I'm on Windows 8.1 and have no problems syncing. I only have
addnode=178.32.175.227
added to my pandacoin.conf file. I don't know if it makes any difference but I have the pandacoin.conf file both in the wallet folder and in C:\Users\*user*\AppData\Roaming\PandaCoin.
just create a new file with notepad, and add the nodes that were provided before in your file.
Save as pandacoin.conf
add pandacoin.conf in your USER/APPDATA/Roaming/pandacoin folder as well as your pandacoin wallet folder
start pandacoin wallet
profit
Thank you, yes, I have tried all of the above, tried with all the nodes, tried with just one at a time, tried through proxy (both 4 and 5) and even disabled firewalls and anti-virus at one point. I am not rubbishing the wallet or anything else, just that there really is something not right with it (for me) and I dont have more time to waste on something so frustrating (I am a writer not a miner or investor so was just installing it to be able to write a more informed article)
Thanks anyway, but I really have given up a few hours ago now. Was just suggesting the other guys troubles might be legit because I have the same experience.
*edited sorry