Drop, charge, and lose the cords
Entered CNET Catalog: 08/18/2005
SKU: 1630
Manufacturer: V Communications, Inc. (VCOM)
Manufacturer description
Why PC Utilities? Like a car, PCs need maintenance and repair. Running PC diagnostics and utilities on your computer is the equivalent of taking your car in for a tune-up. Fix-It Utilities Professional 6 optimizes system performance and computer diagnostics finds and prevents problems before they occur. In addition, have easy, scheduled maintenance to keep your PC in top shape.User opinions
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User Rating: 
3/10
BUY IT (for 6 months)
Pros: Registry Cleaner excellent; Anti-Virus adequate
Cons: DECEPTIVE! BUYER BEWARE!
McAfee products were slowing my PC down to a crawl (and my old 386 booted up faster!). So after doing my homework on the various anti-virals and registry cleaners, I decided to go for it. Yeah, I noticed that you can only re-download the software you PAID FOR (this is not a trial version) for 6 months, fine whatever. I downloaded the thing, and after 2 wasted CD-ROMS and several emails with VCom's Customer "Support," I managed to back up the download to a CD-ROM. Then yesterday, I get a virus warning including the phrase, "It might not be possible to clean this virus!" And upon checking for updates, I was informed "You have the most up-to-date files; no update is necessary. Great...
So being a Comcast customer, I got in bed with the devil and downloaded McAfee (for free) with the intent to blow it back off my system when it was done doing its thing with this virus that Vcom "might not" clear out. Of course, McAfee and VCom have serious issues when installed on the same PC (this, as you will shortly see, is misguided marketing evil genius). So, figuring I had the backup on CD-ROM, I blew VCom off my system. MISTAKE!
I am now having to put up with McAfee-caused system constipation again. Why? Because when I tried to reinstall VCom from the CD-ROM, it will only install this crappy (and useless) PowerDesk 5. I go to VCom to see what's going on.
After searching their site for 10 minutes just to FIND a login screen (had to go back to the e-receipt from the original purchase and click on the hyperlink in there - they do NOT make this easy for you!), I go searching for the necessary method by which I can reinstall Fix-It Utilities on my PC. I was fully prepared to pay another $10 or even $20 to extend my privileges. Surprise, sucker: "You must purchase this product again." For another $50. Bull-honkery! Not out of THIS wallet!
Looks like I'd have been better off downloading the trial version.
Again, great registry cleaner, adequate anti-viral. If they wanted to really mess with McAfee, they ought to include a firewall. But alas: Just don't blow it off your system once you install it! BUYER BEWARE.
User Rating: 
2/10
My computer hasn't been the same.
Pros: I really don't have ANYTHING positive to say about the software
Cons: slows computer up and the virus scan is dated
User Rating: 
6/10
NICE SOFTWARE AND MANUAL
Pros: EASY INSTALLATION AND NICE MENU. MANUAL COVERS MOST OF YOUR QUESTIONS.
Cons: NO PHONE SUPPORT AND NEED TO USE CAUTION WHEN IT COMES TO THE REGISTRY.
User Rating: 
5/10
Service and Compatibility Problems
Pros: Very complete package
Cons: Bad support, crashes
I hoped this would be resolved when I upgraded but that didn't happen so I now have Version 6 with the same difficulties.
Calls to Vcom have produced no satisfaction -- only the recommendation to run the program out of SAFE mode, which I did, but had additional shutdowns.
In addition, Vcom needs to get its support together -- I was downloading Version 6 when my DSL went down. You only get one shot and have to phone Vcom to have them reset the link for you. But if it's a long weekend or a holiday, good luck, because their support leaves much to be desired.
If these problems could be resolved and get me back to where I was with Version 5, I would raise the rating by at least two bars.
User Rating: 
9/10
I have the system Suite 6
Pros: It does everyting
Cons: I didn't find it sooner
User Rating: 
1/10
Buggy Program - Buy Version 5 Instead
Pros: Automatically Changes Your Registry Settings
Cons: Program is Very Buggy
Most of the functions are present in Version 5 and work smoothly. In version 6 they do not!
IOLO does not issue refunds for Version 6.
The bottom line is Do not buy this program.
User Rating: 
8/10
Fix-it fixed problems caused by Norton.
Pros: A lot of bang for the buck.
Cons: None that I know of.
User Rating: 8/10
Great Product
Pros: Easy to use and effective
Cons: Menu does not always reflect what will be done
