System Mechanic Professional 3-User

List Price: $69.95 Discount Price: $32.91

Features:

• Can be installed on up to three PCs

Customer Reviews:

Does not work with Vista! [Posted on 2008-07-21]
I purchased version 7 Pro in early May '08, because of the special pricing and because it had a three PC license. I installed it on my primary machine - a Dell desktop running Windows Vista. It installed fine but I noticed the virus database was marked as outdated. I tried to do an update, and went through the motions - the program indicating that it had updated, but afterward still indicated that the database was over 400 days old (how do you get that outdated on a fresh install)!
I contacted Iolo and they told me to uninstall and re-install, which I attempted. This created another problem. I had a prior version of the included Search and Recover 4.0 already installed on my system, so I did not install this component. I was unable to re-install the SM Pro as long as this program was there. The problem was that I couldn't uninstall S&R using the uninstall on my machine.
I have been in constant contact with tech support but they have only sent links to FAQ's that I have already read. I even got a link for a free upgrade to version 8 but it wouldn't install either. I finally found a means to do a "clean uninstall" via registry editing. This also did not remove the iolo services from my machine. I found a tool from Microsoft to disable these two services. I now had a "clean" machine. I installed SM 8 Pro with no problems - until I tried to run it. None of the applications would work - they needed the ioloSystemService running. I click on the "start service" link under the advanced button of the service tab of task manager, but neither service will start (the other is called "ioloFileInfoList").
I have been continually contacting Iolo tech support with my findings and was upgraded on June 25th to their "senior tech staff". Since then I have not heard from tech support, even though I have continued sending information, requested support, opened new cases, etc. - no word from them.
As part of my experimentation, I installed version 7 on my laptop (running XP) and don't seem to be experiencing any issues. However, my laptop is a backup machine that I rarely use, so it is not a good indicator of how well the program runs.
All in all, I cannot recommend this program. It has definite issues under Vista, it is almost impossible to remove all vestiges of the program once installed, and their tech support is abysmal. I gave Iolo notice that if I don't get any more than an automated response to my last support request, I will be demanding a full refund. The program had great reviews, but if it doesn't work, then it's worthless.

Version 8 Fixes all Vista issues [Posted on 2008-08-09]
Tried Norton 360, Avanquest System Suite 8, IOLO System Mechanic Pro 7 & 8. Norton has fewer features in its suites every year and forces you to spend more by buying them independently. Avanquest had issues with Vista as did IOLO 7. My experience with VISTA has been that only programs issued after October 2007 were truely "designed for VISTA" instead of "will work on VISTA". IOLO Pro 8 works great on my VISTA Premium. Issues version 7 had are gone. Has every tool you need to keep PC tuned to top shape. Those of you old enough to remember all the features Norton Utilities had back in the 1980's & 1990's will feel that we have finally been given back all the tools that Norton gradually, 1 by 1, took away from us over the years. My only minor concern is that I know it is certified by renowned "Westcoast Labs" for virus protection, but have never seen its antivirus tests compared to others like Norton, Kaspersky, McAfee, etc. I would have liked a comparison. I have never received a virus and frequent updates do automatically take place - unlike version 7. I currently have complete suite on 1 PC and on other PC I have everything except the antivirus and firewall installed. For that I'm using Norton 360. The 360 v2.0 is getting so many bad reviews I'm likely going to uninstall Norton and have a complete install of IOLO 8 on both PC's.

Works Great for XP [Posted on 2008-08-26]
The program has made my computer faster and I did not have any problems installing it on my XP desktop. If you have antivirus already installed you will have to remove the application or not load the antivirus that comes with this program. I would recommend for XP applications.

Set It and Forget It [Posted on 2008-08-30]
I've bounced around between different system suites that claimed to do it all. All I wanted was a program to do everything without me having to remember. System Mechanics (SM) 8 is it. You can let it do it's thing; or you can configure it to your liking. I have XP, and SM8 does a good job. Now I am not a power user, or computer savvy, as long as the computer doesn't crash or blow up, that's fine. Overall everything is running a bit faster. I read an article saying the antivirus and firewall weren't the best; but you can run your own stand alone programs. I will stay with SM8's firewall/antivirus. For people like me who want to "set it and forget it," it is perfect. Chow

System Mechanic 7 = Malware! [Posted on 2008-09-01]
This product was purchased on Aug 31st, 2008 to be installed on a brand new HP Pavilion TX2510US notebook purchased on Aug 21st, 2008. Like a fool I bought this product again from iolo technologies on another laptop and it destroyed the Operating System. Thinking they would have fixed the bugs on System Mechanic Pro I figured I'd give this company another chance. Big Big mistake! Upon reboot after install the software corrupted my Windows Vista boot sector, so bad that I am now unable to even do an F11 System Restore. Spent over an hour with HP live support chat to get this fixed (no resolve). Iolo Technologies falsely advertises in the package they have 24 hour support (lies, lies, lies!) Shame on Iolo for misleading the consumer into believing when their product destroys any computer system there will be a technician to assist. Called the number which is not toll free and went on their website. All you will get is a recording on the number after business hours, holidays and weekends!!!! On the website which is allegedly the 24 hour support, all you get is a link to create a trouble ticket and they will get back to you later!!!!

If you value using your system, DO NOT PURCHASE IOLO'S SYSTEM MECHANIC PRODUCT, it will destroy your Windows Vista Operating System!!! I now have a $1,099.99 doorstop thanks to Iolo Technologies. To even make matters worse, I needed this system for a business trip the day after Labor Day. A $40.00 purchase destroyed my HP Pavilion Notebook!!!!!!!

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