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Rant

Spotmau does it really work?

Sep 17, 2012 2:05PM PDT

I was looking for a suite of computer tools to supplement my already owned tool kit consisting of 2 Off-Line PC Diagnostic Software programs. These have been invaluable to me as they work outside of the operating system. I checked magazine reviews and found Spotmau which also operates outside of your operating system as long as you have your PC configured to look for the CD first. The first program I tried was the 360 PC health check. After completing the check I attempted to reboot my computer and all I was able to get was my wallpaper display. Using my Active@ Boot Disk I was able to repair my OS and get the computer to boot to the desktop. Unfortunately, I did not backup my register; but being somewhat familiar with Regedit and working in the register, I found the missing registry calls. I contacted Spotmau support and was told and I quote, "According to your description, maybe our program deleted some useful registry by a mistak, Please restore your old registry". Oh boy that's helpful!

To date, Thankfully, I have been able to repair the damage done by Spotmau's registry cleaner using 2 Microsoft tools along with conservations with Microsoft support personnel. One example I will share was a registry call to reactivate the autorun feature in my MS XP SP3 operating system registry.

Next I found that Spotmau does not provide the NTFS volume names so you have only the drive number and size to go by. It is very easy to make mistakes when backing up your prime operating drive. Secondly, you must dedicate an external hard drive to this process as their program completely removes all other files on the designated drive. Also, when I did attempt a backup I found that the drive icon in my computer section was now gone! It was necessary to unplug my external hard drive (the one with the backup) and then restart my computer, plug the external hard drive back in to get the icon to reappear. This is just plain STUPID! As a side note I will be more suspicious of magazine reviews in the future. However, one magazine review did lead me to 2 Utilities which I have since bought and find to be very reliable and their support through their chat line has been excellent.

After several more frustrating conversations with Spotmau support I informed them that I would cease using their software as it is unreliable and just plain dangerous! I then got an email from Spotmau asking if I would Instead of refund (which I never requested), keep this product for possible use in the future and that they would be glad to send me another Spotmau product for free under $70.00. It sounded to me like, use our product and keep screwing up your computer and we will give another product to screw up your computer. I replied that thanks but no thanks and please stop with the wonderful offers! Sadly, but wiser I have deep sixth their wonderful set of program tools. I then received this last response and I quote, "I am sadly to know that you are still not willing to keep this product. I have applied for a refund for you, please kindly check your account in about 3-5 business days". You guessed it - never got any refund!

Discussion is locked

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If you follow the CNET forums, not one moderator....
Sep 19, 2012 4:04AM PDT

Not one moderator here will tell you to use such things.

Most moderators also will, in unison chant the following. "We only lose what we don't backup."

If folk want to try new things, that's fine. But it's their files, PCs and choice.
Bob

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Spotmau does not work
Oct 17, 2012 8:59AM PDT

After downloading this software to my laptop it did work one time and one time only. subsequent attempts to get this sw to work were futile. i deleted the sw and reinstalled it to no avail. You cannt call these people by phone. You have to keep sending messages. They even suggested that i purchase another product. Ludicrous. I have requested a refund and was advd that I will be receiving a check in the mail. Dont hold your breath waiting for that. Do yourself a favor and steer clear of this product

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Spotmau repair softwau
Mar 22, 2015 3:07AM PDT

you did not name the other utility software you purchased