I've used Norton Utilities ever since Version 3.x and have never had any problems with it. I'm currently running the latest version on both a Windows 2000 workstation and Windows 98SE box without a hitch. Perhaps your disk had a few bum bits of data before the installation cossack...?
As far as AV goes, I use Norton AV with good effect. I used to use S&S International's Dr Solomon's which was also excellent.
Aq