yiykes

jane · 13-10-2006, 17:28

bought a laptop yesterday and it came with 30 days free norton internet sec on it, so i clicked on that and its up and running , i have downloaded the free avg antivirus and zonealarm firewall, should i uninstall all of norton and then run the 2 free programs now or just disable norton or what??? should i pull the ethernet lead out of the laptop before i do anything? i have the laptop connected to a router, and i got the router working pefectly with my pc and laptop and dont want to mess anything up lol im such a scaredy pie please tell me what to do lol

13-10-2006, 17:33

Norton is a proverbial pain in the backside instructions for full removal of norton here http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...05033108162039
uninstall first then install new stuff.I personally prefer Avast to AVG

jane · 13-10-2006, 17:48

do i just pull the ethernet lead out of the back of the laptop first? is it safe to do that or will i damage something? i know im not supposed to just pull out a usb cable?

ADd · 13-10-2006, 18:02

You need to be connected to the internet to use that Symantec removal tool

Quote:

This procedure requires that you use Internet Explorer. If you have this page open in any other Web browser, please start Internet Explorer and open this page in it.

from zinglebarb's link

I have used the tool, and it worked perfectly on my system with NIS 2006 installed

jane · 13-10-2006, 18:04

but norton is in the add remove programs list, can i not just uninstall it from there?

ADd · 13-10-2006, 18:11

Norton is very difficult to remove, and because it leaves many files/traces in the registry I have found the removal tool the easiest option. Saying that other users have had success with add/remove. Ultimately the choice is yours, and is dependant upon your experience.

Before uninstalling I would:

download the setup files for your choice of Anti-virus and software firewall to your desktop. (which you have done)
Backup all your personal data (word files, pictures etc)
Uninstall Norton with the tool online.
If you have a wireless setup - remove your card or disable your wireless connection - if it is wired just pull the plug.
Install your new firewall, reboot.
Install new Anti-virus, reboot.
Connect to the internet, and update your AV signatures, and do a full scan of your system.

You may have to setup your new FW settings if you use a wireless setup, but i have no knowledge of Zonealarm I'm afraid.

jane · 15-10-2006, 13:27

before i use the tool should i disable norton first? will i have problems if i try to uninstall it whilst its still running? also should i use the add remove prog first then the tool or just go straight to the tool? thanks from jane

jane · 15-10-2006, 17:31

well what a huge pain in the **** that was!!!lol i used the tool, then restarted my laptop instantly the fan came on and wouldnt stop and the cpu was using 100% so i tried to restart it and the programme zcfgsvc.exe would stop responding whatever that is something to do with wireless even though its disabled!! so restarted, something about scripts came up which i had to ok. the fan still wouldnt quit and after doing a search for symantec i still had loads on my pc including liveupdate in my add remove programs! too cut a reaaaallly long story short after using system restore, norton tool and add remove progs about 7 times i have managed to install my free agv and zone alarm, and its all working with only 2%cpu usage, no zcfgsvc.exe prog not responding and still some of norton security 2006 on the pc. 20 cigs later and still being avoided by family members i feel i might of won!

Down the Pub · 15-10-2006, 20:22

my new router came with 60 days free NIS, so now it's being used as a stylish coffee coaster..........wouldn't touch anything with the letters N O R T O N on it with the prevebial bargepole, the router, NOD32 and the usual suspects for me

ADd · 16-10-2006, 17:09

Afraid that is an all too common experience Jane

Whenever I have used the tool, on NIS 2005 and 2006 it has worked fine, but I have known of problems that others have had. The other week I was helping a friend with their laptop, and had to remove Norton Corporate by manual methods - even the add/remove would not work, it was very time consuming and a right pain. Glad you got it sorted in the end though - and I guess you've joined the Symantec haters club

oddjob · 18-10-2006, 12:50

Hi Jane

Little footnote from a newcomer here, another "Norton resource hog hater".

I, too, use AVG + ZA but there are other (free) protection tools you would be well advised to add to your protection barriers.

I agree Avast is also top notch.

Read this handy little guide for what you need to help keep your computer free of malware ...

http://www.help2go.com/Tutorials/Pro...Hijackers.html

[You have already done steps 7 & 8]

The guide has all the download links too so you just "click & install".

Hope it helps.

OJ

19-10-2006, 12:13

I wonder what Peter Norton think's of "his" software now? Back in the late 80's / early 90's I remember using Norton Utilities - in those days it was THE essential software to have in your toolkit...how many of you remember Norton Disk Doctor? I life saver for me on many occasions! This of course was back in good old DOS days...

I wonder if Peter is around somewhere ashamed of what has become of his software? Of course - the current software would not have any resembalance to the code of old!