Error - please help
 

My computer is showing error 3021.4 and reads as follows: Norton Antivirus was unable to start the Instant message scanner, it will be unable to scan the instant messanger downloads for infections. The advice they give on their site is uninstall Nortons and then re-install which I have done - still no joy. Please help. I know very little about computers, so please explain in layman terms.

Thanks. DQ

I would suggest uninstalling via the windows uninstaller, rather than any supplied with the program itself.

Then download and use something else - like Avast! (free). Not a fan of Norton here.

My experience with NAV hasn't been good. It crashed my machine, my daughter's, and several friends. AVG is free, works fine, and doesn't cause those problems. They all have AVG and are happy.

My daughter's machine crashed badly recently - all down to Norton. After I cleared it off the machine it has been fine and yes, she now has AVG also.

Oh! Her pooter runs much faster now! :ok:

Just a little caveat for those tempted by Frostbite's plug for Avast - certainly seems to be an effective program, but intrusive like you wouldn't believe!!
Constantly trying to dial home and complaining because I won't let it!!
Methinks AVG has the edge.

Jack, it's 'constantly trying to call home' (it doesn't dial) because it's checking for updates, which are issued on virtually daily basis.

If you don't let it update, there's not much point in having it!

Queen ... a couple of links you might read through ......

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...03120315224606

also .....

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/printthread.php?t=43732

updating seems to have solved it for 'myze' who had the same problem as you ....

is your 'Automatic update' set to "ON" ??

ps. I know lots of peeps who have run Norton products for years with no problems so don't throw in the towel :p

Wise man !!!! .... :ok:

update as soon as you log on and say every 4 hours or so ..... this can often be set to automatic with most good protection systems .... and rem we are talking about keeping every element of your protection system up to date ..... antivirus ... firewall ... spyware and adware ..... email .... etc etc .....

Frostbite and Hobie
Hmmm!! Paranoid or what?? OK, so there are some nasties out there but update EVERY 4 HOURS??? :mad:
I have just dumped Avast 'cos, for me, ten (yes, count 'em) attempts to log on, after already updating two hours before, is bonkers.
A secondary reason is the sudden appearance of a totally unasked-for program - Spyfalcon (or somesuch) together with a constant stream of adware warnings and dire threats of infection which can only be cured by downloading the full Skyfalcon at some immoderate price. That didn't happen pre Avast and hasn't recurred since dumping it.
Could well be that my 2+2 is making nonsense but I'll return to old faithful AVG and await the onslaught of the bogey-men:uhoh:

well I never thought about it like that :rolleyes: ....

but realistically, every 4 hours means once a day to most home users and if it's being done automatically I'm not sure you would even notice, except for a very brief message that tells you "Your system is up to date" ... :)

remember, a protection system that is out of date is almost as bad as not using one .... :{

You must be getting some sort of special treatment there, Jack!

I have never known Avast update more than once in the same day, and had never even heard of Skyfalcon until I saw it in your post.

edited to say: Perhaps it's a virus that has slipped through because you haven't allowed Avast to update?

that's what 'Spyfalcon is all about .... :hmm:

I am aware that Symantec/Norton have it in their Detection hit list

Hmm...... I've been using Avast successfully since having to scrap AVG because after a certain update it started to cause my fully updated winXP Pro to crash towards the end of the boot-up process.

My computer stays on for about 13 hours a day and I've never noticed Avast updating itself except to note that it always appears to be fully updated when I check. It has found the odd virus - usually in my explorer temp file and has inserted itself nicely into Outlook (not express) preventing me even from seeing any text in the one or two infected e-mails I receive every day.

I have certainly never heard of Skyfalcon before, but if it is anything to do with Avast, maybe my copy of AdWatch which you can get as an addon to Adaware has kept it out. I see it's icon on my toolbar glowing red from time to time.

P.P.

This link may be of interest to anyone who has picked up SpyFalcon recentlyhttp://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic43659.html