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Hi,
I just wrote to tech support regarding a problem I had with EZTrust 6.1.4.0 and I received a link to upgrade it to version 6.1.70. Before I do that, I'd like to know if anyone is using it and if it's okay. Also, the instructions say to install it over the top. If I do that I think I should stop the current version from running. Am I correct about this?
I'd appreciate any comments.
Sincerely, Nancee
I'm running Windows 98se and IE6.SP1.
Hi Nancee,
I ran 6.1.4.0 without it ever missing a beat; a good build. I didn't even consider updating when 6.1.5.8 was released as fortunately I came across a post in one of the Message Boards I frequent, that its Autodownload tool did not function, a fact Computer Associates later acknowledged.
I understand 6.1.7.0 was released in July last and that it contained a fix for the flaw in 5.8; so I decided to give it a fly and installed it on 2 September. Apart from an annoying 'Sammy" splash screen on boot/reboot which as yet I haven't found a way around, it has performed very well without any problems whatsoever. However, functionally and appearance-wise there is really nothing to distinguish it from 6.1.4.0.
I have the same OS and IE as yourself.
EDIT Sorry nearly missed it--- yes, disable Real Time Protection before installing over the top and reboot after installing.
Dear Alwill,
Thank you so much for your reply. The problem I've had (only 3 times) is when autodownloading the file size goes beyond the kb it should be! When that happened I canceled and manually downloaded.
I'm glad to hear this new version is good, especially since you have the same OS as I. (Did you check all the settings to see if you can disable the Sammy splash screen?)
Maybe I'll install it tomorrow.
Sincerely, Nancee
P.S. Were you notified of the new versions of EZTrust? I only found out about the new version because I contacted tech support.
Hello Nancee,
Once or twice I experienced the same problem as you with 6.1.4.0's Autodownload but when it happened I cancelled the operation then immediately ran the Autodownload again without any problems arising.
I have been right through the settings/options of 6.1.7.0 but there is not a thing about the splash screen. I do not see that with a buyware program a user should have to tolerate such an annoyance and I will be letting Computer Associates know my feelings; at the same time I'll see whether they are able/willing to suggest how to block it.
For a major producer and provider of software, Computer Associates would have to have one of the most unfriendliest websites I have come across, it being a real maze when searching for information; and as far as 'Sammy' is concerned, I have found him to be about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike. However, I was able to ascertain from its Tech Support people that it does not advise users of Build updates; here is an extract from an email I received from them last year:
We currently do not notify users of new builds of our product: IE: "upgrade" from 5.4.2.0 to 5.4.10.1. However, we do notify of new versions: IE: Upgrade from 5.4.x to 6.0.x. I will make sure that we take into consideration, your suggestion that users be notified of new builds as well as new versions of the product.---this was back in last September so I'm not holding my breath re introduction of such an initiative and in the meantime there is no alternative but to plough through the website to see whether there have been build upgrades.
Here is a bit of other information I have been able to dig up re the issues resolved in 6.1.7.0:
Document includes product change information for eTrust EZ Antivirus from version 6.1.4.0 to 6.1.7.0. .
Resolution:
Issues Resolved:
1. Autodownload Schedule - Not Running:
Problem: Introduced in eTrust EZ Antivirus version 6.1.5.8. After scheduling an autodownload to take place, it never actually runs.
2. Autodownload Error 404 - Not Found:
Problem: Introduced in eTrust EZ Antivirus version 6.1. Problem intermittently occurs when autodownloading signature files.
Features/Technology Added:
Point release, no new features.
Features/Technology Removed:
Point release, no features removed.
Hope the above is of some help and good luck.
Hi Alwill,
I just got a message from CA tech support telling me this latest version is very stable and runs on all platforms.
This excessive kb dat problem first happened maybe 2 months ago. Then it happened a few days ago. I canceled it and used autodownload again but it did it again and the time for download changed to 230.xx.xx! It seems like it would have gone on forever. That's when I decided to write to CA.
I agree with you about their Sammy help - if you can find the specific problem you're looking for the information might be good, but I've never been able to find exactly what I'm looking for. I never even found info re the upgrades at the site either. I don't care for accessing support thru their website.
I wrote back to the tech and asked if there's a way to disable the Sammy Splash.
I'm still holding off on installing, but I'm happy you told me it's running fine.
Sincerely, Nancee
I use 6.1.4.0 so i don't get the 'splash' thing. Just wonder if you can get rid of it the way the ZA 2.6 splash is gotten rid of. By going to the startup folder and if it's there,right clicking>properties and see if you can add: -nopopup or -nosplash or both to the end of the line in the Target box(if it has one that is)...:confused:
Good on you Nancee, you must be just about on a first name basis with the CA Tech Support guys by now; would appreciate your letting me know their response on the Sammy splash and also how you go if you finally install 6.1.7.0.
Hi Ridge,
Thanks for the suggestion but having remembering the trick from the old ZA 2.6 Free days, I went looking earlier for this as a possible solution only to find that EZ does not feature in the StartUp folder nor does it have a shortcut Target box. :(
Well shucks,,,no way to check it here,but thought i'd give it a shot. :) Let's hope CA can be nice and suggest something helpful...
Yes it will be interesting to see what CA's Tech Support have to say when they reply to Nancee. In the light of Nancee's initiative I have decided to hold off approaching CA until I learn if they have anything constructive to contribute.
I've been far from impressed with CA support. The corporate version of eTrust AntiVirus is rather braindead in security terms - the installation program leaves a directory (which contains a service's executable file) shared and fully writeable by anyone on the network. If someone overwrites that executable, the next time the server reboots their code is running as an administrator.
It took me 2 regular emails to tech support and then an escalation to the CA Ombudsman to get some straight answers about how much it could be tightened down without breaking things.
Hi Alwill,
lol ... actually this is the first time I contacted tech support since they changed it to web based. I haven't gotten a response yet, but will post it when I receive it.
Something else strange happened just now. I have the direct link to the ftp site to download the dats and I went to the site to copy the address. While their I noticed the current dat file is 4904 dated Sept. 12. I had 4900 dated Sept. 11. When I clicked on auto-download it told me my files were up to date! So I downloaded 4904 on my own. I checked my mail and didn't have a notice about that update either. Just thought I'd mention this.
Tuttle - it's a good thing you realized what was going on. Their support seems to leave a lot to be desired.
I've had a problem using the snooze feature. Seems if I'm doing something intense, it freezes my computer. Tech couldn't figure out why and just said don't use it.
Hi Ridge! - unless I start experiencing more problems, I might just stay with this version.
Again, I'll let you know what I find out about the Sammy splash screen.
Sincerely, Nancee
Hi everyone!
I got my reply. It seems the splash screen can't be disabled. Also, he said EZ Trust can be on during the install. I don't care for that. Here's the reply I received:
"Hello,
The answers to your questions are as follows:
It is not necessary to stop EZ Antivirus before upgrade.
The splash screen can not be turned off, as it is there as an indication that the protection has loaded.
The options to install custom or typical will be available to you again when you upgrade.
Let me know if you have additional questions.
Samuel."
I'm staying with my current version for now.
Sincerely, Nancee
TVM Nancee, you did good. But what a load of [*-deleted word-*] from CA about "The splash screen can not be turned off, as it is there as an indication that the protection has loaded.".
Its icon appears in the systray when it loads along with those of other critical programs and if all the latter had splash screens too, it would take forever to boot up. And why wasn't it necessary to have a splash screen "indication that the protection has loaded" with earlier builds/versions. IMHO its nothing but a cheap promo stunt totally unnecessary with buyware.
I haven't been completely happy with EZ for some time what with the problems encountered with different versions/builds and its cavalier attitude towards its customers (e.g. "if you want to know if there is a build update come and find it if you can"), the splash screen is the last straw.
I'll be looking elsewhere when my licence expires shortly.
(*** Polite language only please *** - WSUA 3. a.)
Hi Alwill,
I agree. We always saw it load in the systray and could highlight it if we wanted. I'm happy with the product in general though. I would imagine if they got a lot of complaints about the splash screen they might remove it in a newer version. I think I'll write and tell him I'm not upgrading because of the splash screen!
If you do change AV let us know about it. A lot of people like the free AVG, but I don't know if it's remaining free.
(What's TVM mean?)
Sincerely, Nancee
Ta Very Much / Thanks Very Much ???
Nanceel0
The server sent it twice is what happends. Cancal it and download it again. Yep have that happen off and on also.
Thanks General Winters :)
Nancee
Hi Train,
I missed your post before. So it's being d/l twice. I was wondering what was being sent. This last time it happened twice in a row, so I just manually got it. I guess that would be a server problem. Thanks!
Sincerely, Nancee
Yes Nancee, TVM=thanks very much.
I'll try to remember to post when I change AVs; I'll probably be looking at choosing from what I regard as the heavyweights in the av field i.e F-Secure, Kaspersky, Norton, Nod-32 or Panda. Not cheap but very very effective.
I am also running AVG Free at the moment but only on a scan basis not as a resident.
Things must be deteriorating at CA for Alwill (a long time afficianado of EZ AV) to be ready to hunt another AV program. Do keep us posted on your decision, please.
I have no complaints with 6.1.4 but the Splash Screen sounds like the same sort of stuff folks are fussing about from McAfee.
Remember: You can go anywhere you want if you look serious and carry a clipboard.
:D
Got sick of Sammy, gave him the flick and have gone back to 6.1.4.0.
What concerns me is that CA now having introduced the splash screen with 6.1.7.0, will continue with it with every new build/version.
I wonder if the idiots have any idea of the attitude of consumers towards these annoyances and to the lengths people go to to stop pop-ups generally.
When their customer base starts to drop off (and I will be one), they may well wake up but by then the damage will have been done.
Hi Alwill,
I just read your post and decided to copy the last letter I wrote to EZ Trust support. To my surprise I had a reply (I must have deleted it from my mail). Anyway, I have good news! Here's my message to them and the reply I received:
ME:
Thank you for answering my questions. Since the problem I have experienced with version 6.1.4.0 has only occurred on two separate occasions, I have decided not to upgrade to version 6.1.7.0 at this time. My reason for this is I don't want a Sammy splash screen at startup. I can tell EZTrust has loaded by looking at my systray, and I can highlight it if I want to double check. I would appreciate your getting this opinion regarding the splash screen to the developers. I'm not the only one that doesn't like it and someone else is already thinking of changing AVs because of this.
EZ Trust REPLY:
We are looking towards making this splash screen more user friendly (more customizations, information, one click disable, etc.) for a future release of the product. Your suggestions have been noted, I would suggest your keeping an eye out for our future releases. Unfortunately, I do not have any dates to confirm on this. But there have been talks about this, rest assured.
~~~~~~~`
I like the "one touch disable". :)
Sincerely, Nancee
You might look into Avast if you are changing AV. They have a free version as well as the pay one. I have been using it now for 6 months and I like it. Doesn't load down the system and no splash screen.
GL mac :)
Thank you again for your initiative Nancee and for the latest info from CA. We'll wait and see what transpires as regards the splash screen and, should it be modified, whether it will be able to be permanently immobilised ("one click disable"). Should in fact this prove to be the case, why have the blasted thing at all because most if not all users would go for this option.
Hi Alwill,
I agree with you 100%. We'll just have to wait and see. (I don't know why they put the stupid thing in in the first place!)
Sincerely, Nancee
I'm using EZAV 6.1.7 on an old Toshiba 320CDS P233MMX laptop with only 96 mb RAM (maxed out). Using Windows 2000 SP4, it requires over five minutes after boot before the computer is useable because of EZAV building what I believe is a database. However, once up and running, it's satisfactory for Office operations and for online work.
From what I've read, this computer likely won't run well with anything other than EZAV or AVG free or fee. BTW, the 6.1.7 splash screen is brief and doesn't annoy me at all.
For my desktops, I have switched to Norton Systemworks 2003 and NOD32 version 2.0.