![Norton SystemWorks 2005 [AntiVirus, Utilities, GoBack, Check IT]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FYZJ5SN0L._SL500_AA280_.jpg)
From the Manufacturer
Symantec’s Norton SystemWorks 2005 is the smartest way to solve computer problems and protect your valuable data. This easy-to-use software helps you eliminate viruses, prevent computer problems, and restore your system to a healthy state. Norton SystemWorks includes Norton AntiVirus, the world’s most trusted AntiVirus solution. Norton AntiVirus now blocks Internet worms before they enter your computer. Norton Utilities helps you fix and prevent system problems…
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1.0 out of 5 stars
Buggy, Fatally Flawed Bloatware
It’s too bad a review of 0 stars is not possible. 1 star, even a half star, is too good a rating for this product. Steer clear of Symantec. I repeat, steer clear of Symantec.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Ripoff–Disable ware
Don’t buy software you pay good money for only to have it disabled! If I had known this was going to be disabled prematurely, I would have never had bought it.
When the virus update subscription expires each year, I generally buy an upgrade to latest version of Norton Systemworks. The modest additional expense is usually justified by the new features provided in the latest version. That decision turned out to be a waste of time and money this year. The first two installation attempts failed, the Password Manager, provided in the 2004 version is gone, and the new features are modest at best.
I upgraded from the 2004 version on my clean and stable system. Systemworks is designed to completely uninstall the previous version before attempting to install the new version. This takes time, and must not have been effective. The installation failed, citing several files that were missing. The web based troubleshooting procedure led me through a complex maze of garden paths, wild goose chases, and frustrating dead ends. Although the second installation attempt never completed, upon reboot the system seemed to work. This installation took about 3 hours.
I enjoyed the Password Manager feature from the 2004 version. A cryptic message during installation announced that my password manager was being removed. The message went on to give incorrect information regarding how to restore it. Eventually I was able to get it restored.
Also, keep in mind that installing the new version can cut short any remaining time on your existing subscription. My subscription was due to expire in November. Last year when I installed the new system, the subscription was extended for one year from the installation date, not the expiration date. So now the subscription ends in October, a month short. (This comment reflects my experience with the 2004 version. With the subscription cut short, it ran out before I installed the 2005 version.)
Now that the system is working I am wondering what I got for my time and trouble. The new features are modest at best. If you have the 2004 version installed, I recommend you stay with it. 2005 turns out to be an odd year for this product.
I gave Symantec an opportunity to comment on the accuracy of this review. In response the Product Manager called me, discussed my concerns, promised to provide technical support, and provided this written comment: “Based on the information [this reviewer] provided us, the installation issues he encountered appear to be an isolated issue. We are putting him in touch with Symantec technical support to investigate the issue further”.
I’ve had Norton products on my computers for over 10 years. And for most of those 10 years have experienced no problems whatsoever. Since the 2003 and 2004 version of this software program I have experienced SEVERE slowing down of my computer, hanging up of my computer when trying to shut it down, and prolonged start up times ALL of which were cured when I took this bloated software off my computer.
I’m not a software designer or a computer expert but am reasonably adept and skilled on the computer and can for the most part fix nearly every problem I encounter. I don’t understand exactly WHY removing Norton solved my problems but I can tell you this: My computer has NEVER run so well and with so few problems. No crashes, no hanging up on shut down or start up, and lightening quick responsiveness once again.
The problems caused by this Norton program flummoxed me for about 6 months before I finally isolated Norton as the culprit. At first I rejected out of hand that a company as legendary and well regarded as Norton could be at the root of my problems, but decided out of frustration to delete the program and see how it impacted the multiple problems I was having.
Low and behold my problems miraculously vanished! I couldn’t believe it! My daughter who had problems on start up worse than mine balked too at removing this program from her laptop but also discovered that the removal of Norton solved HER problems as well.
I told one of my employees what I’d discovered and he too deleted the program only to see all of his multiple problems disappear! He told me that he simply couldn’t believe how good his computer was once again functioning.
I’ve replaced Norton System Works with Trend Micro’s PC-Cillin and Zone Alarm both of which are highly regarded.
If you are having unexplained problems with your computer that your anti-virus program and spyware programs are not solving and if you have this bloated pig of a program on your computer then you need to delete it.
Should you upgrade? Well, kind of, I tend always upgrade to the latest from Symantec. For this version I only recommend that you upgrade to “Norton Anti-virus 2005″, the programs from Symantec such as System Works and Utilities are just the same, no major differences except for a more sleeker interface and the obvious bloat of it. Doesn’t even include features your getting for free in Windows like a FireWall, which comes free with SP2 for Windows XP. The introduction of technology such as Activation was not smooth, and caused a lot of headaches which only makes the product less embracing than it use to be.
Symantec needs focus on areas such as Speed, Seamless Integration with Windows, obviously it has lost it. My next purchase from Symantec won’t be in the retail line, but from Enterprise space. The Corporate Edition of Norton Antivirus, it offers all the tools I want for protecting my PC, yes it cost a lot and its targetted towards the Large Networks, but it is so subtle and easy to use and it does not bog down your PC.
So, should you upgrade?
If recently purchased System Works 2004 or Norton 2004 or any of the Symantec line of products at least wait until your one year subscription is up. Because that’s what you buy a utility program for, to keep updated against the latest attacks.
1.0 out of 5 stars
I give it 1 star, only becuase there is no 0 star rating
I purchased this product, having using earlier versions and been completely satisfied. I presntly use Norton Systemworks 2003 and have discarded their 2005 version.
4.0 out of 5 stars
I like it!
I purchased Systemworks 2005 with some hesitation after reading the reviews. However, I have Systemworks 2003 Professional on my Dell 8200 desktop and 2004 on my Dell 4600…
1.0 out of 5 stars
Fooled Again
I’ve had home computers since the Timex Sinclair in 1982. The only time I’ve been forced to reformat my hard drive was a couple years ago after install problems with System Works…
4.0 out of 5 stars
What Happened to My Rebate?
I was supposed to get a $30 rebate on this, as a renewing customer with Norton SystemWorks, but the system never offered it to me.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Avoid Like the Plague
If I could give this piece of crap no star I would. Installation wasn’t a hassle. But it’s such a system hog that the whole system slows down.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Serious installation problems
Like many others who have posted here. SystemWorks and Norton AV 2004 and 2005 have serious installation problems.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Installation Nightmare – Try V-Com’s Systemsuite Instead
I’m still trying to install this software. There are about 7 technotes on the Symantec website dealing with installation problems for this software, as well as Personal Firewall…
1.0 out of 5 stars
Big Headache!
I’ve been using Norton’s Systems Works and Firewall for years and have been very happy with them up till now.