Date related problem

[k4trv]

Hi, a friend is running 2 PC’s (P3 1Ghz and 866Mhz both with 524mb ram). OS is Win 98 and protection is via Norton Internet Security 2003. Both PC’s are permanently hooked up to a broadband router and modem.

On 8 Jan 04 both machines started running v.slowly. He wiped the hard drives, reinstalled a ghost backup from 2002 and installed Norton 2003 again. Problem re-occurred.

Then he changed the system date to 22 Dec 03 and re-installed the 2002 Ghost backup and Norton 2003. Smooth running once again. He updated the virus definitions - system tested ok, no virus. He installed the windows critical service pack updates and then when all was ok changed the system date to 11 Jan 04.

The problem of v.slow operation returned after he rebooted. He then changed the date back to Dec 03 and smooth operation returned again. Both PC’s display exactly the same problem.

The problem seems to be date related. He installed Norton for the first time on 22 Dec 03 so his subscription is still valid. He hasn’t found anything that indicates a date trigged problem. Anyone know the answer ?

Trev McM

[jam1et]

k4trv said:

On 8 Jan 04 both machines started running v.slowly. He wiped the hard drives, reinstalled a ghost backup from 2002 and installed Norton 2003 again. Problem re-occurred. Then he changed the system date to 22 Dec 03 and re-installed the 2002 Ghost backup and Norton 2003. Smooth running once again. He updated the virus definitions - system tested ok, no virus. He installed the windows critical service pack updates and then when all was ok changed the system date to 11 Jan 04. The problem of v.slow operation returned after he rebooted. He then changed the date back to Dec 03 and smooth operation returned again. Both PC’s display exactly the same problem.

He first installed Norton on 22nd Dec 03 but what prompted him to change his system date to match? It's not something one would usually try when troubleshooting. Has he had problems with this software related to the system date before? The install date should make no difference on version 2003 as I think its only version 2004 that has product activation. Has he checked Symantec's website for the latest bug fixes or their knowledge base for similar problems? If he bought version 2003 late last year he's probably entitled to a free upgrade to 2004. Perhaps try that instead. Or just download a (free) copy of Zonealarm which has been protecting my home network for about 4 or 5 years. I'm a network manager and still find zonealarm more than adequate for home use. I cant stand Norton IS, it holds you to ransom because its such a bitch to uninstall properly.

>> Edited by jam1et on Monday 12th January 15:19

[shep]

Try this, I had the same problem around then

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/sharedtech.nsf/docid/2004010810205113?Open&src=con_web_nam

[jam1et]

There you go, that looks like your answer. Your mate should have checked symantecs knowledge base

[k4trv]

Thanks guys, I'll see if it's what been troubling him.

Thanks again.

Trev McM

[k4trv]

Hi,

Problem solved with:

Checked that no 'Spyware' has crept onto the system by going to www.lavasoft.de and download AdAware 6 - it is free for home use.

Had loads of stuff on hard discs, now removed and machines fly again !!

Thanks to Arcturus from an earlier thread "PC has gone very slowly".




Trev McM




>> Edited by k4trv on Tuesday 13th January 08:17