, waiting...for you to shut down..and it takes and extra klik to shut down vs windows' start menu shut down!!!! Can you believe that?? Thats like these memory programs..that sit in the tray, using memory to free memory!! Heh heh. I do have one, that I call on, but only before gaming. For browsing and say imaging, word proccessing, etc. - a prog simply makes a call to windows for some memory, and win gives it. Its just holding it til its needed.

Go figure

[Gintaras]

Witch,

give your NU CD to someone you hate for FREE.

[glc]

Yes, NU used to be good. Now it's just a bloated pig. NAV is one of the best antiviruses out there, but running autoprotect does take a big resource and speed hit. Norton Firewall isn't bad, but Zone Alarm (FREE) is better. Speed Disk and Disk Doctor are still good - and better than what comes with Windows. I personally prefer Diskeeper for defragging. Crashguard and Uninstaller are total junk. Ghost is excellent. Windoctor is hazardous to the health of your registry. Bottom line - System Works is not a good investment. M$ has added a lot more functionality to recent versions of Windows that has greatly lessened the need for 3rd party utilities that suck resources and slow the system down.

[bailey]

I have to agree with all whole heartly, I have used norton utilites for many years in the days of dos, best thing to happen to puters, but the one that realy tops the problems is mcaffee ofice 2000, it crashed every system I have ever tried to install it on to the point of unrecoverablity, had to reformat the hd to get rid of it, if anybody wants it for free, just ask and I will prepaid mail it to you, but you will have to sign a waver releaseing me of any responsiblity for its use. I just haven't found anybody that I hate that much to give it to.

[Gintaras]

Originally posted by reboot Norton Utilities IS A VIRUS!

It's a LEGAL VIRUS and THE ONLY VIRUS THAT YOU HAVE TO PAY $$$ FOR!!!

If I were a PC Tech, I would suggest NU to every customer .
That way I could make more $$$ by fixin' NU messed up PCs
"Speed Disk"> Slowdown Disk
"Crash Guard"> Crash Maker- Those are REAL NAMES!!!

FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS TO INSTALL/USE NU

[mike breck]

Which,

Regarding what you said about NU and defrag errors.

I remember Win95SR2 used to say that the drive didn't need defraged and then when you forced it to proceed it was evident that the drive very much did need defraged.

I don't if Win98se or ME does the same thing as I always use Speed Disk.

I knew a guy who ran Win95SR2 for a year without defraging because Windows told him it didn't need it. He couldn't work out why the system was becoming so sluggish. I told him to force defrag and he was amazed just how badly the drives were fragmented. HeHe..took him all night to defrag it.

He bought NU and used Speed Disk after that.

[reboot]

For all of you who think NU can defrag a drive fast, get the demo of Diskeeper, and don't look back. If ya gotta spend money on something to defrag your drive(s), get Diskeeper.

(Seems glc and I have mucho the same programs/opinions on a lot of things)

[mike breck]

Thanks Reboot & glc,

I'll check Diskeeper out. You can never defrag too quickly as far as I'm concerned.

[mc2phat]

Mike, I used Diskeeper 5.03 and now 6.0
It is well worth the money.

[SARGE]

Ford vs. Chevrolet, Windows vs. Mac, chocolate vs. vanilla, Intel vs. AMD. Different strokes for different folks. I'll keep NU.

[Hpro]

Read almost all the pro and contras of the above posts and mostly I have to agree when it comes to TRASHGUARD etc of Norton utils..
OK I'm a Norton FAN also but - STOP - I use Nortons Utilties VERSION 4.0 and NO updates - Beside that I burned myself a CD with all the necessary files - NO, NU4.0 doens't need to be installed to run! You can run direct from the CD following apps - and that's the only ones I use:
NDD32 - for Windows
NDD - for DOS
SD32 - Windows
Sysinfo - for Windows - NOT SYSDOC this one counts to the trash section
Windoc - Windows
Norton Antivirus Corporate edition Version 7.1 runs smooth and fast get's all those script kiddies work destroyed very fast.And of course
Ghost = for DOS ONLY
Winfax Sucks if someone needs a fax program there is "Mighty FAX"their Website out there 1.5Mb in size and can do all the stuff this bloated NU fax does. What a shame to release such a crap!.

Under given cirqumstances Norton does a real good job - if someone needs a list what kind of drivers and files need to on a CDROM to get NU4.0 running away from the CDROM then let me know - no installation needed!.

EDIT

I just read the message of GLC again about Windoc - I think it's a good utility if you use the MANUAL way to handle the registry - then no problems arise - used this a 100 times not ever one problem

Then AV 7.1 you have the choice to disable CRITICAL SYSTEM FILE PROTECTION leaving most of the rest of the protection running in the background - and using up a lot less resouces than when enabled - on my comps here - it' totally cut out but will be available with a right click