When is the 4.1 bug leading to site blocking going to be fixed!

[john7]

I have Google as my home site. Every now and the SD4.1 kindly blocks it. I have every permutation I can find of the Google address in the white list but NO use. Its noting fancy, just the basic site http://www.google.co.uk/

This morning the only way I can get into Google is to disable onguard again. Though I have nearly a year to go its so much of a pain I am thinking of changing programs!

[AChen]

I have Google as my home site. Every now and the SD4.1 kindly blocks it. I have every permutation I can find of the Google address in the white list but NO use. Its noting fancy, just the basic site http://www.google.co.uk/

This morning the only way I can get into Google is to disable onguard again. Though I have nearly a year to go its so much of a pain I am thinking of changing programs!

Hi John7,

We are still currently working on resolving this issue. Could you provide us with the following information:

- Windows version
- SD refdb version
- IE version
- Any other security software installed
- How did you download v4.1? Upgrade from 4.0, uninstalled 4.0 first, etc?

We’ll also need to send you a special custom debug build later and we'll need the log files so we can fix it as we cannot recreate the problem here. Could you send a PM with your email address?

[john7]

Support really read befor responding as I did say
“I have every permutation I can find of the Google address in the white list but NO use.”
I am using XP-Pro with all updates
SD 401.0.1 Database 3.08360
Avast updated
Spybot 1.5.0
4.1 downloaded and installed after uninstalling version 5 JVC power tools used t clean registry before reinstalling 4.1
IE7 fully updated
Sory overlooked ZoneAlarm 6.5, the need to update to version 7 was another reasion I went back to SD 4.1

[hake]

I have this problem also. Site Guard blocks the blank home page (about.blank) which is extremely perplexing. It has also from time to time taken a dislike to Google. For these reasons, Site Guard has been disabled.

I uninstalled SD4.0 before installing SD4.1.

My OS is Windows 2000 SP4 (bang up to date with MS updates).

Software on the system includes: -
Internet Explorer 6.0.2800.1106IS SP1 with all updates
System Safety Monitor free version 2.0.8.583
Agnitum Outpost Firewall Pro 4.0.1007.7323 (591)
AVG Free 7.5
Spybot - Search and Destroy 1.5.1
a-Squared Anti-Dialer 3.0
Site Advisor version 2.5.0.6172
Spoofstick for IE
Spyware Guard 2.2
Spyware Blaster 3.5.1
Allume Internet Cleanup 4

While I can live without the feature (McAfee Site Advisor works as a sort of substitute), it would be good to have Site Guard in operation. I seem to remember that while Site Guard behaved better with SD4.0, there was apparently no way to see what site had caused the offence and so no way to correct the situation if Site Guard got it wrong. Obviously this feature is very important to many users which is presumably why PC Tools sold the product with the feature. For this reason, it should work properly.

SD4.1 is a solid stable product. System stability, or rather the lack of it, is in many ways as important as defence against malfunctions induced by malware.

[AChen]

Many thanks for the information. I'll keep you updated on this issue.

[tigertheboo]

Many thanks for the information. I'll keep you updated on this issue.

usually I pop e-mail through outlook express but am working on alternative machine. I'm accessing e-mail (at a university site) through the web. About a third of the time spydoctor won't let me in, saying it is a dangerous site. I click again and I'm usually in.

I'm back to 4.1 and have told spydoctor not to block the university domain and then also the specific e-mail site.

nothing seems to work.

Suggestions would be appreciated

thanks

[redwolfe_98]

if you are going to disable site-guard, you should also disable the site-guard "BHO" in IE's "add-ons".. you can access "add-ons" either on the "programs" tab, in IE's control panel, or in "tools"..

[Scratching Head]

I have Google as my home site. Every now and the SD4.1 kindly blocks it. I have every permutation I can find of the Google address in the white list but NO use. Its noting fancy, just the basic site http://www.google.co.uk/

This morning the only way I can get into Google is to disable onguard again. Though I have nearly a year to go its so much of a pain I am thinking of changing programs!
I have disabled site guard and BHo in IE7 but not onguard on spyware doctor ver 4.1 untill the problem has been solved as I also still have problems of accessing various websites which I to use reguarly.

[hake]

Just giving the thread a prod to keep it visible. SD4 is important to me because SD5 (I have tried and failed with the latest version today) will not work on my main machine (Windows 2000 SP4). The competition is inferior to SD4 which, apart from the Site Guard issue, behaves impeccably.

I place a high value on security software behaving well, i.e. it is unobtrusive and causes no system instability. My present software mix achieves that ideal on my three systems.

[john7]

Again I agree, we need to keep on at them to get this long running promise of a fix action’d.I had it block Google again this morning, did a Google search on the tool bar and next time I went back to my home page SD4 let me there OK. That’s an improvement on having to turn site guard off, buts it still being a problem!

[katie]

Again I agree, we need to keep on at them to get this long running promise of a fix action’d.I had it block Google again this morning, did a Google search on the tool bar and next time I went back to my home page SD4 let me there OK. That’s an improvement on having to turn site guard off, buts it still being a problem!

FYI, see http://www.pctools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49464

[john7]

Time fly’s, its over a year we have been promised a fix for this! well I did ate the chances of it being done to pink striped pigs flying! What hope PC Tools software problems ever rally being fixed? Could be time to start looking around for different programs that are being maintained.
AND THE **** THING IS STILL TURNING ITSELF OFF!!!!!

[AChen]

Hi Guys,

We released a new build SD version 4.1.0.1. Please re-install if you have an older version - http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/version4/.

Please let us know if this resolves the following issue with SG.

[cubfox]

Do I take it that Smart Update does not update to the latest version?.

I am running V4.1.0.1, DB version 3.08560, Intelli Sigs 209138.aftre Smart Update today13/11/2007.

If this is the latest version then it has not stopped the ""Self Exit" problem.

After Smart Update today, 2 infections were found (serving-sys remnants)and after opening the log to view found it difficult to close the log file. This was achieved by opening a second log file and closing which then allowed the first file to be closed. SWD then self exited requiring a re-start.

If I need to download the New Build version , will it download over the existing version or do I need to uninstall?.

cubfox, Lincoln UK.

[Reodor]

Cubefox:
Since You obviously have some troubles with the old version I would reccomend to uninstall the old one, run CCleaner FULL clean both files and registry, then install from a fresh download.
That way You have a 'safe' starting and refference point.

[john7]

Downloaded it, did a clean uninstall before installing. Te only problem so far is it took a number of tries to get the message re closing/minimising to bug off. Each time the show each time was unselected but it kept coming back until it got as fed up as me and went away (for good?). So far, apart from that no blocked sites, close downs, but as it could go for days before getting upset with the same sites time will tell.

Cookie Gard keeps poping up now enjoying its self deleting unwanted cookies. It never used to?!

Well two new problems, auto updating sprung into life, then loacked up and had to use task manger to get rid of it. Auto updating is turned off so it shouldn't have started any way!

[wrongworld]

I am running V4.1.0.1, DB version 3.08570: nothing has changed, I was just blocked while trying to access the main HP.com page. Patetic... :(

[cubfox]

Site blocking still occuring with latest update.

It is impossible to browse during a scan,SWD blocks access to my homepage and other sites. Cpu reading 100% for most of the scan cycle.

It seems that the NEW BUILD version is little better than the previous version.

My subscription has 69 days to go when I shall consider baling out.

There must be other programmes to take the place of SWD.


cubfox, Lincoln UK.

[BertImmenschuh]

Just installed Spyware Doctor 5.1.0.273 on a client's WinXP HE w/SP2. It is a Registered version. Before installing there were no problems. After installing and updating from the 'net I get the message:

Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You many not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

Haven't gotten any settings to work that will correct the problem.

[AChen]

Just installed Spyware Doctor 5.1.0.273 on a client's WinXP HE w/SP2. It is a Registered version. Before installing there were no problems. After installing and updating from the 'net I get the message:

Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You many not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

Haven't gotten any settings to work that will correct the problem.

Hi BertImmenschuh,

I haven't come across this message before. We will need some additional info to help us investigate this further.

What is the specified path it is pointing on? Is that a URL, network driver or local drive? What is being updated? is it SD or is it Windows update?

With the SDv4.1 - SG and exiting issues, I'll need to get back to you guys on this.

[BertImmenschuh]

The message occurs right after clicking the Internet Explorer 6 icon, IE doesn't open. It should open to the default Home page of a clean/fresh install WinXP HE w/SP2 and with only Microsoft Office as installed programs.

On Friday the client was getting that message with just about every program, control panel had disappeared and trying to open the individual .cpl applets from C:\Windows\System32 gave the message, couldn't run DXDIAG, MSCONFIG or REGEDIT, husband couldn't even open Solitaire.

I deleted the partition from the HDD and did a fresh install of WInXP followed by Microsoft Office XP and then PC Doctor w/AntiVirus. The computer was fine before installing PC Doctor w/AntiVirus, nothing installed afterward.

No path is given, not on a Network. Only SD was updated, haven't been able to do the WinXP updates since installing SD as can't get to the 'net.

I'd hate for them to lose the cost of the program but they need a working computer at whatever the cost.

[AChen]

The message occurs right after clicking the Internet Explorer 6 icon, IE doesn't open. It should open to the default Home page of a clean/fresh install WinXP HE w/SP2 and with only Microsoft Office as installed programs.

The client was getting that message with just about every program, control panel had disappeared and trying to open the individual .cpl applets from C:\Windows\System32 gave the message, couldn't run DXDIAG, MSCONFIG or REGEDIT. The computer was fine before installing PC Doctor w/AntiVirus, nothing installed afterward.

No path given, not on a Network. Only SD was updated, haven't been able to do the WinXP updates since installing SD as can't get to the 'net.

One thing, I forgot to mention, does this user have Email Guard and/or Site Guard installed?

Is Kernel compatibility mode enabled or disabled (Settings)?
Is OnGuard on or off?

When SDv5.1.0.273 was installed, was there a previous build installed?

[BertImmenschuh]

Didn't see you last post in time. WIth a clean HDD there was no previous version installed, just what was downloaded today then updated.

It was strictly a default installation so No change on the Kernel compatibility mode. The default install has the Kernel compatibility mode unchecked, still is.

ALL of the OnGuard Guard tools are enabled.

[AChen]

Thanks for all the info :) I have escalated this to the developers.

Could you tick the checkbox for "Enable Kernel compatibility mode" if this hasn't already been done and see if this helps.

[BertImmenschuh]

So far that setting helped. Don't quite understand unless it's because of the Intel Pentium III 1GHz CPU.

Side note, this page never finishes loading on my computer, AMD Athlon XP 2600+, 1GB RAM, 128MB video and 1.1Mbps 'net connection.

[AChen]

Site blocking still occuring with latest update.

It is impossible to browse during a scan,SWD blocks access to my homepage and other sites. Cpu reading 100% for most of the scan cycle.

It seems that the NEW BUILD version is little better than the previous version.

My subscription has 69 days to go when I shall consider baling out.

There must be other programmes to take the place of SWD.

cubfox, Lincoln UK.

For those who are still using SDv4.1, could you please, uninstall the version you have installed and reinstall SDv4.1.0.1. During the release, there were still some old files from the previous SDv4.1 and we have updated these and a reinstall will replace the older files. Please re-download this, if you have upgraded previously - http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/version4/.

[hake]

I think I might have a handle on this. I use some software called Internet Cleanup 4. It seduced me with a claim to stop web bugs. More usefully, it gives me a very good one click deletion of Internet Explorer files, history and cookies. However, one feature called NetBlockade is a very mixed blessing. NetBlockade is supposed to do the web bug blocking and also blocking of popups, ads and cookies, or at least that is what is claimed. I've been using this for over a year and had no particular difficulties. Then SD4 lost its popup blocker (oh woe, woe and thrice woe). I needed another and turned to Internet Cleanup 4, enabling its popup blocker and carried on using Internet Explorer. Opera immediately started to misbehave. I quickly figured out that the popup blocking was responsible. Now, the popup blocking is supposed to work only for Internet Explorer. NetBlockade was obviously doing unexpected things. I disabled popup blocking and installed Google toolbar for Internet Explorer. Everything in the garden was lovely again. :)

I decided to uninstall Internet Cleanup 4 and substitute version 3 of same. To my chagrin :mad: , the uninstall broke the Search feature in Windows Explorer. I restored the Ghost backup from the previous day and prevented NetBlockade from running from startup. The one click Internet Explorer file/cookie/history deletion still works. Site Guard in SD4.101 now works without problems. Let joy be unconfined. :D

The moral of this is that conditions on particular systems can adversely affect software such as SD4. Internet Cleanup 4 is obviously capable of munging data before it gets to the web browser as Opera and Site Guard have shown. I also wonder if Internet Cleanup 4 caused the problems I had in attempting to get SD5 to work. I did have some clues in that Internet Cleanup 4 seemed to have broken my IP stacks :eek: (I am guessing but Internet communications were FUBAR), probably in protest at the installation of SD5. There are many hidden interactions. I shall have another go at installing SD5 now that the active component of Internet Cleanup 4 (i.e. NetBlockade) is disabled.

This is an account of one person's experience. I posted it to show that system conditions can sabotage the efforts of the best security software. Perhaps it will prompt a bit of lateral thinking.

Time for a cup of strong sweet tea.

[hake]

Hi cubfox. In my opinion there is no better anti-malware software than SD4. I have tried SpySweeper and CounterSpy. SD4 is in a different league. I wish I could say the same for SD5 which I would use if only it would run. SD4 is outstanding for its stability. I have found it to be viceless. SD5 was quite a shock as I had been taking SD4's exemplary behaviour for granted.

Now that PC Tools seem to be considering discontinuation of SD4, I am deeply concerned because I consider that there is no decent alternative. I will be very upset if this is the case as PC Tools have not provided a workabke alternative to SD4 and I will be left exposed and less secure. I just cannot make SD5 run and I have been trying for all of 2007.

Surely PC Tools can continue to provide database updates for a considerable time into the future, even if they freeze the development of SD4. I would have thought that the database for SD5 could be translated into a SD4 compatible one with minimal human intervention since translation should be able to be done automatically by software. It will be too bad if PC Tools abandon SD4 having failed to provide a usable alternative. Perhaps SD5 is too good. It's a fat lot of good if the protection software renders the host system unstable. SD4 is a hard act to follow. It's all Microsoft's fault with that b------g Vista! :mad:

[AChen]

Hi cubfox. In my opinion there is no better anti-malware software than SD4. I have tried SpySweeper and CounterSpy. SD4 is in a different league. I wish I could say the same for SD5 which I would use if only it would run. SD4 is outstanding for its stability. I have found it to be viceless. SD5 was quite a shock as I had been taking SD4's exemplary behaviour for granted.

Now that PC Tools seem to be considering discontinuation of SD4, I am deeply concerned because I consider that there is no decent alternative. I will be very upset if this is the case as PC Tools have not provided a workabke alternative to SD4 and I will be left exposed and less secure. I just cannot make SD5 run and I have been trying for all of 2007.

Surely PC Tools can continue to provide database updates for a considerable time into the future, even if they freeze the development of SD4. I would have thought that the database for SD5 could be translated into a SD4 compatible one with minimal human intervention since translation should be able to be done automatically by software. It will be too bad if PC Tools abandon SD4 having failed to provide a usable alternative. Perhaps SD5 is too good. It's a fat lot of good if the protection software renders the host system unstable. SD4 is a hard act to follow. It's all Microsoft's fault with that b------g Vista! :mad:

Hi Hake,

See http://www.pctools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49790&page=2