Version 5 Disaster

[misery]

First, I'll state that I have the impression that version 5 of the Spyware Doctor is supposed to be more user-friendly, but it also seems to offer fewer options.

I tried version 5, then reinstalled version 4. Right now I have version4.0.0.2621. Is there a more recent version 4 ? If so, please provide a link.

Also, I don't understand how PCTOOLS could have expanded the signatures from about 180,000 to about 450,000. They claim virus signatures are not part of it.

Now I'll post what i have submitted as a ticket (but not all tickets!!):

This is not intended to be offensive. BUT VERSION 5 OF THE SPYWARE DOCTOR HAS PROVEN TO BE THE WORST PROGRAM I HAVE EVER USED. First, I focused on the program itself, and a number of things raised some questions, for which I opened a few tickets. Then, when I tried to access the internet (I use internet explorer 7) I could 'surf' the internet only at a very slow speed. Other programs (for example, outlook express) worked slow as well. Just having the Spy Sweeper from Webroot loaded slowed things down even further. (I consider this an essential program). There also appeared to be an interaction between the Spyware Doctor version 5 and McAfee antivirus. Turning off the antivirus did speed things up (sometimes). When rebooting, McAfee antivirus was first deactivated and then reactivated (looked that way anyway). Your program also disturbed the connection between my computer and the internet, by (I have no idea how) messing with the software of the adapter for my router in several ways. Tweaking that, including the use of your registry mechanic and deinstalling and reinstalling the software of the adapter several times, did not work. I've had to delete version 5 of the Spyware Doctor, and reinstalled version 4.( I can only connect to the internet wirelessly). It proved to be impossible to use a previous restore point. I've been working on getting things back the way they were for 3 or 4 hours (including several times reinstalling and deinstalling the software of my adapter), till I finally (I'm not sure how) succeeded. Spyware Doctor version 5 had also damaged my Windows XP system ! Although I could make a new restore point, I could not use any other features of system recovery (like allocating disk space for restore points) till I finally found a workaround. Frankly, I cannot imagine how you could release this program other than as a beta program ! I've read your forum, and others have had problems too, although I'm maybe the worst victim. Honestly, with things being this bad, I can't imagine that you can fix this in weeks. Maybe you need to start from scratch. I'm not sure if, even if version 5 had worked flawlessly, your new version would provide more security. What's the use of no longer using BHO's ? Many features of version 4 appeared to be either gone or hidden, while making the program more user-friendly (if it had worked properly!) I'm not so sure if I'll want to continue using your product even if you fix the errors. I don't want to go through all that misery again, and I don't want a downgraded product that's just more user-friendly. I'm basically giving information here, if you have any timetable for fixing problems or whatever, I'd like to hear it. Although right now I'm back at version 4, I don't want to keep using an outdated product. I'd appreciate it if you'd answer my other tickets regarding version 5. It may help me to decide if I will continue to use your product.
SPYWARE DOCTOR VERSION 5 HAS DEFINITELY BEEN A PRODUCT FROM HELL !

[misery]

I have had a horrible experience with Spyware Doctor version 5. (see elsewhere).

The problems I encountered, and the massive volume of complaints from others on this forum and in support tickets means that there is only one sensible solution: wipe version 5 from existance.

Version 5 seemed to be intended to be more user-friendly, but at the expense of functionality. And what could possibly have been a good reason to no longer use BHO's ? 'easier' ?

You simply can't do everything in version 5 that you could do in version 4.x (especially ONGUARD). Maybe some things have been hidden and automated, but that still is a loss of functionality.

I think this approach in itself is wrong. If you want a very simple anti-spyware program there are plenty of others.

A new version 5 should build on what has been accomplished in version 4, without ANY downgrades. The Spyware Doctor version 4 wasn't the most user-friendly, but other than that it belonged in the top two of best anti spyware programs.

It must be impossible to fix the problems I and others have encountered without basically rewriting the entire program. There is no way for technical support to solve all these complaints in even two months ! Just too many complaints, and version 5 is just too bad, in many ways. A good way to start would probably to build on version 4, for the time being.

[PJWilkin]

I concur with your evaluation

SD5 is a product from hell, and should have stayed in Beta

I've just had several apps die because of its file guard, as well as dialogue boxes appear empty (from sdtrayapp)

Back to SD4

[padi]

Got to agree 100% with all above,and it looks like to me if we the joe public
are still doing the beta testing.This product SD5 has caused me more problems in two days,that Bill Gates and Microshaft have caused me since Windows 95.:confused: :mad:

[leebarnett]

I uninstalled v.5 and replaced it with v.4 TWICE.

I thought that it was a beta problem but the final version is no different.

Let us know when it is reliable and debugged!!!

:mad: :mad:

[William Taylor]

I agree totally.

This version may work better with Windows Vista, I don't know. I haven't ordered my "free Vista upgrade" yet, because I have been using Microsoft products since Windows 3.1 and have always found their OS's to be full of holes until a year or so after release.

I have purchased multiple licenses since 2005 of Spyware Doctor, and was pleased with it until version 5 came out. I have also recommended Spyware Doctor to many of my associates and friends.

I tried it on my most recently purchased computer, and it took me over an hour to do a system restore, (It wouldn't go in safe mode, and when I would try to bring it up, it kept giving the dreaded "blue screen of death" and restarting.)

Thankfully it's off now. I am also running Trend PCCillin 2007, and it may also be conflicting with it. I do know that if they don't get the bugs worked out by the time I am up for renewal of my licenses, I am not going to renew, but take a look at other anti-spyware solutions.

I do regret seeing PC Tools following the path that Symantec did with their Norton products several years ago- (I also no longer use their products even though I did for 3 or so years.)

Bill.:(

[leebarnett]

Bill, my history is virtually the same as yours, though SD.5 didn't crash my XP system. I'm also using TM-PCcillin but v.2006. I don't think there was a conflict, since many other people are having the same problems and complaints.

PCTools is alienating many more people than they're pleasing with this troubled version of a very successful product.

It's a shame!!!

[GordonVV]

I have spent 4 or 5 hrs trying to get my computer to work again after installing 5.0.Scaning with 5.0 so sloooooooooooo:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: I have had to remove 5.0 and go back to 4.0. Big conflict with Norton 2006. Had to go to norton 07. Surprized that PC tools has let us down with this product..they usually do such a great job.

[Mad Matazz]

Hi,

I eventually reinstalled Windows XP again. I faced serious problems since the start of the day. Now it is already 18:00. Like all people left comment here, I highly recommend other users not to upgrade the software right now. The new version of Spyware Doctor can crash your system. It is the real shame that PC Tools caused serious troubles for their customers.:mad:

[Steve999]

Don't even try Spy Doctor 5 with Vista; at least not unless you want to spend hours sorting the computer afterwards.
Slow computer, inability to connect to the internet (wired router) and more infuriating, no way to uninstall other than in safe mode.
Spy Doctor 5 - my suggestion is not to bother, I just can't understand why the developers have released this with so many faults.:rolleyes:

[misery]

I just wanted to mention that the two above mentioned posts of mine were originally in different threads. They (and maybe others) have been moved.

[cyberay]

I can't believe after putting out a beta that they would release version 5. I have requested a refund and I don't know if I will trust this company to install a product which will only screwup my system.

How can they send emails to their faithful customers to upgrade to a newer version that will only cause them stress?

They should stop selling this produdt until all of the problems they are having are solved.

[Morvin1]

Just finished uninstalling v5. It turned my fast and responsive dual-core racer into a pig! It's not only IE7 that's affected. It slows the opening of files through Windows Explorer as well. I really expected more from PC Tools.

Now, getting my money back is probably out of the question, but I've got to get myself off Element5's automatic renewal list!

Morvin

[staand47]

I agree, version 5 is really a disaster. I am working with Windows XP. After start the system was blocked for 7 minutes. Also Internet settings were suddenly changed. I have had a lot of difficulties to bring the system to run. There are also a lot of other problems with Version 5, for example "Kaspersky AntiVirus" cannot start and is blocked for several minutes, as well as Internet connection. Finally I have removed Version 5 and reinstalled Version 4. My opinion; Version 4 should be continued. To avoid a lot of troubles I really recommend to not install Version 5.

[atbglenn]

Totally messes up Firefox!! It freezes every time I try to access websites, then crashes. Reinstalled version 4 and everything's fine. Tried reinstalling several times, same thing happends! Also, Spyware Doctor V 5 doesn't recognize AVG Antivirus as being installed

[RichR]

Totally messes up Firefox!! It freezes every time I try to access websites, then crashes. Reinstalled version 4 and everything's fine. Tried reinstalling several times, same thing happends! Also, Spyware Doctor V 5 doesn't recognize AVG Antivirus as being installed

I noticed that myself. I've had people sending me email all day ask why it kept bouncing.
I've been using this program for a few years now and this is the first time it's seriously done anything to my computer. I've had virus's that did less damage than V5 has done. :rolleyes: Firefox went to Hell as did MSIE and Thunderbird.
Hope it gets worked out soon as I'm going to go nuts with that little screen that pop's up telling there's an upgrade available.

[Paulas]

I simply do not understand how a reputable company such as PC-Tools can continue to promote SD version 5 while they know it has major problems.

The number of unhappy customers is going to increase significantly now that the little pop-up is appearing on SD4 users' programs encouraging them to upgrade to Version 5.

This is corporate suicide!

[Highhead]

(sry for my bad English, I'm German^^)
I graded up to V5- then Reboot and a BLUESCREEN was shown.

Error: IR_NOT_LESS_OR EQUAL

It's shown every time V5 is installed. With V4 it doesn't appear.
I tried ,after installing v4 and another Upgrade to V5, again, but it doesn't work -.-
Also I'm not abled to upgrade the "Antivirus" tool for V5.
-Your licence was already enabled-

I think its very bad, I hope the Team of PCTOOLS can fix this terrible error!

Your Highhead

[Ted]

I simply do not understand how a reputable company such as PC-Tools can continue to promote SD version 5 while they know it has major problems.

The number of unhappy customers is going to increase significantly now that the little pop-up is appearing on SD4 users' programs encouraging them to upgrade to Version 5.

This is corporate suicide!

I totally agree. I am incredibly unhappy about the time it's taken me to sort my PC out tonight after downloading version 5 through the pop-up and now I'm astonished to find that PC Tools were already aware of problem.

Appalling service from PC Tools in every way and you deserve to lose customers over this.