In previous posts I reported issues of large updates of 140-165MB that seem to be all the definition being downloaded and installed even though the definitions are completely up-to-date. This started with 17.xx.x and continued with 18.xx.x. In January I decided to install 18.xx.x (2012) hoping that it might not have the problem.
First, on a side topic, why doesn't Norton include a "smart" installer with their Norton products? I would think most users don't even know about the special uninstall program that has to be downloaded and ran. Also, why does the antivirus program let you install a newer program without uninstalling the older program? Not even a warning. And why do the definition get wiped and must be re-downloaded after a new install. A built-in smart installer could take the place of the special uninstaller and also preserve the definitions. On dial-up the definitions alone take over 12 hours to download. Anyway, after I got the definitions and then all the engine and software updates I had version 19.9.0.9 installed.
On 2/3/2013 LU ran for 12.5 hours. Automatic LU doesn't show the size of the download nor what has been downloaded like manual update does but it looks like the same problem with LU downloading all the definitions that are already downloaded. Same version number after the update.
On 2/5/2013 there was a 21 minute update but no notice to reboot afterwards. The next day I noticed the version number had been changed to 19.9.1.14. The files showed installed on 2/5, not sure why I didn't have to reboot.
On 2/16/2013 there was a 6.5 hour update. Not sure what this was, no change in version number.
Yesterday, 2/18/2013 there was a 17 hour update that finished today. This is the longest update I have ever seen from LU and I suspect it was all the definition updated again combined with the cross-over bug. Subtracting the download time lost from the bug would make the update time 13 hours 45 minutes which would make sense because my connection was running slow at times today.
Complete difinitions downloaded twice (so far) in one month. This is even worst than the 2010 and 2011 versions which would happen ever 2 to 4 months.
I wish Norton would fix this problem and also the cross-over bug I have mentioned in my previous posts. Other dial-up users have posted the same problem and I believe the same problems occur with broadband users, its just not noticed because the download is so fast.
If this is something else or anyone knows what is going on I would appreciate it if you would let me know.