Customer Reviews

Norton Internet Security 2006 [OLD VERSION]

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(25)
1 star:		(118)

 

 

Late last year when my subscription for updating "Norton Antivirus 2005" was about to expire, I decided to update my software to the more complete "Norton Internet Security 2006" in the belief that this would be a superior overall product with the addition of a personal firewall and a spam-blocker bundled with the latest version of NAV (Norton Antivirus). For many years, I had been using ZoneAlarm (ZA) for a personal firewall, so before NIS (Norton Internet Security) could be installed, ZA had to be uninstalled. Once installed, NIS appeared to work very well for about two and half months. Then, I started to notice several problems: other applications were running more slowly and it was taking an increasing amount of time to turn my PC off. Then, not long thereafter, I started to notice more troubling issues with NIS: namely, I had scheduled it to run NAV once a week to do a complete virus scan on all of the files on my PC. When this scheduled task would begin, it would stop functioning after checking about 25% of the files on my PC. The window that would appear during the weekly-scheduled virus scan would remain open, but there was no update to the number of files being scanned and the hard-drive on my PC was not in use indicating that NAV had frozen. If I attempted to shut down the weekly scan, the window would close, but it would then become impossible to start a manual virus scan without rebooting because NAV would report that a scan was already in progress. After rebooting the PC, which was also highly problematic as several NIS files would not shut down (including one called "ccApp.exe"), I could start a manual virus scan, but it would result in exactly the same frozen result as with the automatic weekly virus scan. The PC shutdown problem always occurred whether or not a scheduled or manual virus scan had been initiated. It would take at least 5 minutes for my PC to shutdown. The first file that would not shutdown was Symantec's file "ccApp.exe". After the shutdown window was acknowledged to end the locked file, the PC would remain in a frozen, pre-shutdown state for several minutes before several other frozen files also finally shutdown.

Having previously installed the 2003 version of "Norton Systemworks" (NSW) several years ago, I attempted to use that application to repair the problems that I was observing with NIS. However, this had no affect. I then considered upgrading NSW to the 2006 version, but when I saw the number of negative reviews describing numerous problems associated with that product, I decided against it. I then also decided to see what others had written for reviews for NIS 2006 and NAV 2006. For both of these products, the reviews are predominantly negative as well.

Being a software engineer myself, it is my opinion that Symantec is no longer sufficiently testing its software products before releasing them for sale to consumers. Many people (myself included) have maintained a high opinion of Symantec's NAV application because previous years' versions have been highly stable and reliable. However, the obvious lack of sufficient testing by Symantec for the 2006 versions of NAV, NIS and NSW have changed that opinion. It is clear from my own adverse experience with the 2006 versions of NAV and NIS, as well as many other people who have had bad experiences with these products, that the 2006 versions of NAV, NIS and NSW are unstable and unreliable. Given the fact that NAV 2006 would always freeze when attempting all of PC's files, there is no actual guarantee that it was actually scanning live internet activity to ensure that no virus, worm or trojan horse could infect my PC.

Finally, after attempting to improve the situation by shutting down other automatically loaded applications upon boot-up to no avail, I decided that the only solution was to uninstall NIS, including its bundled NAV. Upon doing so, my PC no longer operates at a snails pace and it shuts down within a few seconds (as it had always done prior to installing NIS 2006). I then installed McAfee's antivirus software (not the bundled version) and reinstalled the latest free version of the ZA firewall. It is obvious that Symantec has transformed its once very reliable and stable NAV into an unstable & unreliable piece of bloatware that will greatly diminish system performance and integrity. For this reason, I have no choice but to rate "Norton Internet Security 2006" with 1 star. If you are considering purchase of this product, I would highly advise that you first investigate other vendors' similar products. I would also advise that you don't necessarily purchase a bundled application, which may have similar bloatware problems as Symantec's "Norton Internet Security 2006".

I had great experience with Norton Anti-Virus 2003 for 3 years -- zero viruses on my Dell with XP. I looked forward to installing Norton Internet Security 2006 ($69.95), since it combined anti-virus capability with anti-spyware and a firewall, the security features most important to me.

But 4 times I installed Norton Internet Security 2006, and all 4 times I got nothing. 5 times, I talked with Symantec techs in India and spent about 12 hours of my time on the project, until I gave up. I've had operating system problems in the past, but this is by far the worst experience I've ever had trying to install an application.

The first time I tried to install and activate Norton Anti-Virus 2006 (from a disc purchased directly from Symantec), after having uninstalled Norton Anti-Virus 2003 and my ZoneAlarm firewall, my system locked up. I still had an internet connection, but I couldn't get into email or any other program like Word, Excel, Photoshop or iTunes. Nada.

A Symantec tech explained how to shut off Norton Internet Security 2006 and remove it. The functionality of my computer was restored. I was told that maybe installation was impeded by remnant Norton Anti-Virus 2003 and/or ZoneAlarm files not removed by the Windows Add/Remove Software utility. I was told to go to Symantec's website and use their tool which supposedly removes all Norton files. I did that and again tried to install Norton Internet Security 2006, but it couldn't be activated. Each time I got to the Activation screen, the cursor froze into an hourglass. I got rid of it by hitting control-alt-delete. I repeatedly tried the Activation screen, only to see the cursor freeze into an hourglass.

I called technical support again and was told that the activation failure was probably due to the presence of viruses on my system. I was told to go to Symantec's website and have my system scanned. I did, and the scan revealed 9 viruses that turned out to be adware (no actual viruses, presumably thanks to Norton Anti-Virus 2003). I paid $69.95 to another Symantec tech who guided me through the process of manually removing the 9 adware files. I was told to again use the Symantec website virus scanner to see whether my computer was clean. The scanner declared my system to be clean. Yet again, I tried to install Norton Internet Security 2006. It couldn't be activated.

Back on the phone, I reached a Symantec tech who showed me how to display Symantec files installed on my system. Apparently I was missing one -- SymantecCORE which, I gather, is a communication file. The tech remarked that the failure to install SymantecCORE was probably because of a problem with my operating system (XP), although Norton Internet Security 2006 is the only program I'm having a problem with. Until the fateful moment when I began trying to install Norton Internet Security 2006, I didn't have a problem with any of the several dozen programs on my computer, so I was skeptical about the operating system theory.

I called technical support again, repeating my saga. After putting me on hold for a while, so my issue could be "researched," the tech told me that maybe the Norton Internet Security 2006 disc was defective. I asked about a refund and was told I would be emailed a form to fill out, which I should send to Symantec with the disc I had bought from Symantec. Then my refund request would be processed. Since my "priority" order had taken 10 days to 2 weeks to deliver the disc after I ordered it, I anticipated that if I didn't do anything else, I would be without protection against viruses for another 2 weeks.

Symantec's miserly refund policy reminded me of Dell's practice: a customer returns defective hardware only after Dell's replacement hardware arrives, and you return it with a Dell-paid Fedex label in the box used to ship the replacement.

Hoping against hope, I paid $108 for a download version of Norton Internet Security 2006 plus a 2-year subscription to updates. Guess what! After installing the program, I couldn't activate it! I again called technical support, and a tech had me view Symantec files on my system, and the download version, like the disc version, lacked the SymantecCORE file. The tech promised to have my issue researched and get back to me within 48 hours.

That was a while ago, and I went to Staples and bought a McAfee Internet Security Suite. It has 3 components: anti-virus/spyware, firewall and privacy (such as porn blocking). I got error messages when trying to install the privacy component (hence, it's "disabled"), but the other 2 components (the ones most important to me) installed easily and appear to be functioning properly. Time will tell!

Overall, I must say I reached the Symantec techs within a few minutes (excellent response time, once you have a case number), and they all tried to be helpful. I think they were foiled by a defective product.

Next time around, I will pay closer heed to product reviews and only buy a Symantec product if reviews are overwhelmingly favorable.

Disasters like Norton Internet Security 2006 drive away loyal customers and can trigger the decline if not the demise of a brand. Heady with success, many companies have succumbed to arrogance and complacency. If once-mighty Fortune 500 companies like Penn Central, AT&T, IBM and General Motors can fall on hard times, can Symantec be far behind?

I have had an adware virus (Virtumondo)(creator Virtumonde) on my pc for over a month. Symantec can not detect it or remove it. Microsoft AntiSpyware detects it, but is unable to successfully remove it. Symantec has a removal tool for adware.VirtuMonde, but it also cannot detect it to remove this variant. There used to be a means to report (new) virus problems to Symantec, but apparently no more. Their only option is to pay them $39.95 to $69.95 (again) to help you find and remove a virus. I don't have a problem with a solution for a new variant of a virus not being available immediately, but I do after a month and I do with them assuming they know everything and do not need to provide a means to report viruses Symantec cannot detect. I've been a Norton customer for many years; not anymore.

I consider myself pretty computer-savvy. I actually had no problem with the 2004 version. So when it came time to "upgrade" I assumed I'd do fine continuing with 2006 -- boy way I wrong. After loading the program, I had trouble getting onto the internet or getting into specific sites (including Norton's!). I had to use my other computer to get the Nortons's site so I could go to the support section for help. After those suggestions did not work, I actually called for support (it took about 20 minutes to actually get a live person), and they (the person I was talking to and the person in the background literally wispering suggestions to her!) could not get it to work right. Then they had the nerve to say they might be able to fix the problem, but I would have to pay $29.95 -- I asked if they could guarantee that the program would work after that -- and they said "no". I asked them if I could get my money back, and they said "no". I asked to speak with their supervisor who told me that I could get my money back. Obviously, I got my money back. I bought Trend Micro's PC-cillin Internet Security 2006 after reading and hearing only good things about it. It works Flawlessly. Save your money, time and sanity. Stay away from Norton Internet Security 2006!

Norton Internet Security was loaded onto my new high end computer by the manufacture. In the first week I had hang ups, lock ups and memory leakage. I sent dozens of error reports to Microsoft over the next two months. Computer tech support could not help. I stripped the computer back to basics. No change. Finally a response came back from Microsoft:

Error caused by Client and Host Security Platform (ccapp.exe): contact Symantec® Corporation for help
Thank you for submitting an error report.

Problem description
The error was likely caused by Client and Host Security Platform (ccapp.exe). This software was created by Symantec® Corporation.

Recommendation
Microsoft has researched this problem with Symantec® Corporation, and they do not currently have a specific solution for the problem that you reported. For help on Client and Host Security Platform (ccapp.exe), visit the following Symantec® Corporation support site.

Symantic's support sent me links to their technical papers. Guess what! Even if I removed the program many parts of the program would remain on my computer and could still cause problems! I was referred to a special Microsoft program remover that came with a warning that the use of this program could damage other programs on my computer! I am backing up my files and preparing for a complete wipe.

Being a retired statistician I took an availability sample of over two hundred user comments on the 2004, 5 and 6 editions of this program. As this is not a random sample and has a large margin of error, I have rounded the numbers. About 10% of users report problems similar to mine, 30% had problems but they could live with them and 60% were relatively happy.

You pay your money and take your chances but I doubt if Symantec will replace the program or refund your money. I have asked but they have failed to reply!

Please run, don't walk from Norton Internet Security 6 unless you want to spend days getting your machine back. I upgraded to Version 6 of NIS from Version 5. The installation hung in the middle of the process. It prevented me from getting to the internet - no internet connection. I used another computer to access the internet for help from their site - it said to uninstall the program from Add/Remove in the control panel. The program wasn't in the list to remove so it couldn't be removed. When I checked the installation troubleshooting section under failure to connect to the internet, it said to download and run a large program - but, I can't do that because I can't get connected. I then downloaded a small program (SYMnrt) to another computer from their site that is supposed to remove the NIS components but when I ran it a dialog popped that said that I need to remove it from Add/Remove in control panel first - dah, but hey it's not listed there.

These people did not think through the repercussions of a bad installation and how to recover from it gracefully. I still can't access the internet. I can't wipe my machine and do a reinstall of XP - I'd lose to much. They screwed me bad!

I hope no one else is going through the hell that I am going through right now. It's such a waste of time. I bought this product to protect myself from viruses, trojans, and other internet related problems - they have caused problems that are worse than the problems they are suppose to protect us against!

I was running Norton Internet Security 2004, but I upgraded to Norton Internet Security 2006 when my subscription to Norton Anti-Virus lapsed. Rather than catalog all of the dozens of problems this program caused on my computer, I will simply advise anyone reading this to stay well away from it. It caused worse problems than any virus or trojan I have ever had. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if their competitor's products started detective it as a virus in the future. I wasted so much time trying to get this product to work on my computer. I lost so much data. Just thinking about never using Norton products again makes me smile. Do not purchase this product unless you are a masochist and enjoy pain and suffering.

Having used Norton for years, and being satisfied I purchased the new 2006 Internet Security version, removed my older Norton version (becuase you have to in order to install the new one) and it won't install. Long story made short, still can't make it work, and most bizarre of all: YOU CAN NOT REACH NORTON SUPPORT AT ALL. Oh yes, they have an email only contact, but you will get back a standard report, that in this case had nothing to do with my problem. NEVER DOING BUSINESS WITH THEM AGAIN

My computer because infected with a backdoor virus while running this program. The program never noticed it. When the computer started acting weird I decided to run a free on-line scan at Trend. That scan revealed the virus. Norton did not find it and was unable to remove it. I contacted Symantec support and they wanted to be paid to help me maunally remove the virus that I got becuase their product didn't do it's job. This is a virus I never would have goten if they product did it's job. I have been using their products for 10 years but when my subscription expires I will be sure to use someone elses. What good is paying for this product when it doesn't protect your computer and you have to pay them extra for the damage their product allowed to happen.

I have been a Norton/Symantec customer since 1991. I always felt that they offered the best choice in internet/anti-virus software. The 2006 Norton Internet program has changed my mind.
The program belongs in Beta(trial)stage and is simply overwhelmed with defects. While a poor introductory product is not uncommon to Symantec, this time they would be wise to scratch the program and move on to 2007.
Perhaps my opinion would be different if they offered a strong support mechanism. Unfortunately, they do not.
The program created havoc with my internet connection and forced me to return to my older version of 2005. When that version expires, I will seek another product.
My computer uses XP PRO and a pentium 4, 3.0GHZ processor. I truly pity those that run this program on lesser hardware.