Norton AntiVirus AutoProtect: Potential interference with iPod operation

Some readers are reporting an issue where various iPod models are adversely affected by the AutoProtect function offered by Norton AntiVirus.

MacFixIt reader P.J. writes:

"Basically, if Norton Antivirus 10 (latest version) is installed, and if you have a 30GB slim latest model iPod, or a 8GB new iPod Nano, then when you attach the ipods to your Mac and iTunes starts, your iPods cannot sync nor update themselves. An error message comes up saying that the device is in use by another application. Also, you cannot eject the iPods from your system. Even quitting iTunes does not help."

"Of interest is the fact that older iPods (before this latest revision set) seem to work fine with no problems. This included a 20B iPod, and a 4GB Black iPod Nano. Thus, this would indicate an issue between the latest iPod firmware and Norton Antivirus Version 10.

In most cases this issue can be resolved by simply disabling AutoProtect from within Norton AntiVirus. Failing that, however, you may want to try removing the following files from /Library/StartupItems then restarting:

• NortonAutoProtect folder
• NortonAutoProtect.kextcache file
• NortonMissedTasks folder

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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