Norton Internet Security / Norton AntiVirus

[mfriend]

I  had a problem/interaction between NIS 2009 (Final version) and Spysweeper 5.8.x (latest version) and I thought I'd let folks know incase anyone else has a similar issue.

I  downloaded and installed NIS 2009 (final) early this morning and everything seemed to be good at first.  Then I discovered that every time I clicked on 'my computer', inserted a disk, or a few other things, my computer would freeze and I'd have to power it off.

I  went into safe mode and unchecked the startup items except for  Norton. I also turned off the automatic services for the programs I had unchecked.  To make a long story short, if spysweeper was running I would have this problem. I tried having Spysweeper not automatically load with windows (i.e. just use it for manual scans) but I still had problems.

Since I uninstalled Spysweeper (and re-enabled the other programs in msconfig/and services) I have not had a single freeze up.

Matthew

[SaLaDiN]

Have you tried turn off realtime protection in Spyswepeet? it must be off

[mfriend]

Hi Saladin:

Yes I had turned off so that it wouldn't  load when windows did.  In trying to pinpoint the problem I had also turned off the services for the other programs that were set to load (i.e. HDDlife, and a few others through msconfig) in the service's section of Admin.

Under the task manager in 'processes' it showed spysweeper running (set to not load program... just service I guess). I uninstalled spysweeper, then checked and the problem was gone. I also reset the services/programs one at a time to start in msconfig/and services, and none of the other programs caused any problems.

I now have windows defender installed: it doesn't seem to cause any problems whether realtime protection is turned on or off.  

Matthew

[ProTruckDriver Super Spam Squasher]

I have used Spysweeper (S/S) for about 6 years with NIS and no problems. When Spysweeper upgraded to the latest version 5.8 within a few days S/S wiped out my Keyboard, had to use onscreen keyboard for about a week ( what a pain ). I uninstalled S/S by add/remove programs and also by S/S removal tool. Looked in the Device Manager under keyboard device S/S is still there. Found out S/S corrupted windows and couldn't fix. Only fix was to Reformat, which I did. I'm still running NIS 2008 and  I will not be Downloading S/S again even though I have over 2 years left before it expires. By the looks of it with NIS 2009 you really don't need more protection. I'll wait a few weeks and keep an eye on the forum until most of the bugs are worked out then I down load NIS 2009.

[SwampWize]

RE: NIS 2009 and SpySweeper Conflict

Hopefully this experience recap helps someone with similar issues.

------------

HP Pavilion 061
Win XP Pro Svc Pack 3
Kernel Version 5.1.2600.5512
Windows Update's Ver. 7.2.6001.784
Windows Firewall Inactive
FireFox 3.0.1
Internet Explorer 7.05730.11
Windows Defender
SpySweeper 5.81.55 Without AntiVirus
Norton Internet Security 2009 Ver. 16.0.0.125
Norton SystemWorks 2007
All Updates Current @ 2008.09.23
------------
Background:
Prior to 2008.09.20:
NIS 2008, NSW Basic 2007 and SpySweeper 5.81.++ (W/O AV) were in use and coexisted without noticeable issues.

However, it should be noted that the last two builds of SpySweeper (including 5.81.55) have had serious install/uninstall problems impacting a huge number of users.  Install would hang leaving both previous and update versions inoperable.  The last two builds required Phone Support, execution of SpySweeper Removal Tool and reinstall.

I no longer load SpySweeper at StartUp.  If loaded at all, it is loaded after Boot when the system settles.
------------
2008.09.20:
Installed NIS 2009 over NIS 2008, per Tech Support recommendation, without using 2008 Removal Tool. SpySweeper was not loaded.  Windows Defender was loaded (forgot to kill it during NIS 2009 install).

NIS 2009 uninstalled 2008 although it took it's lovely time (several minutes).
ReBooted and NIS 2009 auto-installed without any error messages.  LiveUdate executed and processed updates.  ReStarted System just to make sure NIS AutoLoaded properly. Everything looked good and the system was stable. (It is irritating that the NSW 2007 Protection Center still loads in the SysTray with a red x indicating that no Virus, Spyware or Firewall protection is installed.  I suppose you have to uninstall NSW to get rid of it.)

Manually Loaded SpySweeper and processed definition updates.

System soon became unstable.  System would freeze, requiring a Power Button hard power down and restart.  Windows Task Manager (Alt Ctrl Del) would not load.  Windows Start would not load.  Windows Explorer would close often.  System would freeze during NIS BackGround Tasks, coming out of StandBy and just randomly whether loading apps or not.
------------
Conclusion:
SpySweeper 5.81.++ (without AV) and NIS 2009 do not coexist harmoniously and are causing serious instability issues in this Win XP Pro Svc Pack 3 system.

For the last 36 Hours I have not loaded SpySweeper.
System has been stable ... No BSODs ... Not one freeze or even a hickup.
NIS 2009 is AutoLoading (Early Start) updating and doing it's stuff normally.
Surfing and downloading files with FireFox and IE are without incident.  Applications software loading normally.  System StartUps and Systematic PowerDowns are normal.

------------

Should SpySweeper Realtime Protection be turned off and use SpySweeper only On Demand for manual scans?

Is one, or, are both of these applications not "well behaved"?.

Have both security products evolved to the point where they are both doing what they are supposed to do but should no longer be installed together?
 
It will be interesting to follow what happens in future builds.

Message Edited by SwampWize on 09-23-2008 10:52 AM

[reese_anschultz]

SwampWize, when you said that you no longer run SpySweeper at startup did you simply go to the SpySweeper UI and un-checked the "Load the program at Windows Startup" option? Our testing has confirmed many of the behaviors reported if that is the case. From our testing, if you change the SpySweeper filter driver to System Start using the service control manager, "Services" in the Control Panel's Administrative Tools, the problems should go away.

Message Edited by reese_anschultz on 09-23-2008 04:05 PM

[SwampWize]

Reese:

Thanks for your follow-up.

Your first statement is correct.

SpySweeper UI<Options<Options Other

Uncheck Load the program at Windows Startup.

Before I replied to you, I manually loaded SpySweeper to see what entry would appear in Services.  Unfortunately the system froze just after the SpySweeper UI appeared on screen. Had to do a hard power down and restart.

I will temporarily disable NIS AutoProtect and then load SpySweeper to see what appears in Services.

Could you please tell me what SpySweeper Services entry to look for?

Thanks, 

All The Best!

Message Edited by SwampWize on 09-23-2008 08:20 PM

[reese_anschultz]

SwampWize, you beat me to it. It was just pointed out to me that the SpySweeper filter driver doesn't appear in the Services display. You actually have to switch to Safe Mode and make a registry change for this. Since it's a change in a fairly critical area of the registry I don't want to post the exact steps here but if you are willing to accept the risk for making the registry changes yourself, I've sent sent you additional instructions via the community Private Messenger system, please look for the in the upper right hand corner of any community page.

[Dieselman743]

Honestly speaking you do not need Spy Sweeper now that you have NIS 2009. I would uninstall it and use SuperAntiSpyware free on demand only.

Message Edited by Dieselman743 on 09-23-2008 05:23 PM

[SwampWize]

Reese:

Thanks for the advice.

This sounds like something WebRoot should address in their next SpySweeper Build.

Dieselman743:

The conclusion that NIS 2009 is sufficient on it's own seems to be growing in popularity.

I am inclined to agree. NIS 2009 is a great product and it certainly makes good marketing sense for NIS to evolve in that direction.

Since I already have a two year SpySweeper subscription, I have plenty of time to see what WebRoot does to fix compatibility issues.

Thanks for your SuperAntiSpyware suggestion.  I will compare it to other AS options.

All The Best!

Message Edited by SwampWize on 09-23-2008 09:20 PM