DON'T use the uninstaller tool from Symantec

Do the following;
1. Go to Start --> Control Panel --> Add/Remove Programs.
2. Scroll down to your Norton program
3. Click Change --> Remove All.  You will be asked to restart your PC. Do so.
4. Now go to Start --> My Computer --> Program Files. Right click on each Symantec folder and select Delete.
5. While you are in Program Files go to the Common Files folder at or near the top of the Program Files window. Delete every Symantec folder there. And, again, restart your PC.
6. Go to Start --> Search --> All Files and Folders --> More Advanced Options. Check each option except for "Case sensitive" Now type in Norton and delete each Norton folder from the search results (Again, right click, choose "Delete"). One more time, restart your PC.
7. Repeat step 5 except type Symantec in the "Search" box.

The next step is trickier: go into the Registry.

1. First thing to do is Back up the Registry. But suffice it to say that the presence of uninstalled security software in the Registry can conflict with newly installed security software and cause system freezes. So can folders of "uninstalled" programs for that matter.
2. Once again, go to Start, then click on "Run". Type in "regedit"
3. Go to the top of the Regedit window. Click (+) next to HKEY_CURRENT_USER. Go down the thread until you see Software. Click on Software and scroll down the thread until you see Symantec. Right click on Symantec and choose "Delete".
4. From there go down to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and repeat step 3. Restart your PC.
5. Click (+) next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, now: Click (+) next to Software, Click (+) next to Microsoft, Click (+) next to Windows and Click (+) next to CurrentVersion.
6. Select the Run folder. Right-click and delete each Symantec entry you see (if present). Restart your PC.

That should completely eradicate Norton Antivirus from your system!

There is no real way of getting rid of Norton without reformatting...At least that's what Nick told me a couple months back

The method I've put in works and is a lot less hassle than a reformat and reinstall!

Ashar wrote on Nov 28^th, 2007 at 3:24am:

I didn't have norton but Zone Alarm and it is still haunting our laptop Not my problem anymore.

OK so I don't see any posts that might make me question the method for now so I will start the deletion this weekend.


Just to make sure everything is in right order:

Do what Ozzy says

Get a new antivirus suite

re-check everything

and I am done.



I want another confirmation that there will be no problems that Norton is still in my system using this method in a post if possible.

As you can See I am quite nervous at doing this as Norton gave me major problems in the past.

This is the only Norton you need...trust me!.....>>>



I've got a free "AVG" Motorcycle parked inside my Computer... ...!

Paul.... ...!

OK so what should be the better free equivalent antivirus suite?

All depends on who you ask, I guess. I know the popular favorite is usually AVG, but I personally use Avira. I've tested them both, and have found that Avira's "real-time" scanner is usually better than even most payware applications. It's easy to suspend, and the company offers regular program and protection updates (new definitions almost every three days). The only draw back to it, is that because it's freeware, you get a nag screen when it updates. (It also COMPLETELY uninstalls if you don't like it   )

If memory serves, it does. I wasn't trying to say that AVG is hard to uninstall, I was making a Norton reference. 

Norton is the worst application you can ever introduce to your computer. It takes over everything and without in-depth technical knowledge of how to manually clean the registry its close to impossible for a layman to get rid of short of a complete reinstall of Windows making sure Norton products never touch the system again


you can try and run their removal tool.. make sure you choose the right version for the version of Norton you use

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039


The best AV ius NOD32 but it is payware and you will never have to worry about slow system, FS9/FSX or virus-trojans-hacks. NOD32 is what I use.

The best freeware is either AVG or Avast however those are also known for issues with FSX so if you use them, make sure you shut them down before flying. NOD32 can be left enabled.

For what it's worth.. I've never run any type of anti-virus,,,ever (I've done the AVG scan a couple times (came up clean)).  And I've been on the Internet daily, almost since it's inception... downloading and file sharing galore..

I've gotten infected twice (and know exactly how/why).. 

Don't open email from strangers.. Don't go to porn sites..  Don't download from sites you don't KNOW.

AVG is not a system resource hog and runs well in the background without causing any lag in FS9. I've been using AVG for a few years and still happily chuff around in FS9 without any trouble whatsoever

Quote:


I now use avast anti virus after AVG free missed a virus that borked my PC a while back...

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html - Free to use.   

NickN wrote on Dec 2^nd, 2007 at 10:05am:


Me too!

No problems whatsoever

Lavasoft ad-aware, AVG are both free, and exellent programs, if you think you're infected with something more significant just get a free trial for NOD32 or Pandasoft.

ozzy72 wrote on Dec 9^th, 2007 at 4:01am:




Most things on the net are like that from my experiences.