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I got my system cleaned after installing AD-Ware and Spybot and it's amazing how much the ex-garbage interferred with the workings of my system.
Now, the problem. I also have McAfee virus protection but every time McAfee automatically updates, the computer shuts down and restarts after the update is completed. This is a problem because if I am working on a file, e-mail as an example, I lose the file after the restart. Does anybody else experience this automatic restart procedure?
It is a problem with McAfee and you are not the only one.
Your description is one of the symptoms of the problem.
See this McAfee forum thread to see others (including myself) with the problem. It is a long thread. On the last page you will see:
Quote
BrettR
Site Administrator
Joined: 22 Apr 2004
Posts: 3787Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2004 12:58 pm Post subject:
----------------------
I want to let everyone know with this issue that our Q & A has duplicated this issue and are currently working on this.
End QuoteRegards,
Bryan
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What version do you have?
McAfee Virus Scan 7 and older will allow you to disable the Auto updates and manually update at your timing. But if you have version 8 or 9 that feature has been left out of the options.
That is why I plan on staying with version 7 until they drop support for it.
You can go to the URL below and manually download and install later the DAT files.http://download.mcafee.com/updates/4xa.asp?real=0
Super DAT herehttp://download.mcafee.com/us/updates/superDat.asp?real=0
McAfee Forums here
http://us.mcafee.com/root/genericURL_genericLeftNav.asp?genericURL=/common/en-us/supportcenter/retail/online_forums.asp&genericLeftNav=/en-us/support/support_nav.asp
Click on Virus Scan and then click on your version of Virus Scan.
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Hi Bryco,
I followed the McAfee forum thread you posted about the auto & other update problems and your numerous responses about it...very impressive on your part. The last response posted was:QUOTE
On Sept 30, I received this message from McAfee T3 Support
"Dear Rick,
I have finally received word from engineering. They explained this issue will be fixed with the next engine release (engine version 4400). This is due to release in about 1 month." Mike E. [Incident 040719-011319]
I hope it is safe to assume that the fix will also include VS9
END QUOTE
My last auto update that resulted in a auto restart was on 10/20/04. Checking my "about" data with this update showed;
Build: 9.0.10
Engine Version: 4.3.20
Dat Version: 4.0.4400
Date: 10/20/04Apparently, the problem wasn't fixed with version 4400 as stated with McAfee engineering. There is a confusion with the types of versions mentioned to fix the problem. Mentioned was Engine Version 4400 rather than Engine Version 4.3.20. 4400 is the Dat Version that does not fix it. Do we have to wait for an update to Engine Version 4.3.20 to fix it? And when will that be?
Also to JPW, after reading the Forum submittals mentioned above and having a lack of computer know-what, I don't know the basics of the Build versions. For instance, will Version 7 still protect me fully as the update Version 9?
Bob
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Yes, because they still use the same Scan Engine and if you keep both the Scan Engine and DAT files updated you will have the same protection without all the new junk that McAfee added and the old tools they removed.
To find out what version you have installed just right click on the V shield in the System Tray and click on the About Virus Scan option.
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I didn't know there is a version 9 out.
The Engine Version: 4.3.20 is what they are referring to in their forum.
The next build of it should be version 4.4.00 or 4400.
What I suspect is happening is when you purchase the McAfee product you are given a one year subscription to the updates and 90 days free upgades.
So, if they produced a new version within 90 days of your purchase then you are entitled to that upgrade (I wonder when they came out with version 9). Similarly, the same is true for the Engine upgrades. As noted by JPW all versions use the same engines.
My theory is that McAfee is waiting for the 90 days to expire for a bulk portion of the purchases. Then if anyone wants an 'upgrade', be it Engine or product Version, then that person will have to pay for it versus it being an entitlement.
Personally I am very disappointed with the people at McAfee. But, the product is good with the exception of the annoying flaw that you are also experiencing. I had made some reference to that fact along with my equal diasappointments on that forum thread and Brett, the site administrator, deleted it.
Brett also sent me an email (13Jul) stating that I would be contacted directly from their T3 group because once he forwarded a case to them it was then out of his hands.
I was not the first to post a problem on thier forums. This has been an evident problem since May 2004. 5 months now.
I guess it is down to 'wait and see'
Bryan
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Bryan,
From the Sept 20 McAfee VS 7 Forum
VS 7 verses VS9, Should I upgrade?
Hello,I was reading the VirusScan 9 forum and it seems many of the same features that were missing in v8, are missing in v9. The settings for the advanced user. I didn't look for a bug thread.
I currently have VirusScan Home Edition 7.03.6000, which is a full download, NOT patched. I am happy with it.
From a protection standpoint, do I need to upgrade to v9?
If I can keep v7, should I expect any problems this time around with renewing the Dat licence (have 90 days left) ?
I would appreciate any input on this.
Thanks, Andy
Andy,
Just a suggestion...."If it ain't broke, don't fix it !"
IF you were using Virus Scan 7 you weren't having any problems....then I recommend that you continue to use that version. If you use the Instant Updater, subscriptions are still available for purchase..OR if you choose to manually update, you can manually download and install the virus definition/DAT files for free.
There is a method to my madness here....There are quite a few users that aren't particularly happy with Virus SCan 8/9 ONLINE for quite a few reasons. Although it was designed to be "easy" for most beginning users, the result is that it removes the flexibility of previous versions. You'll need to enable ActiveX for it to automatically update. It constantly nags you to update and if you're using a dial-up connection it can be a "pain". The manual method of updating VS 8/9 is slightly more involved and doesn't use the same DAT installer files like previous retail versions and current corporate versions do. In addition, there aren't any logs created when scanning, and you can't selectively allow specific scripts to run when using the ScriptStopper portion of the program.
By the way, once you install Virus Scan 8, if you purchase a prescription for it, you will automatically be updated to VS 9, which is brand new and has it's own set of problems.
Like I said at the beginning of all this...It's just a suggestion.
Hope this helps.
Grif
Bryan
Also if you search the VS 7 Forum you will find a lot of VS 7 users complaining about VS 8 and going back to VS 7.
Also for about 2 months on the VS 7 forum there was a thread you could post to called
“ What I want changed about VS 8” and it was very full of complaints and people saying that they were looking for a different VS if McAfee continued with their removal of all the Manual features.
That thread has been removed for some unknown reason?
I have been using McAfee since 1998 but with VS 8 and now VS 9, removing the manual features I will probably be looking else where my self.
The Manual feature was the only way you could solve a problem with the Auto update feature when it wouldn't respond.
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I prevoiusly had version 6.
Comparing to V6 I now like V8 with the exception of that problem.It is likely only a matter of time when you will have to upgrade to a higher version. That is what happened to me with V6. They no longer had the dat files for V6.
I started with the retail version 4 (that came with lifetime upgrades...Ha!).
There was a class action suit against them so they settled by giving those involved the free upgrade to V8 until July 2004.I have been running McAfee on this PC since 1998 and never once contracted a virus. There have been plenty of times that McAfee jumped on one while opening an email or visiting a website that contained one.
So...I am happy with McAfee. I just wish they would work out this one bug without it costing me $30-$50.
With V6 I always got the dat files manually because I preferred it that way. After upgrading to V8 I somewhat resented it not being an option. I am on cable and have gotten used to it. I set it to notify me after it is downloaded.
I like it now.As far as 'having' to upgrade. It is the scan engine that is the same along with the dat files so all usable versions are the same. It is just the GUI interface that is different. So, until they no longer support the version one has then that individual may as well stay with it.
I am not a big fan of change unless it is for the absolute better.Regards,
Bryan
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Bryan,
You said "It is likely only a matter of time when you will have to upgrade to a higher version. That is what happened to me with V6. They no longer had the dat files for V6."I still am running McAfee Virus Scan V 5.2 on my Windows 98FE and download the DAT and Scan Engines Manually and install with no Problem, So V 6 should still work for you. The DAT and Scan Engine are not Version spacific from version 7 and down!
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It is past tense now but at the time I was attempting renew the annual subscription and the only option offered was the upgrade to V8.
Oh well,
Bryan
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Harpreet,
I am using V8 and downloading the .DAT is not an option. I can only check for updates and they download and install automatically after logging into their website via the Virus Scan console.
Right click on the system tray icon and select Updates. It will check for available updates and if ny are found it will connect to their login screen where you input your email address and your password from when you first bought into the product.
The rest is automated.If this does not help you then post a new thread but do so on the Security and Virus forum board.
Regards,
Bryan
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What other update problems are there in V9? I am unable to update and it tells me that there might be a system error and to reinstall, but I get the same error when I'm trying to reinstall. I am not 'computer literate' and I do not want to do all these weird things to my computer just so I can update McAfee. Do we feel that they will resolve the issues without me having to do all this stuff? It is ridiculous to hire computer people to come up and help me for a antivirus program.
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Slackd,
Can you provide the exact error message?
It is possible, as mentioned earlier, that you need to have the ActiveX controls enabled in order to download.
Go to IE Tools, Internet Options, Security tab, Custom level button.
The first items listed is for ActiveX controls.
There are five different settings options.
I can't say that my settings are correct for your machine but they are set as follows:
The first three are set to "Prompt" and the last two are set to "Enable".My security settings on the bottom of that same page are set to Medium.
Click Ok, Ok.If it does not help you then set them back to the way they were before you changed them and noted how they were set.
It is my 'speculation' that the newer versions 8 and up were designed for the Win2K and WinXP environment. It is my guess that they are phasing out of support for Win9x.
They are in business to make money and it is my experience with Network Associates that they really have very little interest of the users wants and needs. However, I continue to like and use their otherwise quality product.
I would personally like to upgrade to WinXP but this old machine is just not compatible to it. This old machine runs very good and without a single virus in over five years while using the McAfee product.
I am further guessing that McAfee's attitude is that Win9x is outdated versus their product having a problem. I suspect they will not fix their product to work on Win9x systems unless they lose to much of the market share. I think that they are betting on folks upgrading to WinXP or the next incarnation produced by Microsoft (or Linux).
Regards,
Bryan
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Thank you very much, Bryan! I will try that when I get home. Now that you mention it, I remember an error I got a while back when I turned on my computer and it was starting up that said something about Active X, but when I rebooted my computer again, it didn't appear again. I hope that's it!!
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Well, it didn't help. I've decided to download my windows updates, which I haven't done in awhile - do you think that will help?
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SlackD,
I see from your post in the McAfee forum board that you are using WinXP and Peacemaker has asked if you have the WinXP SP2 (Service Pack 2) installed and if so then see their link on how to allow downloading of ActiveX controls with XP2 installed at this link that Peacemaker provided.
This is the Win9x forum board and I believe the McAfee board can help you better but if you trash the product in your posts they will not help you or should I say that they will lose their patience with you very quickly. So, try to help them to help you.
Best of luck,
Bryan
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Slackd's post on the McAfee forum board that will open in a new window for anyone interested.
Regards,
Bryan
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Thank you Bryan, I am attempting to download my windows updates as I haven't done that in awhile...it is taking a long time as I do not leave my computer running when I leave the house, and I'm on dial up; I am thinking the update you mention will probably be on those updates (I get prompted for updates, but haven't updated them). If it is not, then I will follow Peacekeeper's link, because I'm hoping that is the reason I can't update.
As for the trashing - I was not trashing - my feeling is though that McAfee, and any other anti-virus, should be such that us non-computer folks do not have to do all this technical stuff that may result in us messing up our computers. Bascially, as easy as AOL is (which I know many computer folks hate because it is so user-friendly). A year ago, I hired a person to come out and help me -- I thought I had a virus; instead, it was the latest McAfee update script-something or other ate all my memory and put it in one file in my temp files. I no longer use Outlook, and had to pay that guy $100. That's a lot of money. Then, I installed Firewall on his recommendation, some more money. When I talk to the IT folks where I work, they tell me they don't use anti-viruses because they know how to handle viruses, etc. So, those that understand computers don't need anti-viruses; those that don't, do need them. Therefore, wouldn't it follow that it should be as simple as can be? If I have to do what the message board told me to do, I will have to ask another IT guy to come to my house and help me again - another $100.
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If your boss heard those IT guys at work make such a statement then it would not be good. I am sure they know how to deal with viruses but I am also sure they use AV software to prevent them from infecting their machines and especially your bosses machines.
Although I enjoy the qaulity of the McAfee product I have trashed their support abilities or unwillingness. I did so on their forum page although it was in contrast to the quality they edited my post and complained to me for trashing.
I was simply saying that you get more bees wiht honey then you do with vinegar.
I am sure that once you do get it up and running you will be happier.
You should not have to pay more money to do so and I think their forum board, however difficult it may be, is your best bet for they have the access to the higher levels of support for the product where it exists.
Regards,
Bryan
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I'm sorry, I did not mean to imply that they do not use antiviruses at work - they do not use them at home. My work IT guys are the ones I hire to come help me at home when I have computer problems. However, noticing all the others that are having problems with Version 9, I really am inclined to wait and see...
Funny thing is, I updated my windows updates, and I dont seem to see any evidence of this Service pack thing....but, it started downloading another one this morning.
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