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General discussion

Norton AntiVirus - trouble uninstalling

Feb 26, 2004 4:40AM PST

I just installed NAV2004 Professional on my Win98SE computer. Prior to doing so, I uninstalled NAV2003 using the NAV Uninstall program.

My Norton System Doctor alerts me that my rescue disk needs to be updated, but when I try to do so and "create a rescue disk set" I get a big warning box that says "An outdated version of Norton AntiVirus detected!" and goes on to say that my system might freeze; and that I should run LiveUpdate until it says there are no more LiveUpdates needed. I did this, but still get this warning when I try to create an updated rescue disk set. The warning box ends with "Would you like to continue?" but I'm afraid to continue, so I click "no". It appears that Norton's uninstall wasn't complete, and some 'pieces' may still remain. Someone suggested I do a "manual uninstall" of the NAV2003 pieces. Is there a way to do this without messing up the newly installed 2004 version? How do I find the remnants of NAV2003?

Per the directions in the NAV2004 manual I created a 9-disk "rescue set". Do I really need to update the rescue disk set of System Doctor, or is the NAV rescue set all I'll need to recover after a virus attack?

Any help will be appreceiated, but please don't tell me to contact Symantec. Been there, done that. Those people are useless.

Discussion is locked

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Re:Norton AntiVirus - trouble uninstalling
Feb 26, 2004 5:00AM PST

There are people, I think, that would call most of Norton programs either useless or worthless.

This is a symantec page on the removal of NAV2003: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/docid/2001092114452606
Afterwards uninstall and reinstall NAV2004 again.

I can't help you on the rescue disk/set. Don't have Norton (have AVG and Zonealarm, and Windows tools for maintenance).

Could you explain an unknowing soul what's so wrong with NAV 2003 one year later that you want to spend money on NAV 2004?

Kees

Kees

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Re:Re:Norton AntiVirus - trouble uninstalling
Feb 26, 2004 10:25AM PST

Thanks, to you and the others who responded.

To answer your question: I made a BIG mistake. My 1-year free subscription to virus definitions updates was expiring. Norton wanted $20 for another year. At the same time, Staples had a special on NAV2004Prof'l which, after rebates, would cost about $6, could be installed and activated on 2 machines, and came with a year of definitions updates. Seemed like the way to go, but, boy, was I mistaken! Ever since installing it I've been experiencing all kinds of weird happenings. In hindsight, I should have just paid the $20 and stuck with NAV2003, which never gave me any problems.

considering what I've been through with replacing 2003 with 2004, I'm afraid if I tried to reverse it and put back 2003, my computer would explode. I may be stuck with this damn package for life. Thanks again.

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My opinion...
Feb 26, 2004 6:48AM PST

I would stick with 2003 version.

As a "die hard" fan of Norton, I owned every version of it since Norton Utilities 6.0 for Win 3.11. Until recently I had a chance to pick p ua 2004 versions (both SystemWorks and Anti-Virus itself) and the disaster just begun. Beside the ridiculous "Activation" scheme, both version crashed all of my 5 systems regardless of CPU, RAM I have). Finally, I gave up and restore my PCs back with 2003 versions and happy with it.

Until they (Symantec) clean up their acts, I wouldn't install any of their new softwares into my PCs. Period.

Regards,

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Agreed. . .
Feb 26, 2004 7:26AM PST

I ran 2000 until I got a free copy of 2003, then only installed the AV. As long as you keep the virus definitions updated, the newer versions just have more bells and whistles, and problems.

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Re:Norton AntiVirus - trouble uninstalling
Feb 26, 2004 7:07PM PST

I have experienced problems with the performance and the process to uninstall Norton products. I have decided to dump them. Instead of Norton antivirus software I started using AVG, the free version. I have used it for the last year and it works great. I fully recomend it, and you can't beat the price!

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Re:Re:Norton AntiVirus - trouble uninstalling
Feb 27, 2004 3:11AM PST

I'm tempted to switch. Where do I get the free AVG? And how do you periodically update the virus definitions? Can AVG be set to automatically scan all incoming email, downloads, etc?

One more question: what do you think about installing the AVG, and leaving the NAV installed but not running? That way, if AVG doesn't work out, I wouldn't have to reinstall NAV.

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Free AVG
Feb 27, 2004 3:28AM PST

Download from www.grisoft.com. Automatic (if configured so) or manual update. Scans everything.
I installed it this week, on two computers, without any problem, even on Windows 95.

Better uninstall Norton. It doesn't make much sense, and might interfere and give other problems.

Good luck,


Kees Bakker

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Agree with Kees and also use AVG 6...
Feb 27, 2004 4:21AM PST

but there is one thing to be aware of in uninstalling Norton. The uninstall will leave remains in the registry and maybe a folder in the hard drive tree. I had to remove these manually which is fairly simple. If you are not experienced A backup of the registry should be made first.

I think you will be happy with AVG... mine is set to check daily for new reference files and you can set it to do automatic virus scans.

Good luck!

Happy

Glenn

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Re:Agree with Kees and also use AVG 6...
Feb 27, 2004 9:55AM PST

How do you uninstall manually? And, after uninstall, would running RegClean take care of the remains in the registry?

I assume the updates (reference files) are also free, right?

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Re:Agree with Kees and also use AVG 6...
Feb 28, 2004 12:32AM PST

How do you uninstall manually? And, after uninstall, would running RegClean take care of the remains in the registry?

I assume the updates (reference files) are also free, right?

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Re:Re:Agree with Kees and also use AVG 6...
Feb 28, 2004 1:12AM PST

Onefinger,

Sorry if I am unclear. I intended to comment to mean after you have uninstalled Norton by Add/Remove in the Control Panel that remnants are still left in the "Registry". Symantec and Norton are noted for leaving all kinds of junk after uninstall of their software. I am not completely sure about RegClean but do not think it will take the remains out. I use RegClean but just never thought about or tried it. To manually delete them you need to edit the registry and delete the Norton items. If you are inexperience with editing the registry be careful and make a backup of the registry first. Might be best to just leave it.

Yes everything about the AVG 6 is free including the reference updates.

HTH

Glenn