McAfee Reviews

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About McAfee

McAfee creates cybersecurity and antivirus software for both personal and enterprise systems. Founded in 1987, the company offers protection solutions, including antivirus, identity theft protection and secure browsing tools.

Pros
  • User-friendly and easy to navigate
  • Effective virus protection and security
  • Affordable pricing for good value
Cons
  • Frustrating customer service experience
  • Issues with auto-renewal charges
  • Technical support can be unhelpful

McAfee Reviews

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    Page 8 Reviews 1040 - 1240

    Reviewed Oct. 28, 2008

    I have McAfee Virus Scan and for the last 4 days, it comes up with, that my computer is not protected. Sometimes just part is not protected. I click FIX and it fixes it. I did a full scan last week and they didn't find any problems. Yet, the next 3 days, it says my computer is not protected. Why didn't they find any problems when I did a scan? I tried the Virtual Technician and they couldn't find any problem. I wanted to email them, but there was no place to click on for an email!! I am tired of clicking FIX everytime, I start my computer. Does anyone have any answers for this problem???
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    Reviewed Oct. 24, 2008

    Purchased a renewal to our McAfee online.
    Submitted ALL rebate info. including the previous purchase info that was also purchased online. Received the standard email that the rebate request could not be honored because Proof of previous ownership is required to receive the rebate. I DID submit all form and made copies prior to mailing. EVERY year they pull this scam. Unforunatly for me, I usually don't follow up. This year, I emailed them at the link provided in their email http://mcafee.rebatestatus.com/link.aspx?P110262011-85888018 and then at their customer service area on the page.
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    Reviewed Sept. 25, 2008

    Everyone should realize they are having trouble with a contractor who handles the rebates for McAfee. I suspect the rebate contractor gets to keep any money that they don't send out as a rebate. In my case, voice mails and e-mails went unanswered until I finally got a person on the phone and then the Rebate was Closed. The best revenge against this company is to make sure that they never get out of sending a rebate again. Make a copy of everything! Including and especially the UPC. They know that the UPC is the only thing that exists as only 1 original and if they say that your submission was missing the UPC, many will just give up.

    When dealing with a rebate from McAfee you can register your rebate at the McAfee web site. You then have to send in the paperwork, but I have never had ANY problem since I started doing it that way. You will recieve a confirmation number and a link to the McAfee rebate website where you can track the status of your rebate. I set a reminder in Outlook to check the status EVERY WEEK. Of course the [reps] in El Paso will still hold on to your money the maximum time, but once they're on notice from McAfee that your rebate is registered they don't try their other monkey business.

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    Reviewed Sept. 19, 2008

    I told her that when I accessed the McAfee icon on my All Programs it showed it was not installed. When I checked the website it indicated I did not have a subscription. She said to log off, which I did, then to log on again, which I did and it no longer showed I was not a subscriber. She explained things were now fine. Which seemed odd to me. Next day I checked my icon again and none was installed. I was able to contact the tech available through instant messaging - or what ever. This time I gave her the details of my confirmation receipt from October 2007.

    Since I have never had to install anything when renewing the subscription I have been without protection for nearly a year. So she said I was correct, and installed it and I now have it for one month, when my subscription is up for renewal again. I believe they owe me 11 months service. Further, I have a constant warning showing that I am not protected. I tell it to scan (150,000 or whatever files) - it does, it fixes everything. But it still tells me I am not protected. I never used to have to run it myself, it ran automatically at 3 AM or so. What should I do now?

    11 months of paid service for no service. And the program still tells me I am not protected.

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    Reviewed Sept. 11, 2008

    McAfee has a pop up which blocks my screen and makes it impossible for me to use my computer. There is no way to reach them to ask them to stop.

    It delays my ability to use my home computer.

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    Reviewed Sept. 8, 2008

    I used McAfee for several years, until I stripped my old PC and got rid of it. I did not contact McAfee, thinking I would simply not renew online like I've done each year in the past. Then the renewal fee showed up on my credit card statement. I tried their online customer support, which will not work with my new Mac computer. I e-mailed, received and acknowledgement, but no follow up.

    When I called, I was told I couldn't get a refund for two reasons. 1) I had agreed to the auto renewal, which I certainly don't remember and truly doubt I would have done, and 2) they have a 60 day time limit for refunds. Unfortunately it was a credit card I no longer use, and because I had recently moved, the statement took too long to reach me. The charge was dated 7/9 and I called 9/8. The person on the phone in India simply kept repeating their script, and didn't seem to care that I was paying for a service I had not used.

    A mere $40, and a horrible customer service experience that will keep me from ever using their products again.

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    Reviewed Sept. 6, 2008


    Purchased McAfee Total Protection in the box, at Fry's. Cannot register it: no matter what complex variety of password I try to use, site says Invalid; but there is no description of their valid password requirements. Tried the Customer Service site www.mcafeehelp.com: no matter what next button I click, it just sits there forever. Cannot get thru on 'phone. Product is useless without registration & support; all their advertisements about real people, real help, 24/7 is a lie. Meanwhile they've got my $70.

    1. Product does not do what it promises: fails to detect spam & viruses caught by built-in Vista protection, endangering my computer.

    2. Advertising about support and communications is clearly untrue.

    3. My computer runs 50% slower with their product installed, and my $70 is essentially wasted. Meanwhile, they inveigle other unknowing customers to buy the same junk.

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    Reviewed Sept. 3, 2008

    On 3/8/08 I purchased online McAfee Total Protection and on 2/9/08 I have not been able to access McAfee web pages, I was told by there tech support from India not in Australia to remove program then to download again this I have not been able to do ,

    I spoke to them around 5 times on Tuesday and ther were to ring me back in 2or 3 hours that was around 12noon it is Wednesday 1 pm and I still have not been contacted of have been able to access there webpage to download the program again

    I could loose my computor and files

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    Reviewed Sept. 1, 2008

    Dell installed a free 30 day subscription of McAfee software on my new laptop, despite my requesting they do not because I have McAfee free through comcast. I received a fradulant e-mail from Dell/McAfee claiming that I had agreed to a subscription and requesting payment. Everyone gets this, they know the consumer did not request the subscription even though the e-mail clearly says this-- many consumers may be confused and believe they actually requested the subscription as part of the computer purchase.

    Now, I am harrassed daily by constant pop ups saying my subscription has expired and offering me only the options of renewing or being reminded later-- no way to reply no and stop the pop ups. On calling both Dell and McAfee service centers, McAfee told me I have to uninstall and reinstall the software, not only taking-- stealing-- hours of my time but also losing all my previous preferences and allow lists. There are several layers of ciber fraud here, from the bogus e-mail claiming an agreement to purchase to harrassing consumers with pop ups that offer no option to decline or cause the pop ups to desist.

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    Reviewed Aug. 21, 2008

    now the toll free number is not working for our area

    there is no support so that many system has corrupted due to virus issue

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    Reviewed Aug. 19, 2008

    I applied for macafee security centre last september, but it never actually loaded on my computer, i made a complaint about it but they didn't do anything about it. So I just assumed that it was getting sorted, I then get an email today telling me that I have been charged for a renewal pack. So I urgently got in contact with them, telling them I would like my money back asap. They refunded me the renewal price, but not the money they owed me from last year.

    I asked to speak to a manager, but surprise surprise they were in a meeting. I asked if I could speak to anyone and all they could say is that the complaints department were the only ones that would be able to sort it out, and telling me that they do not have an email address. I am totally unhappy that this is the way they work and they don't actually bother to help you much. Still waiting to hear back

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    Reviewed Aug. 16, 2008

    I have purchased a renewal for my McAfee for 46 pounds. My McAfee security center is still giving expired indication and i am trying to go through the renewal steps indicated and it is still not working. Please help.

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    Reviewed Aug. 13, 2008

    Purchased mcafee because I was sold that it was the best as opposed to norton. Mind you Norton is more expensive than the 45 dollars but it has support help. Mcafee you cannot even find anything to get help. There phone numbers on the box are basically bogus and you can't return it to the store once opened. Presently I have a xpantivirus on my computer that I CANNOT GET RID OF. This is ridiculous and completely not professional. I will NEVER BUY THIS PRODUCT AGAIN. AND WARN OTHERS TO NEVER DO SO AS WELL!!!!!!

    Now I have to buy other more expensive things the try to rectify the situation. But knowing this day and age my computer will probably blow up and I will have to purchase a new one a more than thousand dollars and then spend another 100 dollars to be protected. Its all nonsense.

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    Reviewed July 25, 2008

    I am posting this as a follow-up to my previous complaint. After a few e-mail correspondences, I DID receive my rebate check from McAfee after all, and I just got off the phone with my bank to verify that the funds had cleared into my account. It wasn't easy to get the rebate. For that reason, I would be hesitant to purchase from this company again. But the product, Internet Security Suite 2008, is very good and after the rebate, it wound up costing me nothing. So minus the aggravation, it was a good deal after all.

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    Reviewed July 24, 2008

    When I purchased my dell laptop in 2006, it came with 90 day free McAfee software. At end of trial, purchased on line with credit card. Nine months later laptop became infected with viruses, McAfee keep stated computer virus free. I downloaded another virus program and found 13 virus missed by McAfee.

    I stopped using McAfee and removed it from laptop. McAfee without my permission renewed my subscription when it expired,using the credit card I used to first purchased this software two years earlier. In order to cancel I was required to contact their customer service. They keep trying to stop me from canceling, I finally I prevailed. They never explained how they could use my credit card without premission.

    I now feel my credit card info is at risk. What stops them from using my credit card in future. Why are they allowed to keep card info on file forever.Why must I cancel a service I did not authorize.

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    Reviewed July 23, 2008

    Who knows where this company is located. Their websites are intolerable. You cannot access a phone number or a website to talk to customer support. This is the worst company that I have ever done business with. If someone wants to start a class action suit, please count me in. In fact, I might look for a lawyer myself. Wow, was I duped! However, after a Google search brought me to this websites for complaints and I had to read through all the complaints to find a phone number to call McAfee. Imagine, having to look through customer complaints to find a phone number to call. The phone number was included in the customer complaint. However, once I did get a rep from the Phillipines, he cancelled my subscription and said that a refund would be credited to my mastercharge.

    Again, the absolutely the most inaccessible, non-informing, difficult (I can't say enough)ridiculous website I have encountered. Look, I finally got to talk to someone that took care of the refund, but it took me over two hours and a lot of searching on the internet. I could not even read the website as it came up on my computer with huge, huge letters. This is crazy that these people are still in business. Who knows what damage has been done to my computer. I am not that computer savvy.

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    Reviewed July 2, 2008

    I recently purchased McAfee Security Suite. Having been burned in the past by incompetent or unethical rebate operations I carefully ensured that everything was enclosed and triple checked. Everything was stapled to the 2007 carton which served as the proof of purchase of a previous product. My first e-mail from them indicated that even the claim form was missing. How could they have my e-mail address if my claim form was missing? I intend to file claim in small claims court as well as insist on a refund from the retailer.

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    Reviewed July 1, 2008

    I signed up for McAfee protection and they took my money but the little pop up still pops up saying that I have no protection and that I need to sign up. Am I protected now or am I to wait for something to come in the mail? It's been a week.

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    Reviewed June 21, 2008

    I renewed Mcafee on 6/3/09 and two days later, I received done, but w/errors on page; cannot access my bank, AMEX account, Travelocity, etc except browsing newspapers, etc-after reading the poor business interaction from previous complaints, I will ask my bank to reverse the charge on my Mcafee renewal; but when I go to uninstall from my Dell desktop w/Vista, I cannot. Since Dell installed this(14 months old) and I'm past the free service, I think Dell should solve this problem.

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    Reviewed June 14, 2008

    I sent in my rebate application a few weeks ago and just received an e-mail from the Rebate Eligability Center informing me of its progress. Apparently, they are invalidating my request because they said I did not provide the original proof of puchase. I know I sent them the original proof of purchase, I checked the contents of the envelope three times before sealing it. I have processed many rebates with many other companies in the past and this has never happened to me until now.

    Specifically, the rebate is for $30 on McAfee Internet Security Suite 3-user Upgrade/Competitive at participating Retailers. I have e-mailed their Rebate Center and informed them that I have already sent them the original proof of purchase, and also made it clear to them that the receipt for this purchase exists on the NewEgg website as we now speak. Needless to say, I am very upset by this company's tactics, and hope you are able to get them to honor their rebate agreement.

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    Reviewed June 10, 2008

    I purchased McAfee Security Suite in Sept for one year and was told in April it had expired. Eventually they agreed that it was not expired but I would have to uninstall what I had and reinstall it. This took many hours with their chat service and eventually a visit to Best Buy.
    In May I got the same message on my lap top, was told to uninstall and have worked with 6 separate individuals, Yoga, Rak, Liju, Athully Raj etc. When they put me through the same process each time, get to the download manager, and get an error code 12002, they disappear.

    I am done with McAfee!!

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    Reviewed May 26, 2008

    I purchased a downloaded copy of McAfee Antivirus scan. It caused me many problems in recent months. It created popups and I got a few viruses that I should not have. Their tech supports charge a lot of money for support and are not helpful. One was even rude to me. I canceled my account because the program was causing my computer problems that it was supposed to protect me from.

    I assume that if you cancel a subscription that you are entitled to even a partial refund. McAfee refused and did not even apologize about it. It was not worth $43. I lost $43 and as a result had to have my computer fixed by a friend and he had to remove viruses that McAfee should have. McAfee refused to even give me a partial refund because I canceled early. I paid from September 23, 2007 to May 23, 2008, but I canceled in early May of this year.

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    Reviewed May 4, 2008

    i bought a mcafee program online to download and i couldn't download the download manager so I couldn't download the program. i need a refund and they have not helped me. can u please get them to give me my refund.

    i paid $99.98 for something that i can't use.

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    Reviewed May 1, 2008

    Paid $79.99 for Mcafee total protection for my computer--it had a $35 rebate---sent them everything they asked for--Got an e-mail back invalid[missing proof of previous owner] Bought it at Staples---no manual in box--which they are saying is proof of previous owner..They took my money and I got nothing for it..I will never buy another mcafee product.

    I'm out 35 dollars......

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    Reviewed April 24, 2008

    I bought a 1 year subscription of 3-user McAfee total protection on 1-3-08 that offered a $20 rebate and mailed it in as they required. On 4-24-08 I tried to track it down on the internet and by calling and they have no record of my purchase (they charged my credit card). Needless to say I never received my rebate.

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    Reviewed April 6, 2008

    Every support person I dealt with could not answer even the simplies of questions. I was (as usual) given bad information that included down right lying. End result was creating even more problems.

    4 hours of wasted time dealing with the lying idiots that make up McAfee's support system. Problem not only not resolved, but made worse.

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    Reviewed April 4, 2008

    On Feb 24th, 2008 I purchased McAfee VirusScan Plus (3 user license). It was a $45 purchase with a $45 rebate. I sent in the Rebate Receipt, The Rebate form, and the original UPC code that I cut out from the bottom of the box. On March 29th, I received a card in the mail, letting me know that they could not honor my request, due to a missing UPC, and to re-submit the card they had sent me with the missing UPC, by 04/16/2008.

    They have the original UPC, so how can I send another one? I have a box with a missing UPC, so I can't take it back, and I can't get the rebate. I call the number on the card, and they just tell me in a series of recordings, that I need to submit a UPC, which I already submitted. What can I do at this point?

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    Reviewed April 2, 2008

    Renewed McAfee VirusScan Plus Firewall and AntiSpyware on February 22, 2008, and computer is still not protected. Unable to contact McAfee by e-mail or phone. After sales service is nonexisitant.

    Will have to uninstall/remove remains of old software and purchase new from a different vendor. Out $29.99.

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    Reviewed March 15, 2008

    Once McAfee Securities was installed we were unable to access the internet and the computer would freeze. Also, the home phones shut off intermittently. We have been trying to contact the McAfee Securities through 800-937-2237 and they will not speak to home users. I have tried to uninstall the software without success.

    We purchased the software for approximately $80.00 for a product that does not work and has only caused us major problems. Without use of our telephones, we are unable to call out or receive calls, which causes major problems in case of an emergency.

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    Reviewed March 4, 2008

    I was charged without my authority for renewal of Anti-virus software. Like other victims, Mcafee used my old account info to charge my credit card with $39.90 for renewal . My credit card expiration date is not even up to date; I wonder how they can go through the transaction. I have been trying to contact or email them but with no success. I think it's a rip off.

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    Reviewed March 2, 2008

    I can't get any satisfaction from McAfee's. Unfortunately I am out $69.99, for something I don't have, nor do I want; but hopefully my experience will benefit others. Thank you for listening.

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    Reviewed Feb. 29, 2008

    I was sent a service notice from McAfee today. I thought this was odd because I had quit McAfee back in May of 2007. Out of curiosity I went to the website and signed in thinking I am not going to get anywhere because I don't have it anymore, and I did not to my knowledge approve any charges. Well, guess what? I was charged a renewal back December 2007--and not for one computer but 3. After several failed attempts of trying to contact them, I finally got through and was told that when I signed up I had agreed to the automatic renewal. But I had quit McAfee back in May of 2007. The kicker of that is my old computer bit the dust, and I have a new computer and no records. Ok, so I still have virus protection for which the software is not on my computer let alone 2 others.

    But you know what really got me upset is that I am getting charged for 3 computers, and they say it is for one subscription. Is it one subscription or 3? And if that wasn't enough, they don't give you a break in price for renewal because you are protecting 3 computers; and McAfee does not give single subscriptions any more. Since they are protecting 3 computers the charges are justified to them. But I don't have 3 computers; I only have the 1. Now, since it seems I have virus protection through McAfee because my 60 days are past for a refund, are their charges worth it for 1 computer? I don't think so. Maybe I'm wrong. But why should I pay for 3 computers when I only have 1? Are there others that have this same complaint?

    I just don't think that a company should be able to rip people off with the gimmick that you are getting more for the money, when in reality the only one getting more is the company. I am not getting more for the money; I am being charged for something I don't have. I don't have 3 computers; I have only 1.

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    Reviewed Feb. 27, 2008

    I purchased Mcafee Virus Scan Plus and tax software 1/14/2008 as required for $20.00 rebate. I mailed in the required original upc code tabs for both softwares and original receipt. I received a postcard that told me that the UPC is invalid. I sent them everything they requested. (I made copies before I mailed in). When I go to the website to check status it tells me that my rebate is valid and is scheduled for final processing. After reading some of the complaints on this website I see I am not alone. How do they get away with this?

    This has taken up more than $20.00 of my time easily.

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    Reviewed Feb. 27, 2008

    I purchased via the internet on Oct.24, 2007, a 1-year subscription of the McAfee Internet Security Suite which included a $30.00 Mail-in Rebate. In tracking my rebate status via the internet and automated phone service I was informed of the following: Promotion: $30 Mail in rebate on Internet Security Suite at McAfee.com Submission Type: Mail-In Date received: 11-04-2007 Check issue date: 11-26-2007 (via phone the date was 11-21-2007) Check Number: 20338 Status detail: Your rebate is valid. Please allow up to 30 days to receive your rebate.

    As of today Feb 27, 2008, I have not received the check. I first tried the different phone numbers as given by McAfee - but most of them were automated services which naturally reconfirmed only what is mentioned above. I also tried general McAfee customer service numbers and got twice a real person on the phone. The first one told me very politely that because my rebate was handled by El Paso, Texas which is not her jurisdiction she could not reply and she could not tell me which phone number I should call to find out where my check is. The second one must have been an offshore service in India or Pakistan. Here the operator told me over and over again that I should call my bank and ask them if they have cashed in a McAfee check number 20338. Even after telling him that his remark is ridiculous, that McAfee naturally does not know my bank and that there are thousands of banks in the US and that the check has to be sent to me - he insisted on his recommendation.

    I finally asked for his supervisor who did not comment on his colleges remarks but told me to call a different phone number. Asking if I would reach a real person under this number he confirmed this. Naturally the number was an other automated phone service. I also have multiple e-mails to the McAfee customer service. But even in telling them about my phone experience and that I would like to talk to a real person they reply very politely that this is not their jurisdiction and that I should contact the rebate department given to me on the website and the automated phone numbers over and over again. This is the third year that McAfee is screwing me out of my rebate. In the past I gave up after a while based on the small amount of money involved. Naturally I will not purchase a McAfee product again but I want to get the rebate which they confirm is valid.

    I am not getting the $ 30.00 they owe me.

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    Reviewed Feb. 17, 2008

    I also recieved a big run around trying to get my small $20 rebate. I'm thinking their next request will be a sample of my blood to assure I am the person I say I am. But by then the rebate offer will be closed. I will never buy another McAfee product!

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    Reviewed Feb. 13, 2008

    McAfee Security came preloaded onto our Dell computer 3 years ago. We were to get 18 months free. At the end of the 18 months, we were not given the option of declining the subscription renewal. Upon renewing, it started popping up messages that McAfee had expired, even though it was running daily updates and weekly scans and proclaiming that our computer was fully protected. We were told to uninstall it, but couldn't. Updating with their site did nothing either. After contacting Customer Service 3 times, they finally fixed the expired problem. Some of the new McAfee updates messed up Windows Media Player and we could not use it.

    In November, McAfee automatically renewed our subscription and we had no opportunity to decline the renewal. Last week our computer hard drive failed and had to be replaced. We do not have McAfee now and frankly don't want to fool with the constant pop-ups for updates, etc. I contacted them and they said that since it was past their 60 day refund period, their policy prevents them from pro-rating or giving refunds after that 60 day period. So we have paid for McAfee through November, 08, yet it's not on our computer.

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    Reviewed Feb. 12, 2008

    Purchased McAfee Total Protection online. Followed download instructions. Cannot get product to download. No customer service or tech support to help me. I have been working on this for 2 weeks and am still unsuccessful. I cannot get my monies back.

    I am out $125.00. My Toshiba installed McAfee computer security has expired, and even though I have paid for and am ready and willing to download the software to continue to protect my computer, I can't. I am going to report this to my State's Attorney General and the PA Consumer Protection, and of course Toshiba who first installed this ripoff junk.

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    Reviewed Feb. 7, 2008

    Last August I purchased a new computer. Included in the features was a 90-day free Internet security system. After that time, a yearly sign up cost was required. I did not want this service. However - it has become impossible to get rid of their extremely annoying and continuous ads and pop ups telling me that I need this function. I had visited the controls section of my computer and repeatedly clicked onto "do not show" icon and "do not continue to warn me" (or words to that effect). Nonetheless, at least once a day an obnoxious hammer- banging pop up comes onto my screen. There appears to be no way that I can contact McAfee. I want it OFF my computer. How do I get this message across? I have become an involuntary captive to their disgusting insistence that I pay for this feature.

    Invasion of my privacy; unsolicited and startling sound when the pop up comes on the screen. Sounds like an anvil hammer hitting something.

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    Reviewed Jan. 27, 2008

    My subscription was renewed in Dec 07 before it was due and without my authority. I had much difficulty in contacting the company to complain, but did so in the end. My bank has informed me that the charge has been debited to my account. On 14 Jan 08, I was informed by the company that my $59.99 charge would be returned to me. However, so far this has not happened and I am having great difficulty in contacting McAfee to chase them up. I will shortly place the matter in the hands of my solicitor.

    This is an unacceptable breach of my rights to choose which computer security service I wish to purchase.

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    Reviewed Jan. 27, 2008

    I submitted a $60.00 rebate request for McAfee Internet Security Suite on October 15, 2007. After numerous emails back and forth with their rebate center, a call to their rebate center and resubmitting the paper twice, I have not even received an acknowledgment that my rebate has even been received much less processed for payment. Warning: I would think twice before buying from McAfee and expect to receive a rebate.

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    Reviewed Jan. 13, 2008

    I renewed my McAfee this year, upgraded and started having problems immediately. I dislike the continual updates. I called to complain about that but was given no help from contacting the various numbers as suggested by previous individuals. Around the first of December 2007, my computer completely froze up during a McAfee update. I had to superboot it. What happened was that I lost several key features I enjoyed with my computer. I could no longer access things like system restore, I could not watch U Tube as my media player was disabled, etc. I got so frustrated, I emailed every single email address provided on the McAfee web site. I finally got someone to call me from customer service. He gave me a pin number to call technical which is outsourced in India. They were of no help. They said it appears that my current McAfee is not working (duh) and he was going to send me a link so I could remove the McAfee but when I asked about a refund he said that can't be done and hung up on me.

    I called the customer service agent who had been helpful and he sent me the link to remove my Mcafee and also took my information to refund me the purchase of this product. After I uninstalled the McAfee, all of the features I had previously lost came back. The point is that their current product is perhaps worse than any virus it proposed to eliminate. Some features of their support team are useless especially the technical help which is outsourced in India and is rude and was of totally no help. My suggestion would be people need to avoid McAfee. There are some inherent problems in their virus tool and you can end up with your computer corrupted.

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    Reviewed Jan. 10, 2008

    There are two issues here: 1) unsatisfactory McAfee solution, and 2) unsatisfactory McAfee support. The new suite significantly slows down my computer. I rolled back the registry to Tuesday to try to get back to the old McAfee, also from Comcast, and now I get an error message that reads some components of ActiveShield are either missing or might not have been installed properly.

    I want to reinstall the old version or get the missing files but they are telling me that it can't be done. This is not an acceptable solution. If I run the new install my computer slows down to an unacceptable level, and the old doesn't work since I installed the new.

    They gave me a customer service number to call, but it only directs you to a paid customer service number.

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    Reviewed Jan. 9, 2008

    McAfee technical support gives no support. Hours on hold for phone calls and repetitive useless information for solution to reinstall their software. This wasted hours of my time for a product that cost more than the average anti virus software.

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    Reviewed Jan. 9, 2008

    Bought software offering a $70 dollar rebate. I followed everything to the letter. They claim to have never received the original mail-out. Long story short - McAfee is making sales through deception.

    Lost $70 from McAfee; GAINED a much better product from TREND MICRO.

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    Reviewed Dec. 19, 2007

    Ever since downloading the free McAfee anti virus program, I am unable to download any videos and the audio is faint with a large hum. All attempts to remove the program have failed. It simply will not remove from the command at the control panel. Where do I go for support on this? Thank you.

    I feel total frustration over this.

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    Reviewed Dec. 9, 2007

    I noticed a $39.99 charge from McAfee on my Delta Skymiles American Express. I rarely use that credit card for anything anymore, which suggests that McAfee uses some old account information it had on file for me to charge me, without me taking any affirmative action at all to sign up. After calling McAfee customer service and being disconnected without being able to speak to anyone, I contacted online customer chat service (I have a copy of the online conversation), and informed the representative that I did not sign up for a paid subscription with McAfee because I had been receiving it free for a long time through AOL. After asking several times with no response, I was finally told when I supposedly signed up for McAfee, which was around the same date I had purchased a new laptop a few months ago. I informed the representative that I never signed up for a McAfee subscription at that time, that maybe their software did it automatically when I received my new computer, that it would be improper if that was the case, and that I want it cancelled with a refund. I was told that I would have to call AOL for a refund, even though I repeatedly insisted that AOL did not charge me - - McAfee did.

    In general, the representative was slow, unhelpful, and unresponsive. I cannot help but feel that the representative wanted me to waste more time to jump through more hoops with AOL when this was clearly a McAfee issue and when AOL would clearly not be able to help me, hoping that I would give up and let the charge stand. After the conversation with the McAfee representative, I called American Express and told them to remove the charge from McAfee, and I explained why. Later that same day, I received what appeared to be a computer-generated email from McAfee entitled McAfee Subscription Renewal Confirmation, stating that my subscription had been successfully renewed using the payment information on file, and giving me the option to cancel with a full refund within 60 days of the email. Yet, I had just chatted with the McAfee representative hours earlier and was told that McAfee could not issue me a refund. I cannot help but suspect that I would never have received such an email had I not taken affirmative action on my own to dispute the charge. The charge occurred on a weekday but I did not receive the email until Saturday evening - - on a weekend, and after I complained.

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    Reviewed Dec. 7, 2007

    McAfee charged our bank account for renewal. It had an outdated card, did a search through our personal information searching for a valid card, and charged it to another card they had no authorization to even look at. When we called, we were told that they went through all our credit information and picked a card they could and did charge. We were told (from the Philippines) that they are an international company with international laws. So what does that mean???

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    Reviewed Dec. 3, 2007

    I submitted a $45.00 Rebate on May 14, 2007. I received an email trracking# for rebate on 5/18/07. I received Mcafee check #23271256 for $45 dated June 11, 2007 which bounced (stopped payment). I incurred a $10.00 bank charge for bounced check and am unable to resolve it since after faxing the check and multiple conversations and e-mails.

    The $10.00 bank charge for stopped payment caused another check to return with insufficient funds. I lost $20.00, plus total aggravation and no responses from their customer support.

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    Reviewed Nov. 28, 2007

    I renewed a 2 year subscription and was promised a rebate of $20 dollars. I haven't received a confirmation of my purchase, I haven't received the download, and I'm out $112.00 so far. And they keep transferring you either on the web on on the phone.

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    Reviewed Nov. 9, 2007


    I purchased Virusscan Plus for an existing PC to update virus protection. Paid $40. It failed to download properly because the previous McAfee needed to be deleted first. I attempted to delete version automatically via the prompt,as well as manually to no avail. I then used the on-line services to resolve and tried all options available. Nothing worked. The only other option was a pay phone call. To protect the PC, I called and was walked throught the exact same steps as the on-line service at a fee of $60!

    Finally, the tech told me that the issue needed to be raised to the next technical level. They would call within 48 hours. 5 days later, nobody calls. I start sending e-mails to McAfee and 3 different times they communciate back that someone will be back to me in 7-10 days!!!! This has been going on for over a month!!!! They provide no phone number and don't respond. I finally spent another $60 on Norton, downloaded and it it works great.

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    Reviewed Nov. 8, 2007


    i tried to update my mcfee virus software online, i opted to pay via paypal. mcfee billed me but never updated my software, when i tried to contact someone about the problem, their web site just bounces you around and never lets you address that particular issue. so unless your problem is in there data base, you are just SOL.

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    Reviewed Oct. 3, 2007


    I wish I had read the complaints about the rebates before buying the McAfee security suite on-line. I too am a victim of the phantom rebate. To add insult to injury, I recently started getting various error messages from the mcafee software, two of which indicated I needed to reinstall software. I went to the mcafee site for assistance, logged in, and low and behold, they have no record of me using any of their products.....then why the hell have I been getting pop-ups from McAfee every few months requiring me to verify my subscription?

    All of the records on my end show expiration in 2008, and they validate my subscription when I click on the link in the pop ups, But when I they attempt to verify my subscription for service issues, they conveniently can't verify that you are a customer. I am guessing they have the same problem when they are working feverishly to issue rebate checks? I wonder how much in unpaid rebate $ is sitting out there, how many people have paid twice for the software prior to subscriptions expiring, and how many people were charged for technical assistance for problems created by McAfee software?

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    Reviewed Aug. 23, 2007

    A 3rd (and the first) Online Customer Support Person told me to delete the free trial version of McAfee virus programs which came with my new Gateway Computer, to get rid of a constantly active pop up box demanding I renew it. I deleted it and went to re-download my prepaid 2 year subscription ($79.98 plus $2.65 tax, paid March 10, 2006 for service from April 2nd to April 2nd, 2008) from the McAfee site, as told. It would not download. Then the whole record of my purchase disappeared from my account.

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    Reviewed April 3, 2007

    I bought my computer over a year ago and it came with McAfee already loaded. I would never opt to an automatic renewal (when things just get cheaper one year later), however they somehow managed to get my signed on and recently debited my checking account to my surprise. I called today to dispute the charge that was made on my debit card for a subscription that I didn't re-order. The sales person said she was going to credit my account and send me an email about the refund. I haven't seen anything yet.

    An unwanted charge to my debit card for $39.

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    Reviewed March 29, 2007

    I purchased McAfee Security Suite 3-user in April 2006 because it came with two rebates - one for $40 and another for $70 which made the product attractive. I promptly mailed the required information for both rebates and received a check for $40 in June. It is nearly one year since my purchase and I have yet to receive the $70 check.

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    Reviewed March 21, 2007

    I purchased the virus scan and after 3 months, I am having to download this software every day. I know it has nothing to do with my computer after talking to several other people. Mcafee wants me to buy an upgrade and my software is supposed to be good for 12 months.

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    Reviewed March 7, 2007

    I purchased McAfee Internet Security Suite September 21, 2006. I had the program in my computer aproximately two months. I removed the McAfee after constant problems with it. It took over so many parts of my computer programs it would not allow me to have the program Ad-aware. I went into add/remove and chose to remove some of the options in McAfee it did not except this. It stopped emails.

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    Reviewed March 6, 2007

    McAfee provides computer virus protection. If you give them your credit card number and agree to automatic renewal, it is virtually impossible to notify them if you don't want renewal. I've been charged by Visa for a service I haven't used in more than a year, because I switched to Norton after removing McAfee from my computer two years ago, but am still being billed by McAfee. I have read many similar complaints by others through the internet about McAfee's unscrupulous business practices.

    I have an unpaid bill for $69 that Visa claims I owe them, even though I've furnished them with Norton receipts.

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    Reviewed March 6, 2007

    I bought your virus protection plan from you about this time last year. I paid for 3 years. Now after only 1 year you say I need to renew. What is the deal??? Last year I tried to cancel this plan because I found I was covered by Comcast.I E mailed your people back and forth for a month and you finally told me after a month that my month to be able to cancel was up. I really think that was a ripoff.

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    Reviewed Dec. 28, 2006

    Two years in a row, McAfee has refused to issue the rebate promised in their ad for updating their software. I went to the "check rebate status" website and was told the rebate was coming, but weeks after it should have arrived, when I phoned customer service, I was told I had been found ineligible.

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    Reviewed Nov. 13, 2006

    I bought Mcafee Software which was having two rebates of $40 and $20. Both were asking for original UPC. I called Customer Service and they advised me to send both the things in same envelope. I recieved rebate for $20 but never recieved rebate for $40. I tried calling them so many times, but used to wait for 15-20 minutes and finally hang up. I even sent email through their website and no response at all. I sent at least 5-6 emails. Finally all this hush, i got hold of customer service just to know that rebate is closed and there is nothing that can be done. This was totally loot. Customer service guy as well as supervisor said there is nothing they can do and i just need to forget this money. I would never ever in my life buy any Mcafee Product as well as any product which has rebate from RebateHQ.

    Lost $40 for no reason.

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    Reviewed Nov. 10, 2006

    My company purchased a Dell computer in May of 2006 that came with pre purchased McAffee software bundle of Anti Spyware,Personal Firewall,Privacy Service, Spam Killer and Anti Spyware. My Anti Spyware wrongfully expired in 9/2006,and despite over 20 attemtps to recify the problem by working with technical support, and customer service, they expect me to pay for the software I already bought in order to make it work correctly, The problem is with an expired DAT file in the software that allows it to recieve updates. This is why the Anti Spyware product has stopped working.

    Instead of addressing this problem, and giving me the programs tools or instructions to fix this program that has already been paid for since it is bundled with McAffee andti virus, they have chosen to be lazy and repeat the same usless reccomendations and suggest that I purchase the product again. This is robbery! I want my product that has already been paid for to function the way it should.

    My company computer is now at risk to spyware and other threats because McAffee has declined to provide me with the program tools that my company has paid for the right to utilize to protect our machine. I have wasted at least 10 hours of company time in the last 3 months trying to work with their staff to rectify the situation. i am constantly interrupted in my daily tasks by the program malfunctioning. It has cost me work hours and has the potential to cost my employer more by allowng my computer to be at risk despite having paid for the product to protect it.

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    Reviewed Oct. 30, 2006

    Upgraded to Security Suite 7.0 now I can't send email using Outlook 2003. The only message I get says that SpamKiller blocked the email and I should resend the email. I tried disabling WormKiller, blocking outgoing mail, etc. I beginning to think it easier to deal with the Spam and viruses then it is to configure McAfee.

    It looks like all of the support options I can try involve waiting on the phone and paying for support. Last time for McAfee. When this expires or I get another PC I think I'll go for a different product.

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    Reviewed Oct. 24, 2006

    I downloaded McAfee Internet Suite in February 2005. In October 2005, I had to uninstall the program and repurchase it because of all of the problems. It would shut off, freeze my computer and eventually stopped allowing me access to the internet. I got a message saying I was blocked and needed to contact my administrator. It is a personal computer, so there is none!

    About three months ago, after installing the "urgent updates" I was not allowed access to the internet again so I uninstalled McAffee and installed Norton. This morning I woke up to an e-mail saying that my Mcafee subscription has been renewed for $74.19!

    I have requested a refund via e-mail and will try via phone tomorrow. I am working two jobs to put food on the table, and I cannot afford surprise charges for $74.19.

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    Reviewed Oct. 17, 2006

    I bought the McAfee Wireless Home Network Security Suite 3 User License from Buy.com and twice submitted all required documentation under the terms of a $60 rebate offer but have not yet received my rebate.

    On 4/25/06 first submitted all required documentation by mail. 7/25/06 resubmitted all required documentation by mail. 10/04/06 received email from rebates@parago.com informing me that "Unfortunately, we are unable to honor your rebate request because this particular rebate promotion is closed." !

    I'm out $60.

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    Reviewed Oct. 14, 2006

    I have been using McAfee Anti Virus and Firewall for years. I got an email that it would be time to renew it, but I looked at my paid account and saw it was two or more months before payment was due. I thought, oh, well, I'll get it renewed so that I don't forget and it runs out. Bad decision!

    I then got an email that McAfee had made things a lot easier and more user friendly and that I should update my products. I updated...another bad decision. I have had nothing but problems ever since. I can't do a scan or when it does its scan, I can't see if what is happening or see just what files it is scanning.

    I went to their live chat and for many days worked with so many techs that I was getting ill. I did what each one said to do and still I keep getting messages that the McAfee version I am using is for a different version of Microsoft Windows.

    I have had a lot of deep concerns as to just how safe my computer is now. I am very disappointed in the whole concept McAfee projects, and top of my list of concerns is the way in which customers are treated during phone calls made to them regarding tech support.

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    Reviewed Sept. 29, 2006

    I purchased McAfee Internet Security Suite 2006 on 4/23/06. There were two rebates on the product. One for $30.00, and one for $40.00. Basically making the product free! I submitted each rebate with all the required information enclosed. I waited the 6 weeks or so, and followed up with a phone call. I was told they never recieved them. I was advised by this customer service peoron to re-submit my rebate form with all copies included to another address:McAfee Rebates PO BOX 028516 Miami, Florida 33102. I did this on July 11, 2006. I again waited the 6 weeks, followed up with a phone call, only to be told the rebate forms never arrived-AGAIN! But now the $40.00 was closed as it ended on August 30th, 2006.

    I was just furious. They said there was nothing they could do, but if I FAXED the information for the $30.00 rebate to: 1-800-886-8370 I would be able to track my rebate online after 72 hours. Well, I have yet to see the rebate online. I have no way to track it. I was never sent a confirmation email with a tracking number.

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    Reviewed Sept. 29, 2006

    I was not able to fill in the information for address and phone number for McAfee because the man with whom I spoke was just at a call center that is not related to the company. McAfee software came with my Dell computer. I remewed it for one year. Then, without my knowledge, the company charged a renewal using my credit card # which they had kept on file. I had a great deal of trouble finding a way to telephone them or email them to request a refund. I tried to reply to their email but received a message that they were not accepting emails.

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    Reviewed Sept. 19, 2006

    I purchased McAfee VirusScan 2006 this year when I got my new laptop. Yesterday, September 18, 2006 I decided to try the Spamblocker product for a 30 day trial. Downloaded, installed and my computer would not function. Had to unistall the product. But, here is the kicker, my boxed software on the back says Our experts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via Internet chat. go to www.mcafeehelp.com. I couldn't find any link to chat, nor an 800 number to call to ask for assistance. What is the deal? Can they advertise help and then not have it available?

    I work from home for a living. If my computer is dead, I do not get a paycheck. I think that a vendor should do what they advertise... or I wouldn't have purchased the product in the first place.

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    Reviewed Sept. 2, 2006

    Every time I click the update choice I am given I get a 500-100 message and am unable to up date. I have subscribed to this company twice, almost didn`t the last time. But I will never again. They are a very distant company on purpose . I would never recomend them to anyone because they take your money and then make it impossible to get any on line help . Their whole way ob doing business is to take your money and disapear. They're not worth the time of day.

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    Reviewed Aug. 31, 2006

    Recently an update from McAfee Virus Scan forced me to remove Spyware software from my computer which was from their competitor. I tried to resolve the issue with Corporate Customer Service but the only response from their rep Aga, was to call for help downloading the software. They refused to even respond to my request for a refund so that I could purchase a competing product that would work with the other software that I had paid, or upgrade me to a version of McAfee software that offered the same features that they forced me to remove completely from my machine. Previously the McAfee Virus Scan updates were simply applied. Lately I have had to reboot after nearly ever update from them.

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    Reviewed Aug. 30, 2006

    Long story short; When our 3/month trial with mcafee ran out, our email program became totaly disabled.Mcafee told us it was to protect us againdt viruses. Mcafee told us when we re-subscribe, the problem would be fixed. Well, we can only receive email, but can not send it. We had option #1 free tech chat to fix, or option # 2 real lve person on phone at $3.00 per minute. We opted for option # 1, Why should we have to pay for something we are already paying for, and they mcafee caused the problem in the first place. The chat process turned out to be a disaster. After four chats, each lasting about one hour, and one supervisor, and three regular tech. people, the problem still persists. Our email is very vital to us: We use it to cantact our customer base regarding their insurance contracts, and we are now in a very cumbersome position because of this no service from Mcafee.Our EMAIL capabilities are being held hostage for ransom.

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    Reviewed Aug. 28, 2006

    I have been already a McAfee customer with an established account. I purchased McAfee antispyware online with a $10 rebates promise. I used my account, downloaded the software online, submitted the paperwork for the rebates and in response got a postcard with no contact information, which stated in tiny letters that my rebate was rejected due 2 reasons: No proof of upgrade (I did not upgrade, I bought new software) Wrong Purchase Date (whoa, that one is even better. I purchased and downloaded it online, but must've done it on a wrong date). Beware of McAfee rebates scam - they scammed even their loyal customer,who used their antivirus software for many years.

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    Reviewed Aug. 25, 2006

    My new Dell laptop came installed with McAfee, which I either have for a year or on a trial basis (can't tell from any of the McAfee info). Guess what? Although the indicators say that it's installed and working on my computer (all green bars), I'm unable to register the product which means updates are impossible. This wouldn't be so bad if McAfee popups weren't a continuing source of annoyance (and cannot be closed without going into Task Manager) - plus, it keeps telling me to register my product. When I attempt to, it says I'm already registered and I need to log in. So I try to log in and it sends me right back to the same log in site.

    My email address and password are correct (I've had it sent to me twice now by McAfee, just to be sure). This product is nothing but an annoyance, and at this point, I don't even know if I've actually got virus protection or not. Oh, and there is NO phone number on the website, despite assurances that a user will learn how to contact us by phone. Norton, here I come.

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    Reviewed Aug. 14, 2006

    Roger Cleethorpes U.K. (08/14/06)

    McAfee sent an email saying my annual renewal was due, I replied that I did not require to renew as I would not be using their system any longer. Two weeks later they took the fees from my bank account without authorisation, I again emailed them requesting reimbursment and three months later I have heard nothing.

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    Reviewed Aug. 14, 2006

    I accidently turned off my virus scan. I read the message that came up to tell me how to turn it back on. I did this many times to no avail, so I went to their website to find a phone number for customer support but there was none.

    Now I have no virus scan and will have to purchase another one for up to $50. They should not be able to sell their product if they can not provide the support they advertise.

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    Reviewed Aug. 10, 2006

    I purchased the MC AFEE SECURITY SUITE upgrade (mine expired). When I tried to install it, I received an error message stating that I had to uninstall the previous version, but it would not uninstall.

    I called McAfee only to learn that there is no free support for a product once it was purchased...not even for installation issues. The only way I could speak with someone on the phone was to pay $35! I complained, and was finally given a pin number to use for their priority support, but it was only valid for 24 hours.

    I called the number and was on hold for 1 1/2 hours the first day until my cordless phone died. I tried the next morning at 8:00am and was on hold for another hour...no one ever answered.

    I called tech support back to report the problem, only to be told that I needed to call priority service again and stay on hold until someone answers...even if it took 4 or 5 hours!

    Once they have your money, they won't even service their own product!!!

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    Reviewed Aug. 10, 2006

    My McAfee security center began to require me to login whenever the system was booted or we switched users. Also McAfee wanted me to verify my account several times a week.

    I tried to use the McAfee chat service. After being disconnected 3 times while in the que and having to go to the back of the line each time, and then twice while chatting with a tech, I finally called customer service instead of support. They said all I could do, to fix a problem they created, was to pay to escalate the problem. After much polite insistence I was finally given an 800 number that was suposed to be a priority hotline. I was give a pin number and told it was only good for 24 hours.

    I've tried the number 4 times for 10, 20, 30 and 70 minutes of hold. I suspect no one will ever answer.

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    Reviewed Aug. 9, 2006

    I recently updated my McAfee Virus Scan software to Version 11. Once downloaded, I discovered that I could not access the Internet in the normal way or download email. I uninstalled the program and everything worked fine. Reinstalled it and I had the same problems again.

    I tried to use the McAfee Virtual Technician but the file would not download onto my computer. I then tried the McAfee Chat Room to talk with a technician but they just pointed me back to what I had just tried. McAfee's Feedback link offers no response from them. The only avenue left was to call McAffe's pay per call number.

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    Reviewed Aug. 9, 2006

    Twice now I have downloaded an update that they suggested I do and it caused major problems with my computer. Trying to get help from them without it costing a lot of money is impossible. Both times I spent hours trying to undo the problem. Lucky for me my computer was still under warranty with Dell so they helped me.

    I am going to leave them and use someone else. I am not going to pay McAfee to solve a proble that they caused.

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    Reviewed Aug. 5, 2006

    McAfee Security Center informed me that there was an update that needed to be installed. I agreed and installed it. I believe this was Version 7.0317 of the Security Center and all related products. Immediately I noticed a severe negative impact on performance, particularly in Internet Explorer and Outlook. Previously I'd only had Virus Scan and Firewall installed.

    The number of background processes are extreme. Whatever they're doing in their privacy services has driven Outlook and IE to their knees.

    Furthermore, any attempt to contact McAfee is an exercise in frustration. They make it nearly impossible to actually talk to someone putting their customers through so many layers of absurd questions that I, for one, eventually just gave up.

    Uninstalling their products corrected the problems although a tremendous number of junk files and registry entries are left on the system.

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    Reviewed Aug. 4, 2006

    There was an pop up message from McAfee that there was an urgent update for the AntiVirus software. I downloaded the update which 1) failed to install properly; 2) disonnected my internet connection completely; 3) disabled some of my USB ports.

    To locate the problem I had to contact Dell Computer (my original subscirption to McAfee was through Dell) and pay $99 for online support. After 2 1/2 hours on the phone with Dell, we were able to re-establish internet connectivity and then had to wait nearly 1 hour in que for McAfee technical support. McAfee said through the online chat that they would call me back within 1/2 hour. I recieved the call about 45 minutes later saying they would send me an email with complete instructions.

    The email contained all of the instructions neccessary to fix the problem, but it took nearly 1 hour on the computer and extensive editing of the Windows registry. This was an expensive and time consuming fix.

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    Reviewed Aug. 2, 2006

    For over a year I've used the McAfee Virus Security program. On 7/31/06 I received an e-mail message that I could download an upgrade at no extra cost. After shutdown/re-start the computer would not function. It would shutdown as soon as the McAfee program began to initiate.

    I called the McAfee customer service number and after a 30+ minute wait the party said to check the web-site for assistance. He then said I could call technical service and for a $35.00 charge they would assist me.

    I complained at length, finally they gave me an 800 number to call, but when I called they said the number had expired and they could not help directly. I could go the the web or I could pay extra to get help. This customer service is worthless. In the meantime I've spent more than 4-hours on the phone trying to get help.

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    Reviewed Aug. 1, 2006

    I received a notice to upgrade the McAfee Security Center. Upon downloading I have had nothing but trouble with my computer.

    Cannot contact McAfee in anyway, shape or form and required to pay $2.95 per minute for any input as to my various problems.

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    Reviewed July 29, 2006

    In March 2006, I purchased Mcafee Security Suite from Buy.com. There were 2 rebates, both for $30. The one rebate clearly stated to submit the original proof of purchase (UPC), the other clearly stated submit a COPY of the UPC. I submitted all of the requested information and a few weeks later got one $30 check and a post card denying the second rebate because I did not include the original UPC. I emailed Mcafee Customer Service on April 28, 2006 to resolve the issue. I was told to call their toll free number twice, each time I did there was a message that told me to go online. In short, over the past 3 months I sent 7 emails and made several phone calls trying to resolve the issue. Now their web site says they sent me a check and the check cleared, I never received a check. They will no longer respond to my emails.

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    Reviewed July 14, 2006

    I've used McAfee for years but will give it up now, even though I just paid for a new year. Every few days my work is interrupted with McAfee Pop-ups urging me to protect my computer from viruses with their program--but their program is already installed (which is why I get the pop-up).

    For the past two months its become much more frequent. I declined their Internet Security Suite offer, just renewing my anti-virus program--and now, daily, I get pop-ups urging me to take the whole Suite. Also, the so-called Security Center is an annoying gimmick reminding me, every time I use it, of all the McAfee products I have failed to buy.

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    Reviewed June 5, 2006

    I purchased McAfee antivirus software and submitted $70 worth of rebates.

    McAfee is refusing to pay the rebates.

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    Reviewed May 1, 2006

    I submitted a $30 and a $25 rebate in August 2005. First they said I didn't send them a valid store address. So I sent them that. Then I got a notice that both checks were sent out in October. Never got either. I wrote again. Then I got notice that they were sent out in December. Never got them. Finally I wrote to Mcafee and I did finally recieve the $25 check. I still haven't received the $30 check. I have never had such a hard time getting a rebate.

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    Reviewed Feb. 23, 2006

    On 11/17/05, I purchased a year's subscription of Anti-Virus software from McAfee, the download version. My order # is CS129292799. This purchase came with a $30.00 "Mail-In" REBATE. After downloading my purchase, I was never given the opportunity to download my REBATE, no did I receive one in the mail. I then tried desperately to find an email address or telephone number in which to communicate my dismay. No such luck. So, on November 28, 2005, I sent them a letter. After no response, I sent them another letter, to no avail.

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    Reviewed Feb. 20, 2006

    On Feb. 2, 2006, I downloaded and paid online for the latest version of McAfee's anti-virus software. On Feb. 3, 2006, the morning after installing it, I had problem after problem with my e-mail. I made 2 tech support calls to McAfee. What I did not realize was that the calls (which were not all that helpful) were charged at $2.95 per minute. I don't remember being forewarned that the charges were that expensive. These charges showed up on my VISA statement as $64.90 and $44.25; combined, they are more than the $87.02 I paid for the software itself!

    When I called McAfee's toll-free number (1-866-622-3911) on Feb. 20, 2006 to ask about these charges, I was linked to the Customer Service line via automated messages. I was on hold for about 25 minutes before I got through to a representative, who could give me no assistance on this matter. She said I could call back the next day when the supervisor was in, "at this 408 number," as she phrased it. I said, "I didn't call a 408 area code; I called an 866 number."

    Then I said, "So what you're telling me is that I originally called a toll-free number, but when your system routed me to customer service, I was unknowingly switched over to a non-toll-free line, where I waited for more than 25 minutes, being charged for it?" The rep replied, "Yes." While I don't know what can be done about the expensive tech support calls, shouldn't it be illegal, fraudulent, and therefore, prosecutable for a company to re-route a customer's call from a toll-free line to a non-toll-free line without telling the customer?

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    Reviewed Jan. 29, 2006

    I boght a new Toshiba and McAffee came installed free. The free install ad 4 viruses. I bought versions of McAfee security and antivirus to correct the problem. Now McAfee says my free trial ends in 15 days.

    What, did they forget my purchases to fix the problem they gave me for free?

    Is this a clever marketing technique?

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    Reviewed Jan. 22, 2006

    MCAFEE.COM (Services and Merchandise) charged me $74.28 and I had the same problem last year when I told them I did not want them. I do not know how many times they have to be told that someone is using another service (Norton) $74.28 How can McAfee be stopped?

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    Reviewed Jan. 5, 2006

    Unauthorized charge on credit card. I purchased McAfee anti-virus last year. I was unable to use it on my computer. I'm now using a different anti-virus program. I have not been using McAfee. The last credit card statement I received was a charge for McAfee for 34.99 which was not authorized by me. I called the phone number given on the credit statement, they said to go online to McAfee.com, billing. They gave another phone number to call. I called the above phone number , was on hold for apprx. 20 - 30 mins., no one came on the phone line.

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    Reviewed Dec. 7, 2005

    My Virus Scan disables itself at will, or the icon in the lower rt. hand corner is white on black which means it's disabled but when I check Security Center, it shows enabled, or the icon shows white on red (enabled) but the virus scan is actually disabled. I have been back and forth with support nine times with promises that my problem will be sent to the "Escalation" team and they will contact me within 48 hours. It has been over six weeks and I'm still waiting for help to resolve my problem.

    To add insult to injury, I hust realized that I am being charged twice for my virus scan. I have two expiration dates, 5/20/2006 and 9/23/2006. My original purchase date was 9/22/2001. They automatically deduct the payment from my credit card and I have no idea where the 5/20/2006 expiration date came from. I only applied once in Sept. of 2001.

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    Reviewed Dec. 5, 2005

    McAfee (which is a good product) continues it's errant ways when renewing subscriptions. On Dec 1, 2005 I received an e-mail from McAfee informing me of my upcoming subscription anniversary date and offered a renewal for $29.99. However, when I followed the renew link, they attempt to charge me $34.99 (same price as auto-renewal). Only after talking with two Customer Service reps, I finally spoke to someone in "Sales" that was able to give me the $29.99 offer. A lot of effort just to save $5.

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    Reviewed Oct. 11, 2005

    I have McAfee Spamkiller, Personal Firewall Plus and Privacy Service on my home computer. My subscription expires next month. I received an email yesterday that said they have renewed my subscription and deducted $94.97 from my checking account. I at no time authorized this automatic renewal and to just take from my account because they have the information is stealing and illegal. I tried to email them and received emails back that this is no longer a customer service site without giving me a customer service email address. I plan on contacting the Attorney Generals office also.

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    Reviewed Aug. 23, 2005

    i submitted mcafee rebate over 8 weeks ago, i haven't received any response on status of rebate

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    Reviewed Aug. 20, 2005

    McAfee Has no Customer service. They kept putting the same message over and over what ever I was trying to read. No matter which way I tried to fix "the problem" it would pop-up again AND AGAIN. When I tried to get help from thier so called customer service I could not get help. The so called phone number was not working (Besides the FACT that it cost! NO 800 #!!!

    This product has caused me no end of trouble. The only time you can get ahold of them is if you want to buy one of their RIP-OFF products!

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    Reviewed Aug. 12, 2005

    I submitted two different rebate forms to McAfee last April. McAfee acknowledges that they received them on May 5th. To date they have not paid the rebates. they said it would take 4 to 6 weeks and it has been more than 3 months. I have read other complaints on the internet. I believe that McAfee intentionally makes the rebate process extremely complex to escape paying them. They also play a game of delay to see if the consumer will forget or just give up. They should be investigated and consumers should boycott their products. I will never use them again.

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    Reviewed Aug. 11, 2005

    During a phone conversation to renew my virus protection software the call was disconnected and I could not complete the renewal. My credit card was charged 69.99 for the renewal but no information was passed on to me on how the renewal was to be completed. There was no confimation of the sale, the charge to my credit card or any indication that I had purchased the renewal.

    When I called the number McAfee listed on my credit card bill I was dumped into a massive phone mail circle which attempted to push all callers to the MaCafee website for disposal. When I finally found a recording on this phone mail circle that stated " press 1 for refund info" I was automaticaaly disconnected. I repeated this several times thinking that it was an accidental disconnect but each time they disconnected my call when looking for refund info. When I finally was able to get a live account rep on the phone and get the refund paperwork through MaCafee refused to allow me to speak to a supervisor stating that my concers would be passed along to a supervisor.

    I hope the refund will go through and I would advise anyone not to count on MaCafee for voice to voice communication as they don't seem willing to speak to anyone.

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    Reviewed July 28, 2005

    When I received a recent Mcafee update to their anti-virus program my computer would no longer shut down. If I did a system restore to before the update it works fine but eventually asks that I update again. If I do not it says an Active Shield file is missing. Dozens of phone calls and e-mail chats have achieved nothing. I have been promised a phone call from an escalated tech, which I never received and it is impossible to actually talk to anyone on the phone because this is not a virus issue but a McAfee software problem. I guess I go to Symantec and forget these guys.

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    Reviewed June 26, 2005

    I paid for extended use of McCafee virus scan and firewall last fall (2004), and have just put in a new hard drive and want to reinstall it. The automated response is that my trial has expired. True, but but I paid for a whole year. I can't find a working phone number or anyone to talk to. I am hung out to dry.

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    Reviewed June 22, 2005

    I purchased McAfee virus and firewall software in a box showing a $45 rebate and followed the instructions to a tee, sending McAfee the box flaps bearing the original proof of purchase, a copy of the purchase, the original rebate receipt, and the rebate request form. Within two weeks I received an acknowledgement email and tracking number a email tracking email address. After two months I attempted to track the status of the rebates but was disconcerted to find the email address site had been eliminated.

    Next I attempted to phone McAfee but but there were no phone numbers on their site. After expending several frustrating hours I finally managed to speak with a live person who told me my claim had been rejected because I had did not send in either the original UPC proof of purchase or copy of the purchase receipt. When I disputed that they said they would refer the matter to another department and would be contacting me by mail in 3 to 5 days. There was no ltetter after two weeks so I contacted them again and it was,"Oh, we will be contacting you in 10 to 15 business days. Additionally, the rebate was now only $30, despite a $45 rebate clearly showing on a box sticker above the name, McAfee.

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    Reviewed May 17, 2005

    I bought McAfee internet security suite 2005 ver. 7.0 and if I sent all the right papers in, I was suppose to get a $40.00 rebate. I ordered this from the Dell computer company and they did not send a receipt with the product. I called Dell and asked them for a reciept, they said that they would send me one, but it would take 7-10 days. I told them, that would be to long because I only had 15 days from the time of purchase to get everything in the mail to receive the rebate. I asked them if they could e-mail me a receipt and they said yes.

    This all took place last Saturday May 14. It is now May 17. E-mail must be taking longer now days. The person at Dell told me to call McAfee and ask them if they would extend the time limit in this instance. I asked them for the number and they gave me one. It turned out to be a fax number. I called Dell back and they gave me another number that did not go through.

    I called the operator and asked for the McAfee number and they gave me a number for some Photo shop. I then proceded to this web-site and came across this complaint form. It sounded like a way to vent, so this is my story. I think that Dell and McAfee should get it together. The only reason that I bought the entire security suite is because of the rebate of $40. I consider it false advertising to tell you what you need and then see to it that you don't get what you need.

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    Reviewed May 16, 2005

    The problem: McAfee Spamkiller was grabbing ALL of my e-mail (not just spam) and not sending the ones that I accepted back to my Outlook Inbox. The response from McAfee: Pay McAfee $39 for a 48 hour help period to solve the problems that they created. The result: At their instruction, I had to uninstall VirusScan. I then could not receive ANY e-mail at all, either in Outlook, Spamkiller's Blocked e-mail window or Spamkiller's Accepted e-mail window. I then unistalled Spamkiller for good.

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    Reviewed April 27, 2005

    Purchased McAfee Internet Security Suite ver 7.0 on 1/16/2005 Product did not work properly. Returned product disc, receipt and form from McAfee for full refund on 1/31/2005. Mailed via certified, return receipt. Product was picked up and signed for by Susan Welles on 2/7/2005. As of 4/26/2005 I have not received a refund. I have made several call and e-mails to no avail. Customer service keeps giving me a new case number each time and promises to have my refund in "15 days". My most recent call was to James on 4/15/2005 with case number 12570102. He gave me his direct phone number 972-987-2420 and a fax number 972-963-7001 and once again promised to have my refund in 3-4 days. Once again I have been lied to.

    I would like to have this matter resolved and get my money back ($41.09) for a product that did not perform as it was supposed to. I refuse to call McAfee anymore only to be put on hold for over an hour at a time. This is not customer "service" this is customer robbery.

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    Reviewed April 25, 2005

    I purchased McAfee VirusScan 9.0 upgrade through www.secureie.com, which advertised a $20 rebate for SecureIE customers. After sending in the rebate form stapled to the required confirmation of download purchase and email confirmation of previous purchase of download of McAfee Internet Scecurity 6.0. I received an email stating I hadn't sent in the required proofs of purchase, & need to resubmit all the information, which I did.

    Then I recieved email from them saying my confirmation receipts didn't have the place of purchase on them, which of course it did! I resubmitted and got email saying they I needed to send in a receipt, plus they couldn't find any info on me ion their database. Hard to believe since they'd already sent me three emails. I have resubmitted the same information again, but am not holding my breath waiting for a rebate. They don't seem to have any intention of actually giving out any rebates!!

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    Reviewed April 22, 2005

    This company has problems issuing rebates, and I will not buy their product in the future. I have sent all the requirements for the rebate -- rebate form, proof of purchase, copy of reciept with item circled, and the old McAfee diskette from last year. I received a postcard stating that I failed to meet the requirement because of missing proof of purchase or original UPC.

    I had trouble faxing my information due to a busy fax machine. I had to finally call them stating that their fax was busy. When I was able to fax my copy of the required information, I had to fax and refax my items two days later. I will also be mailing the information to the office just to double-check everything gets there as well. In all, I have already made five phone calls, just for $30 rebate? It sounds like too much trouble than it's all worth and would like to forewarn anyone else trying to buy the McAfee anti-virus software.

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    Reviewed Nov. 15, 2003

    I recently purchased and installed this program. It is not only killing email that I want killed, it is also killing email from family members and friends whose names are in my "friends" list. Their emails to me should not be killed simply on the basis of their being on the list. Not only do I have to go through the email that comes through, I still have to go through the "killed" email to be sure that I am not missing anything important. So what good is the program?

    I cannot contact McAfee as they do not want to be contacted. Their support is not support, it is a runaround. I also purchased their firewall but by using a "spy removal" program, I find that I am getting hackers right and left. So what good is the Firewall?

    I paid $29.95 for each of the two programs, for a total of $59.90, plus tax. These were purchased at a retail store. I would like to have a refund in this amount and purchase my programs from another and more reliable company. One that will provide support without charging you $3.95 per minute. When the program does not do what it is supposed to do, support should be free and online.

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    Reviewed Nov. 10, 2003

    A few days ago I purchased McAfee internet security suite 6.0 for approximately $45.00. I installed it and found to my amazement that I could no longer access the internet. I uninstalled it, recovered my internet access, went to the McAfee's help site and attempted to find a solution to my problem.

    I was amazed the internet security suite 6.0 wasn't even listed on their drop-down menu. I did manage to locate some supposed remedies for firewall problems ... which I tried to no avail. Of course each time I tried a solution I would have to reinstall McAfee, see if it worked; and if it didn't, re-uninstall it in order to get to their help site.

    I then tried their chat help. I talked to a technician named Ian. At least I think I it was a technician. He acted more like a bot than a person. All he did was give me the same information that I had found at the drop down menu and had been tried unsuccessfully. I told him so. Ian the bot then said to run Security Suite manually. I said I didn't believe I had that option during installation, however I would try it. Of course that didn't work either.

    I then tried to find McAfee help phone number to call or an McAfee support email address. Guess what? There is no support email address. The help phone number is there alright, but they charge you $2.95 a minute, which translates into nearly $180 an hour. It seems as though McAfee is deliberately avoiding helping its customers, unless you pay dearly.

    Of course then there is that 30-day money-back guarantee on the box. Yet, the box does not the phone number to call. You must find that number at the website, which I did. But good luck getting through. I was on hold so long on so many different occasions that I eventually gave up. I am appalled at McAfee's behavior and their indifferent attitude towards their customers and the reliability of their own products. I will never never purchase anything from them again and I will advise any who will listen to do the same.

    Unfortunately, once I had opened the internet security suite package, I could no longer return it to the store. Go figure. McAfee does not stand behind their products. They do not care about customer satisfaction. They do not want to hear from you unless it you pay them to listen. Even then I suspect the result would be an even larger expenditure of money without any satisfaction.

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    McAfee Company Information

    Company Name:
    McAfee
    Year Founded:
    1987
    Address:
    2821 Mission College Blvd.
    City:
    Santa Clara
    State/Province:
    CA
    Postal Code:
    95054
    Country:
    United States
    Website:
    www.intelsecurity.com