Devices refusing to unmount: USB 2.0 also affected by Norton AntiVirus?

We previously covered an issue where FireWire devices refuse to unmount properly under Mac OS X 10.4.2.

Previously, we reported that in some cases, the "Auto-Protect" component of Norton AntiVirus (NAV) can prevent FireWire drives, and potentially other devices, from properly unmounting. The solution is to either use the "Disable Auto-Protect" option within Norton AntiVirus' preferences, or remove the utility entirely. We subsequently received word from Symantec that the issue is under investigation.

We've now received word from some users who have problems unmounting USB 2.0 devices when Norton AntiVirus' AutoProtect functionality is active.

MacFixIt reader Ken Harbour writes:

"I am using a Powerbook G4, 1.5MHz, running 10.4.2. About a week after upgrading to 10.4.2 my USB 2.0 port stopped working. Could not mount a flash drive, an iPod, keyboard, mouse etc. When I tried to use the same devices on the USB 1.0 port they all worked fine. Ran several hardware diagnostics and the USB 2.0 seemed to be OK. Read about the problems with Norton AntiVirus and firewire devices so I disabled autoprotect and restarted. The USB 2.0 is back to working. All of the above device now mount. Both USB ports are now working OK."

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please drop us a line at late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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