Removing Norton
 

A dear friend, in the midst of the worst crisis imaginable, has had Norton free thing activated by a 'helpful' acquaintance. It now wants paying. I've said no, and can see the uninstall flag in the appropriate place, but have heard so many horror stories about it clinging on like blit to a shanket.

Can I rely on Programs and features, where Norton 360 is showing - uninstall - to zap it once and for all ?

A celeron running W7 home no doubt.

I hate Norton products. Every computer I've owned has had issues with them. I seem to remember I downloaded CCleaner and used the uninstall programme from within that to get rid this time, although I'm still on XP.

Go to Google and look for

Norton Removal Tool

Norton distributes this software to let you escape from their clutches. It worked for me. Pick the correct version :( The normal Windows Add/Subtract Programs does not do a complete removal.

Then after using the removal tool look through the entire c: drive for files and folders left behind by the "removal" tool and then trawl through the registry for every single reference to "Norton", "NAV", "Symantec" and "NIS" (if it's Norton Internet Security).

Unless things have changed since I last had to rip out a Norton Internet Security installation a couple of years ago, you will find the "removal" tool does NOT dio what it says on the tin.

This has a free version I have used successfully for years ...

After first running the applications built in uninstaller, it proceeds to search and remove all registry entries and all program files from the computer.

Just remember not to click on any restart now dialogues associated with the offending program's uninstaller, allow the Revo application to finish it's thing before any reboot.


Revo Uninstaller Pro - Uninstall Software, Remove Programs easily

I agree with hellsbrink - That "removal tool" is about as much use as a chocolate teacup.

The PC wot I am using at the moment is just over two years old, and came with Norton as part of the "package".
For various reasons, I "un-installed" Norton, and replaced it with my trusty AVG (which proceeded to find 5 viruses that Norton had missed).

Two years on and I am still finding files from f:mad:ing Norton scattered in the depths of my HDD...

I second Revo Uninstaller. But as Two_dogs pointed, out you must allow it to finish, and not click on any invitation to reboot given by Norton.

Dunno why everyone is so anti Peter Norton - I've been using
NAV for yonks with its free product upgrades and never had a
problem, provided one does the settings properly and not half
arsed. Clobbers potential problems before I even know there
is one.

Used it on W98, WXP and the missus's W7 without any prob.

BTW I hate W7. :yuk:

Not for nothing did Norton get fined a few million dollars in the states for trapping itself inside computers and screwing them up. Seems they may be up to their nasty tricks again. My sister had Norton and it slowed her pooter up no end. Took ages to get rid of it. Just don't forget the registry and looking for embedded files.

Oh goody. I'm not the only one. I thought I was.

That's opposed to DOS 6.22 is it? :}



I'm reading in every day, thanks everyone. Confirmed my fears. I'll set about friend's computer when she doesn't need it for a good while - just in case.

I'm using nowt but Security Essentials on my Vista Vaio. So far, so good, and thought I'd put that on her computer when it's clean.

However, the trouble is, if I make a backup DVD now, it will be burdened with Norton, so I guess I'll have to do that and then make another if the removal process looks okay.