Brian T on 26/5/2008 at 11:43
I bought this (Panda Interent Security 2008) last week to replace my ancient Nortons. It was pretty much through neccesity as my, uh, "vintage" system is running Windows ME and PC World only stocks Norton,McAfee, Kasperksy and Panda,and of these only Panda wull run on Windows ME. So far it seems comprehensive, inobtrusive and easy to use.But there's one drawback- I can't register the damn thing! Without registration I can't update it,and with virus defintions a week old and counting it's surely a countdown to getting a virus. I've tried customer support but so far no helpful reply back. I get LOTS of "Connection reset" messages too, meaning I sometimes need to click about 5 times to reach pages,biut whether this is due to Panda, or Firefox I don't know.So, does anyone else use Panda?
nickie on 26/5/2008 at 16:16
Don't panic! :) A week isn't that long. I haven't used this myself but I see it's a comprehensive package. I haven't been able to find another instance of your specific problem I'm afraid but it's quite likely someone here will be able to help - you sure as hell won't get any from PC World (not that I loathe them or anything!)
You don't say what happens when you try to register.
Are you sure you've completely removed Norton, it's notoriously difficult to get rid of sometimes so if there are still bits lurking (
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039?Open&src=&docid=2001092114452606&nsf=nav.nsf&view=pfdocs&dtype=&prod=&ver=&osv=&osv_lvl=) this will lead you to a removal tool. Remnants from Norton may bugger up new installations.
I really don't think you need to worry too much about updating for the time being.
And if you don't get any answers from Panda Support or it goes on too long and this is a home pc, then I'd take Panda back to the shop and download Sygate Personal firewall and Avast anti-virus (free for personal use) both of which support ME. Those, and two or three other nifty programmes will give you all the protection you'll need.
nickie on 26/5/2008 at 18:11
I've only heard of Comodo recently - that looks like a good result. And where I've just been checking it out it seems Zone Alarm is off the list so time for a change methinks although another site puts Zone Alarm 2nd after Comodo so still amongst the recommended.
Sygate is 2nd on the recommended free ones list after Comodo and just about the only one I found which supports ME. Though I've just found (
http://www.agnitum.com/products/outpostfree/index.php) Agnitum which is OK for all Windows.
Brian T on 26/5/2008 at 19:27
Thanks for that feedback:)
Quote Posted by nickie
Don't panic! :)
You don't say what happens when you try to register.
Are you sure you've completely removed Norton, it's notoriously difficult to get rid of sometimes so if there are still bits lurking
When I try to register using their activation I get informed that another user is already using that code. As I bought that Panda security suite in PC World (a respectable chain store) new and sealed, either that user is either already me, or...aghh I don't know what's going on. I've emailed Panda twice giving my activation code and a description of my problem so I'll just have to wait and see.
I did a fresh reinstaalltion of my O/S today and installed Panda,but the problem is the same, so I doubt Norton was the problem. (BTW had terrible problems with Norton/ Symantec and their crappy Customer Support around about 2001 :tsktsk: :cheeky: )
I've tried Avast antivirus in the past, along with AVG too, and they seem decent enough.I did try the acclaimed Zone Alarm firewall, but it wasn't ME compatible. I'll certainly look more into those firewalls you mentioned :) I bought the Panda because it seemed like a nice and tidy "All In One" package, and maybe there's the psychological thing that if you pay for something it's going to be better than a free thing.
nickie on 26/5/2008 at 19:45
Quote Posted by Brian T
As I bought that Panda security suite in PC World (a respectable chain store)
Well I could post that lovely hysterical emoticon but I won't - I'm sure they've not sold you a dodgy copy but I do know that I don't know one person in real life or internet that has ever had any satisfaction with a complaint to them. :)
Whatever you decide whilst you're waiting for a reply from Panda, don't run 2 copies of either anti-virus or firewall.
AerisNoir on 30/5/2008 at 14:47
Familiar problem to me, but I'm not sure how I managed to get it to run.... Though really, now that it does... I haven't had to glance at it even once.
((for the others.... I don't think that when someone has already bought software, it'll be helpfull to recommend them buying something else ;) ))
Try these methods fresh from start:
- Remove Panda.
- Run that Norton removal tool a few posts up, couldn't hurt if it's a known habit of the software to 'linger' .
- Clear out your trashbin to be sure there's nothing in there left.
- Reboot your computer.
- Re-install Panda.
- Register your product (the 5 screen registration site I dislike myself) and enter the product code. Sadly you can't copy-paste. If you mess up, you'll have to start anew though.
At this point, I got a blank screen, so no message saying that registration was either succesfull or not. Close the site anyways.
If you open panda now, you might get an error message.
- Reboot your computer.
- Now either Panda is activating at startup, or click the shortcut icon in either menu start or you desktop.
I really really hope this is of help to you, as I can say I'm satisfied with Panda, it's really a self-providing piece of software with only a nack of bugging you thrice in a row when it's license is coming to an end. But before that, it's really cool (coming from a demanding user)
I had to remember my install of '08 a few days ago, cause I'm not on that specific pc right now. I might edit things if they prove inaccurate... but I think this is all very up to date.
Good luck! feel free to PM should that be helpfull.
nickie on 30/5/2008 at 17:50
Quote Posted by Brian T
I bought the Panda because it seemed like a nice and tidy "All In One" package, and maybe there's the psychological thing that if you pay for something it's going to be better than a free thing.
Well you're right. Paid version is more complete and better protection than a free version. But there is a war going on between the bad guys and the good guys and part of wanting to win the war is for the good guys to give us a lot of different free programmes to use. I use AVG, and Zone Alarm until I try Comodo, I use a 'hosts' file (which blocks ads, banners, cookies and most web hijackers) ie-spyad (for IE), Spybot S & D resident, Spyware Guard and Spyware Blaster. And, of course, Firefox. The combination of these have protected my pc for the best of 5 years now and I haven't had a sniff of a problem since.
I do hope you get it sorted out though. A quick check has shown you're not alone in having trouble with support. Which I find quite surprising as they have a good reputation.
Quote Posted by AerisNoir
((for the others.... I don't think that when someone has already bought software, it'll be helpfull to recommend them buying something else ;) ))
Quite, but all the suggestions made have been for
'free for personal use' programmes. :)
Queue on 30/5/2008 at 19:23
Avast has always been my choice, and highly recommended--unlike the virus that is Norton.
