Customer Reviews

Norton SystemWorks 2002

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

I have been a loyal user of Symantec's Norton SystemWorks for several years now. When I upgraded to Windows XP, I bought this new version of Norton SystemWorks to go with it without any hesitation. Unfortunately, I was dissapointed by a number of things.

First off, let me tell you what I liked. Norton AntiVirus is still the best of the breed virus protection you can buy. It automatically configures itself to protect you not only from viruses hidden in files and downloads, but it will also scan both your incoming and outgoing e-mail. By scanning the outgoing e-mail, it prevents you from spreading viruses like Melissa without even knowing it. Nice touch.

Live Update is also a top notch feature. Live Update will check for updates such as virus definitions and program updates in the background and automatically apply them. No user input needed. Symantec could not have made it simpler.

Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of new features in Norton SystemWorks 2002. In fact, if you use Norton SystemWorks 2002 on a Windows NT/2000 or Windows XP machine, you will find several features missing. Two features I really miss are the Optimization Wizard in Norton Utilities and the Registry Sweep in Norton CleanSweep. Symantec does not tell you that these features do not work on Windows NT/2000/XP until after you have purchased the product.

Perhaps sensing that there was not a lot of new features to justify an upgrade, Symatec has included Roxio's GoBack which can help you revert your system to an earlier state should you run into a problem. This feature is totally uncessary for users of Windows Me or Windows XP since Microsoft includes the System Restore feature that accomplishes the same thing. In fact, many of the features in Norton SystemWorks 2002 are already included in newer versions of Windows (such as disk defragmenters and uninstallers).

Given this, there may not be a lot of reason to buy Norton SystemWorks 2002. Most people really only need the Norton AntiVirus component which can be purchased cheaper as a standalone.

Overall, Norton SystemWorks 2002 is still a quality product, but there is just not a lot of reasons to justify an upgrade.

Norton SystemWorks obviously hasn't been tested thoroughly with Windows 9x. The scripting error is endless and annoying whenever you try to do something with the program (just do a search on Symantec web support for "scripting error" to see how common this problem is). For Windows NT-kernel based OS like 2000, XP, it works fine. But you can't never cleanly uninstall the program the right way - it seems Symantec doesn't want you to ever live without their software. Uninstalling it doesn't clean out all the program files and registry entries. Worst, it could leave your system crippled. For example, on Windows 2000, I used the anti-virus software included in SystemWorks, after installing it I found my DHCP Client service out of order. Why? Because SystemWorks' installer didn't remove the registry key that associated itself to the DHCP Client Service (SYMTDI is the dependency). Thus, the DHCP Client service was referring to a non-existent file. (DHCP is used to obtain a dynamic IP address and look up the proxy information, without it, my computer can't connect to the Internet). So I had to manually edit the registry and remove the dependency from DHCP Client service entry. On Windows 9x platform, the uninstalling process is even worse that SystemWorks was unable to fully uninstall Antivirus program and I had to boot into safe mode bypassing the VxD driver to manually edit the registry and delete the program.

All this not to mention how much system resource SystemWorks hogs. Symantec's software used to be great, but they are not anymore. If you need a Firewall, get ZoneAlarm. Windows comes
with scan disk and defrag. If you want a better defrag utility, check out Diskkeeper. For anti-virus, use TrendMicro's PC-Clinin, or Central Command's AVP, both are simple and use little system resources. None of these software will cripple your system like Norton's.

I've read the reviews and purchased this product anyway.

As I have ME running and not XP, and having used Norton products for MANY years with great results, I thought I was safe installing this product on my Dell. From the moment I began installing Systemworks I knew something was not "right".

12 hours and 2 days later, this product was STILL not running. Having tried to unsuccessfully solve my installation problem by utilizing their manual and website, (I DID find what MAY have been a solution to my problem listed on the site...but alas it wouldn't load and as stated later...it wouldn't have mattered anyway), I was resigned to calling the 800 number support line for help, ..., and proceeded to wait on hold for upwards of one hour. It would be nice if, while on hold, Symantec would at least give you an estimate of how long the estimated wait time is...not too high tech for a technology company...is it?

The technician then walked me through a series of steps which included editing the registry (ad nauseum) and downloading and running several fixes off of their website...something a typical computer user would never be able to accomplish...with or without a working Symantec website.

When I asked the tech what caused all these problems, he stated that he really didn't know but that it happens quite often. I find it to be ironic that one of the reasons I purchased Systemworks was so when I ran into a problem with my computer...systemworks would fix it.

When all the downloading and running of the fixes were completed, along with editing of the registry, the tech finally had me begin re-installing the product and got off the line. He refused to stay on the line during the re-install process to see if it was successful...noting that he had "confidence" everything would now be "OK".

I asked that if there was a problem, how could I by-pass the one hour wait time and talk to him again? ...there isn't... I asked if I could expect troubles re-installing in the future if I needed to...he replied "YES...probably...

By comparison, the few times I needed to contact DELL's support techs over the years, I was informed how long my wait was to be, (not very), and when I needed to run a diagnostic or re-install Windows requiring a long process time, the DELL techs would offer to call back at a pre-determined time to see if everything was progressing properly...and they did.

Bottom line...the software still has some problems, (Anti - Virus will not enable in order to protect email) and not all functions were installed (see below).

Back to the website...followed directions...still not fixed.

Now how long will I need to wait and at what price? The tech would not allow me to install the entire...complete package...just the typical install...what did he know? What other problems would I encounter?

Now I understand why the big rebates...first of all 70% or more of the purchasers have all intentions to follow directions and send in the rebate forms...but do not. Marketing people call this "breakage" and count on it when determining and offering incentives. For the few people who do get the rebates...Symantec knows that they will more than make up for it with their tech support fees.

I'd rather pay more for a working product that is PROPERLY developed and supported. This is NO bargain...rebates or no rebates.

I feel ripped...Do NOT purchase this product. It's not worth the aggravation or the true price that you pay. Just include your downtime as an added expense.

Seeing the many problems with this product, you would think that AMAZON.COM would refuse to offer this product until the glitches are repaired. Come on AMAZON...put pressure on the manufacturer to remedy. How many bad reviews do you need before you realize that there is a problem that needs to be looked in to?

Now I'll be returning this product for a refund...really???

I paid S&H to receive it, I will pay S&H to return the product and have paid (money) for tech support for a product I am returning because it DOES NOT WORK AS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO and which did not solve the entire problem...no less lost time and aggravation.

To Symantec: ... Your product needs SERIOUS work.

To AMAZON. Stop allowing your vendors and / or marketing department to write your "editorial reviews". Either test the products you review or stop the "editorial reviews".

Also, only allow reviews from people who have PURCHASED their products from Amazon. This will at least help stop the vendors from inserting their "ghost" reviews into the process.

As a PC Technician, I have been using the Norton Utilities since it's start in the DOS days. I have also upgraded to most of the versions. Starting with version 2000, I noticed the lack of control over the software. In other words, the program tries to take over the functions automatically, sometimes making the wrong decision, specially in the case of the Norton System Doctor or Win Doctor.

This version is the worst. It almost prevents you from using it manually. In addition, Symantec removed certain features from the previous versions, such as the Benchmark from the System Information module.

In my opinion, if you own either version 2000 or 2001, DO NOT GET this version, specially if you are a technician. NOTE: (you will need version 2001 only if you run Windows 2000). If you have never used Norton's before, then you won't notice the differences. However, I recommend making a backup of all you system files before you even install this program. Do not rely on GOBACK alone !

Norton SystemWorks is the must have diagnostic suite for anyone wanting to keep their computer error free. The Antivirus protection program is top notch, protecting you and your friends against the new types of viruses that work via your e-mail program. Norton Antivirus also automatically updates itself through the internet, which is good for people who have a DSL or Cable connection. This feature doesn't work well with a dial-up connection, though.

Norton SystemWorks diagnostic programs are fast, efficient and trustworthy. Being a long time user of SystemWorks, I found that this version works much smoother than past versions. SystemWorks schedules itself to do weekly checkups automatically, which makes this the perfect diagnostic suite for the user who doesn't often run diagnostic programs.

As with all Norton programs, SystemWorks is easy to install and just as simple to use. The book that comes with the boxed disk - - which is what I have - - is easy to understand and does a decent job explaining how things work for the new user of Norton SystemWorks. If you've used Norton SystemWorks before, get the download; if you are new to SystemWorks, buy it boxed. All in all, it's a great diagnostic suite!

I am running Windows 98. Also, I went from SystemWorks 2000 to SystemWorks 2002 without a glitch.

This was a great program before Microsoft introduced WindowsXP. Works great in Windows 98. In WindowsXP you will find some of the Norton's Utility functions provided under Windows 98 missing when running WindowsXP. In fact, I think even $39.95 is too much for what amounts to little more than a virus checker.

All you get besides the virus checker under WindowXP is a (1) duplicate disk defrag program that functions at a slower rate than the one that ships with WindowsXP, (2) a disk doctor {which cannot fix any problems, they are be fixed by rebooting and the CHKDSK program} that functions exactly the same as the error-check utility provided by Microsoft, and (3) a program that checks the registry for missing keys, etc.

If you have WindowsXP do not waste your money on SystemWorks, just buy a virus checker. If you are still using Windows 98 this is a great program.

I just spent two hours trying to install SystemWorks with no success. I had an old version that I wanted to upgrade, but could not uninstall the old version first so it wouldn't let me install the 2002 version. And, my effort follows that of a Microsoft Certified Software Engineer friend of mine who also couldn't figure it out. Pretty scary when someone who's profession is computers can't install their product.

On top of all that, Symantec CHARGES you if you want to actually talk to their tech support!!!! Textbook poor customer service. It's not like I've had the product for a year - I opened the box yesterday.

Do not buy this product - and, frankly, after realizing they charge to support their own product, I'd recommend avoiding all Symantec products all together.

Installing SystemWorks on XP seems okay. Then try installing "Go Back" which is an included program. I'd sooner slit my wrists than spend another evening trying to fix the ensuing disasters!

I see some very negative reviews here, mostly from WinXP users, so I'll state up front that my experience has been in Win98 and Win2K. If this software causes XP systems to burst into flames I just wouldn't know about that. I've used the Norton Utilities since DOS days, and while the functionality and user information is greatly decreased in all of the Windows versions (I think Symantec really isn't trying hard enough), I still feel these are the best value for what they do and what they cost.

In my opinion these have more functionality than the 2000 version, which was in my mind the least functional version ever released. My experience is that for several years Symantec rode their laurals and let these utilities become stale reflections of their former usefulness, but now the folks at Symantec are starting to show some interest (probably because of lagging sales) in improving them again.

Even if these had the in depth features the older stuff had, I probably wouldn't have time to use it. In that vain, the on-button checkup, which runs all of the dignostics in order, is a graet improvment over previous versions. Set it up to run, go do something else, come back later and run the fix-it programs for what's wrong.

I won't list all the features here - if you don't like Amazon's list go read the Symantec web site list - There are plenty and I find they all do what is claimed of them, but not a byte more.

I see other's here bemoaning the demise of the Cleansweep registry cleaner, but that always corruped my registry and I never used it for that reason, so I don't cry over that loss. I've always found claensweep to be an overrated loser program even before Symantec aquired it, and Symantec has done nothing to improve it. I don't even load it.

I have tried other utilities over the years but I have found that they either cause my operating system to break and make me spend hours reloading or they just don't do a very good job.

Overall, I have to say that these aren't as good as they once were, aren't as good as they could be, but are still plenty good (despite my feelings about Cleansweep) and the best bang for the buck in software utilities.

I have always used Symantec products but let me just say I wish I didn't buy this one. I previously ran system works 2001 on a windows 2000 OP with no problems. Unfortunately, the 2002 version does not install properly. Specifically, the Norton Anti Virus drivers and then the subscription issues have left me with a useless computer. I basically had to rebuild the machine thanks to this purchase because the uninstalls went so badly that my PC was left with a mess on it. Usually I would Norton to remove such a mess. You can see the catch 22.