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How can I fully remove Norton Antivirus from my system?I've been having various problems working with chat boards and other sites, and a couple of people recommended to me that I remove Symantec's Norton Antivirus from my PC. That's fine, but I don't know exactly how to do that. Can you help me out? Generally, you remove applications by using the Windows utility for the task, but Norton Antivirus tends to get in a bit deeper into the system, so it's tricker to remove it completely. Here's how you can do that:
The next step is trickier: go into the Registry.
That should completely eradicate Norton Antivirus from your system! Note: Symantec offers an uninstaller for NAV (Norton Antivirus) 5.0/2000/2001/2002/2003 which they say removes Norton from your Program Files and the Registry, but commentary on various discussion boards suggests that it might not work too well. My thanks to David Rice, webmaster of PC1Stop, for his help with the details of this answer.
Update! There's more to it with the latest version of Norton, so I have a completely new article to help you out. Please see: How to FULLY remove Norton Antivirus Utilities from your PC, Take II.
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(Article 4693,
Written by Dave Taylor)
Tagged: nav, norton, norton antivirus, remove norton Previous: Sirius versus XM: What's the better satellite radio network? Next: Change default font size in NotePad? Reader Comments To Date: 155Tom Teets said, on March 11, 2006 8:06 PM:
Hi Dave. I'm not a computer wizard but i can help myself a bit. I just came across your info on "how can I fully remove NAV from my system". After reading it I was tempted to try it but then I got scared and thought I better talk to you first. I've been trying to remove NAV2004 from my system but every time I try (add/remove programs), (system restore), etc. I get this message: The NAV option file is corrupt or missing. Please reinstall NAV. I've tried this about 50 times without any luck. When I try using the disc I get a "previous install or uninstall detected. Restart and launch again. Brian Lamb said, on May 29, 2006 4:43 AM:
I got a bug somehow which destroyed Norton Antivirus 2005. A scan with another AV showed many infected files within Norton. I have followed the steps and removed Norton as far as possible but on Word and Excell I still get the following messge when trying to open files "Norton Antivirus 2005 does not support the Repair Feature, please uninstall and reinstall". This I cant't do as I bought Norton of the Internet and would have to re-purchase! I don't intend to spend more money as Norton was a waste of time. B. J. said, on July 6, 2006 5:16 PM:
Dear Dave ~ I have been in touch with Symantec twice in order to get Norton off my computer...They never do what they say they're going to do. I was supposed to receive a disc in the mail from Symantec (never received it), then I was supposed to receive info on removing Norton by e-mail...did not receive it. They just out and out lie about what they say they're going to do. So now that I've told you that...I now have both Norton and McAfee on my computer...so I just keep getting a pop-up that says that ihhknpc.exe wants access to the internet. I think this is a virus. So I keep hitting block all access. I spoke w/AOL and (who recommended the McAfee security system) but they forgot to tell us that we need to remove all previous virus protection...you guessed it...Norton. I've tried removing Norton once but the pop-up continues. My question for you is...if I follow your instructions to remove Norton, could this pop-up ruin my computer and I'll lose everything??? I'm a little nervous since I can't seem to trust anything Symantec/Norton says...and I'm not so sure of AOL or McAfee either. Thanks for your help. Crazy (from all this) BJ Allen Gange said, on September 12, 2006 11:43 PM:
I came here via Google search re unable to uninstall/reinstall Norton System Works 2003. I have heard this is a known problem & widespread. When I uninstalled via ADD/REMOVE I found LOADS of Norton/Symantec throughout my system. Followed by attempted reinstall, and final uninstall. Same problem: partiaal uninstall & popup stating program was already installed. I then used Windows Explorer throughout system, followed by Reg 1st Aid search for any key, value, or data with either Symantec or Norton. Neil said, on September 19, 2006 9:14 PM:
I have the same problem as Brian Lamb, wherein I recieve a "Norton AntiVirus does not support the Repair Feature, please uninstall and reinstall" message when I open certain programs like Excel and Word or any programs under Microsoft Office. There is also a second separate window which opens up under it stating "Please wait while Windows configures Norton 2005." I've followed your quick little guide listed above but I am still recieving these messages despite there being no files left-over searchable under 'Norton' or 'Symantec' as well as deleting entries in the registry. The windows go away after hitting OK several times. Saif said, on November 5, 2006 10:45 PM:
Dear Sir, When i am going to remove symantec antivirus from control panel at all & it is showing error that fattel error has occured. so please suggest me how to remove the same. Furious & Frustrated said, on November 10, 2006 5:05 AM:
I was searching for the best value for my money for virus protection last night when my Norton expired. Before re-upping with them I wanted to see what else was out there. Well, I chose a different system and proceeded to install it. It told me that components of Norton were still installed on my pc and were incompatible with their system. My only option was to disable their component, which was the virus scan. Duh, that's exactly what I wanted on my pc!!! I followed your instructions to the letter to remove Norton, but one component remains. It is the Norton2003 that I initially had installed several years ago. In order to remove this, I am told I need the CD, but I had done an online download, no CD involved or ever in my possession. HELP!!! Now I have no virus protection, not even the new system I paid for and I am FURIOUS that Norton would try to force us to renew with them by digging so deep into our systems. Can you help me remove this pest??? Jodi DeMarrow said, on November 16, 2006 3:18 PM:
Dear Dave - I've gone through all of your steps to remove the Norton and Symantec software from my machine but still can't get a few files deleted. When I try to delete them it says that I need "authorization". I even had Microsoft on the line and they couldn't remove the files either. What do you suggest? Are there any other programs that I can purchase for protecting my pc? Thanks much, Lawrence Gilbert said, on November 19, 2006 3:53 PM:
I tried everything previously, but this instruction seemed to work! One point to note is that when doing step 6, the two entries that I had to delete under that step (in the RUN folder) didn't have "symantec", they had "NAV" in their description. NAV being "Norton Anti Virus". One was the oscheck program. Unless that is deleted, it keeps trying to do it on start-up. Thanks Dave. Reid Nunn said, on December 2, 2006 11:06 PM:
OK...I have a commercial solution if the things that should be free fail. $20 beats reformatting hard drive to get rid of Norton. http://uninstall-norton.com. Does not bother windows primary keys, completely cleans Norton from directory files and registry entries. 100% money back guarantee if not 100% satisfied. Rizwan said, on December 7, 2006 2:37 AM:
I have the same problem as Brian Lamb, wherein I recieve a "Norton AntiVirus does not support the Repair Feature, please uninstall and reinstall" message when I open certain programs like Excel and Word or any programs under Microsoft Office. There is also a second separate window which opens up under it stating "Please wait while Windows configures Norton 2005." I've followed your quick little guide listed above but I am still recieving these messages despite there being no files left-over searchable under 'Norton' or 'Symantec' as well as deleting entries in the registry. The windows go away after hitting OK several times. Jerry, said, on December 12, 2006 12:54 PM:
Hi Dave, I see the files you're talking about (Common Files and Symantec) in my Program Files. My question is, is it safe to delete these files? vishu said, on December 21, 2006 3:47 AM:
How can I remove the virus because every time when I click some where ion pc it says " Please wait while windows configuring symentec antivirus.." please do the needful.. thanks n regards Ryan said, on December 29, 2006 7:33 PM:
The partial install issues (especially as pertain to MSIE and Office) tend to happen because the registry has not been properly cleaned. In particular, you will need to search for the following key in the registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Symantec.Norton.AntiVirus.IEToolBand\CLSID Copy and paste the default value for this (for NAV2005, it should be {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} or similar). Find all Keys, Values and Data which match this CLSID, and reboot. This will remove the Norton AntiVirus toolbar from all programs which call explorer.exe and should remedy the MSIE/Office error messages. Disclaimer: Editing your registry can be extremely dangerous. Only proceed if you're sure of what you're doing! -If you're bored and/or thorough, this can be repeated for all Symantec.* keys in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT to completely remove registration information (in particular, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Symantec.luProductReg* and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Symantec.luProductReg*), which may affect your ability to perform LiveUpdate after a reinstall.
Marshall said, on December 31, 2006 6:44 PM:
When running the symantec uninstall as well as the change/remove program I get "live update is running, please stop and retry". I have uninstalled live update and tryied to shut it down but still get this message, any help?? Mick said, on January 3, 2007 11:06 AM:
Hello Dave, Anyway thanks for the advice everyone. Cheers. Mick Whitney W. said, on January 5, 2007 10:08 AM:
Thanks! I have been getting a message when I turn my computer on, saying windows cannot find C:\Progra~1\Symantec\LIVEUP~1\LUSetup.exe. I've been trying to get it off but nothing worked until I found your steps. It finally took it off when I deleted it out of the registry, but it took a little bit of searching. Larry P said, on January 20, 2007 5:58 PM:
You can also go to the Semantic Website and search for Norton Removal Tool. It still leaves some items but it does work. I used it to remove NAV2006 and after removal AVG installed properly. PC-cillin did not install at all. PC-cillin gave install errors. John said, on January 28, 2007 10:26 AM:
Dave, Can I delete these registry entries safely? It appears there are a lot of programs on the "data" side of this entry. And, if deleting these final entries doesn't solve the problem, what can I do to the Windows Security Center to convince it that Norton IS is completely off the hard drive? Thanks, Rich said, on February 5, 2007 10:07 AM:
hello dave Rupinder said, on February 11, 2007 4:17 PM:
hi
Tyson said, on February 13, 2007 10:09 PM:
Hi Dave, I have a doosey! I needed to reinstall XP using CD that came with laptop. Without me realising - I ended up with 2 x XP operating systems. I followed another website instruction to delete the second system by going to 'start/control panel/system/advanced/startup recovery/edit - then deleting 2nd line in text & resaving. So I then tried to install Nortons on my 'new' operating system using CD that came with laptop. Now errors come up stating that it cannot install program. I tried deleting folders with Norton like you suggested but cannot delete folders. I also noticed C: drive memory capacity is diminished making me believe the other installed operating system is still there containing Norton programs. I am sure others have had problems when they have ended up with 2 x XP operating systems. XP CD is misleading because the wording makes it seem like you are updating only, not installing a separate system. So now I have no antivirus! Help! Kevin Hall said, on February 14, 2007 1:58 AM:
I was installing BT Broadband - fine. The prompts asked us to delete the Anti-Virus we previously used - done that. After installing the new anti-virus, firewall etc, it said that we need to delete the Norton SupportWorks in order to download the new anti-virus (which I had already done)& delete Norton Firewall to download Norton Firewalltm. I followed the prompts to delete the above - but found no trace of Norton anywhere? As you can probably tell I'm not really computer minded - can anyone advise me please? Kathleen said, on February 14, 2007 4:01 AM:
Hello Dave We have just had our PC repaired, the hard disc being re formatted and in the process our Norton anti virus seems to be lost. How on earth do we get it back,having only just renewed it and so are reluctant to pay again. No virus protection at all now and can find no way of getting in touch with Norton. Would be very grateful for advice please Kathleen George Alpert said, on February 14, 2007 5:13 PM:
To remove NORTON, get the removal tool http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/sharedtech.nsf/ Jim G said, on February 15, 2007 11:42 AM:
My advice to you - dont bother with norton, its more trouble to remove than the viruses it claims to prevent. Their customer support is (for want of a better word) about as useful as a chocolate teapot. The main problem with the uninstall is the files in common files. Get F-secure, hastle free, pro quality virus protection and removal. Norton are awful, just google it and youll find a myriad of people with the same problems. RonC said, on February 15, 2007 6:15 PM:
I have been in touch with Symantec also. Mike said, on February 16, 2007 5:55 AM:
Go here, or search for "Norton removal tool" Elizabeth said, on February 18, 2007 12:29 AM:
What is the problem uninstalling Norton Anti-Virus???? Taylor said, on February 25, 2007 8:41 PM:
Stop WHINING. If you can't follow the directions on the registry removal steps, then you are hopeless. Move your files someplace else, fdisk the drive and reinstall the OS. Its a good idea to do this every year or so anyway. If you can't handle either of the above, just give up... and Linux is worse, but getting better. As soon as it gets a majority of the desktops out there - Katie bar the door! - open source will prove unprotectable, the flaws will be in plain sight. No thing made by man will ever be perfect. stef said, on March 1, 2007 6:00 PM:
WOW! thanks for the step-by-step! It worked great! Ron A said, on March 2, 2007 1:44 PM:
Hi Dave, I have a Norton "problem" but only partially. I have both Norton SysWorks2006 and NortonPersFirewall 2006 both installed on my PC, listed as separate programs. I fell into their auto renewal trap a couple weeks ago with the Firewall program ONLY for some reason (so they could get more $ out of me I guess),and the AV part of SysWorks is up for renewal SEPARATELY now ( at $50 ! ), although I purchased both as a package originally! Since the Firewall is paid up for another year and it seems to work well, can I remove only the AV part of SysWorks2000 by using the change programs/modify function of my XP system, or do I have to remove it all, even the PersonalFirewall? I want to install the new FREE AVG antivirus package instead, but don't need any lingering Norton interference. Any other recommendations would be great.Thanks! Everett Sullivan said, on March 16, 2007 3:04 PM:
hi Dave, Liz said, on March 19, 2007 7:59 PM:
I just wanted to thank you, this work like a charm. I followed your steps in addition to using Registry Mechanic and running a search on my pc and my registry a few times. Thank you! Jax said, on March 20, 2007 5:31 PM:
Hi Dave, Max said, on March 24, 2007 11:01 AM:
I enjoy your blog. I want friends to your site and let us change references, my site - http://nohtv.com , send an email to max@asax.info rahul said, on March 27, 2007 4:36 PM:
i can't install norton 2007. it says pl reinstall norton 2007 . when 20% is over. i have original cd & key generator. even i have installed in my friends pc . but it didnt install mi my pc since i have tried a lot. thanks in advanced. sara said, on March 28, 2007 12:45 AM:
This was really helpful, and so much of Norton is gone that I could never have found myself. THANKS! However, there are still about 142 files that turn up in a "norton" search that are undeletable! It just says "nothing to do" (weird error message, eh?) and I click OK and the file stays. These are files from a failed attempt to install Norton Antivirus 2007, and the last part of their little address is "temp." How to eliminate these last little pests??? yashwant said, on March 30, 2007 7:42 AM:
I was reinstalling norton 2005 without uninstalling my trial version, now there is a conflict. Now i am unable to reinstall or uninstall norton from my system. whenever i try to install norton 2005 it displays a message that that previous version is already installed and whenever i try to uninstall it i am unable to do so. pierre said, on April 4, 2007 9:11 PM:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005103109480139 Here it is. I couldn't activate the Norton after removing it from the "remove program", but that's because of the registry too needs to be deleted and that's by going to the Symantic site and using their software. You see Rogers has not rights too post these instructions on their site. Well it should work now. Mike said, on April 17, 2007 11:19 PM:
Could you help please. I have deleted Norton thru the standard Windows Vista 32 software removal method. I have then used Norton Removal Tool to clean out what is left. However, Norton is still showing as a Firewall option beside the standard Windows Firewall. How do I get rid of this Norton firewall option? EVELYN said, on April 21, 2007 11:02 PM:
message said to uninstallACT! OR WINFAX BACKUP THOSE DAtabases and uninstallthese products . where do I FIND THESE? FOR 2006 EVELYN said, on April 26, 2007 11:44 AM:
thanks for all your help,still haven't found WinFax on my search or act! HOW DO I BACK UP REGISTRY? Jim Homyak said, on April 30, 2007 3:32 PM:
Symantec Tech Support can/will send you a utility they call NoNav 2.6 and it will completely remove everything related to all aspects of Symantec Products. NoNav will remove NAVCE and Symantec AV version 4,5,7,8,9,10,SCF,SSC,SCS 1.x - 3.x and AMS from the filesystem and registry. After you are done using that, it's like the PC never had any of their programs loaded. It's best to use this if you are changing to another AV vendor, and if you don't like going into your registry. Tiny said, on May 4, 2007 4:15 AM:
Hi Dave My friend has got Norton Antivirus and we have been trying to uninstall it, it is not in add or remove programs, in the start tray all we can do is to delete the shortcut to it.Have you got any answers Jackie1969uk said, on May 12, 2007 11:03 AM:
You can use nortons uninstaller program for free here. arame said, on May 19, 2007 8:42 AM:
hi can u tell me how can i removing norton please for now please ??? Michael said, on May 19, 2007 11:22 PM:
Dave, I am running Windows XP Ver 5.1.2600 on an HP Pavilion Entertainment PC. Supposed to be media enhanced XP. Tried to follow your instructions for removing NAV so I could install NOD32. However, NAV did not appear on the Add/Remove Software list under Control Panel (hidden somehow?). So I used the Norton removal tool from the Symantec website. After restarting the computer it returns you to their website to reinstall their software. Instead, I canceled Explorer and installed NOD32. Afterwards I could not connect to the Internet; my IP address would not renew. It seems like Symantec did some sabotage for not reinstalling (buying) their product. Any suggestions? Anita Rowlands said, on May 20, 2007 7:52 AM:
I signed up to renew Norton in late March. The $47.98cost was noted on my charge card in early April. But I am haressed by Norton/Symantec pop-up's that say my computer is "in danger" because I have not renewed. YET, any phone number that they show to call is bogus...either it's not a source to help with a complaint or the number doesn't exist. What can I do? This certainly is not legal.. Ginger said, on May 31, 2007 2:32 PM:
I tried your steps and when I got to searching for Norton on your first step "6" I encountered a problem on reboot. A black screen came up saying Windows was unable to load properly and listed options for safe mode, last known good configration, and start windows normally, etc. No matter what I clicked, it tried to reboot and then just had a problem somewhere and came back to that screen. I think I might have deleted something after searching for Norton that I wasn't supposed to but I don't know what. I decided to shut it down for a while and come back to it later. It started up again after a few hours but now the windows task bar is not blue anymore, it's white and doesn't look 3D anymore at all. The computer runs ok now but it's still not perfect and I believe that it's not fully stable. I had reinstalled Norton Systemworks because I was trying to avoid renewing (didn't work, still 0 days left). Installed Norton 360 last night and it happened again. I'll see what happens after I get home from work today and try to start it up. Any thoughts? eileen wadsworth said, on June 4, 2007 3:34 AM:
to install norton 2007 should i uninstall 2006 InF3XioN said, on June 7, 2007 8:26 AM:
Hi Dave, sanjeeva said, on July 5, 2007 7:13 AM:
how to remove my system symantec AntiVirus 2004 and I want Symantec AntiVirus 2004 Enterprise free edition 2004 down load vaasu said, on July 28, 2007 9:35 PM:
i have been trying to uninstall NAV because my system started restarting continusly each time i try to scan my system using NAV.i have uninstalled it from add or remove programs.but still the NAV is running.I have not been asked to restart my system after using the add or remove programs option.shall i continue with your further steps of deleating directly from the program files folder?i am scared to do so because my system may suddenly get stuck.can you help! Jack Johnson said, on August 4, 2007 12:47 PM:
The final step should have been to purchase and install McAfee because Norton sucks. I don't know how many people I have talked to with these types of problems with Norton. Ebua said, on August 28, 2007 2:00 AM:
I want to delete a software from my pc but is refusing. I understand that they might be some changes in my pc due to the fact that I upgrade from win98 to winxp and somewhere along the line Norton Antivirus became corrupted. I wanted to install this time kaspersky. So to uninstall Norton is a problem for me and kaspersky can not proceed because of the presence of Norton. So how do I remove Norton permanently from my pc kevin said, on September 2, 2007 5:16 PM:
i also have many symantec entries under hkey_classes_root... should i delete them too? norma said, on September 3, 2007 4:23 PM:
Dave, I have the same problem as evryone that writes to you, anyway when I click on add/removr I get the following: Error 1316. A network error occurred while attempting tot read from the C:\Windows\ Installer\Symantec AntiVirus.MSI. Say what? I don't have a symantec cd, never have. Thank You Norma pam said, on September 11, 2007 4:01 PM:
have you heard of ntl netgaurd it is internet security from my int supplier and i want to remove it to get something else but ti just says error dustin said, on September 11, 2007 10:00 PM:
I have the same problem as Brian Lamb and Neil. Norton 2006 came with my computer as a trial version but their uninstall feature did not work. I tried manually deleting it. The result is when I search for Norton files, folders and files come up, bt they "cannot be located on disk" and I can't delete them. I am asked to re-insert my disk or do other things to resolve why I can't delete them (some sort of read error on the part of the computer or something. Ultimately, my only problem is this annoying window that goes away after 4-5 times of pressing ok. How do I resolve this? Thank you, maulik said, on September 16, 2007 10:16 AM:
what all this long discussions means? just download norton removal tool... it will remove all norton products from ur computer gottta said, on September 21, 2007 3:50 PM:
the complete removal of norton mentioned above works....i tried it. JACKIE said, on September 22, 2007 4:05 PM:
IF YOU WANT TO ROMOVE NORTON JUST GO TO THEIR WEBSITE AND DOWNLOAD THE REMOVAL TOOL!!!! ashley said, on September 23, 2007 7:44 PM:
I've downloaded the removal tool and tried it. It tells me to remove it through add/remove programs first. If i try to do that, the windows installer feature pops up telling me to insert a disc i don't have...and I've had many problems with this. For instance, every time i try to right click on something on my desktop, the windows installer box pops up and tells me to insert a disc. I wasn't even trying to mess with the anti virus! Then after four or five times of clicking cancel it goes away.... what is going on? Somebody help me! Rich said, on October 9, 2007 11:57 AM:
When I try to remove/uninstall norton antivirus 2001 I get a message stating The Log File c/ProgramFiles?\/Navnt/navny.iso is not valid or data has been corrupted.Uninstallation will not continue. I need to remove this as I installen 2007 version and now computer is running slow. Any Help on removing this jon said, on October 29, 2007 2:55 AM:
thanks for your step by step for removing norton anti-virus. did all your steps and removed 99.9%. cathy said, on November 6, 2007 5:35 PM:
Tried to follow step by step directions. My computer does not have a control panel when I go to start. I can find the remove/add but then it asks for authorized system needs to remove program. Help. I want to delete Norton because my computer is so slow now. Help. Bill said, on November 30, 2007 6:57 PM:
The first line of every good virus written today has a command that turns off symantec. It's harder to get rid of semantic antivirus then to write a virus that can get around it. MS said, on December 1, 2007 8:21 AM:
Hi, I have tried every method by somehow can remove Norton from my computer, as everytime I want to do it, it comes as start MSI. Pls advise. Bits said, on December 5, 2007 6:46 PM:
where does norton antivirus stores its product key? Ian Robinson said, on December 12, 2007 8:36 AM:
MS at December 1, 2007 8:21 AM asked: where does norton antivirus stores its product key? Some Norton software requires the product key to remove it. See this web page which discusses where in the registry you can turn off the need to have the product key to uninstall: A brief summary is: navigate to the following key. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ In that key make sure the two following values "LockUnloadServices" and That takes care of the password asking problem. Kay Owens said, on January 2, 2008 12:18 PM:
Dear Dave, maxon said, on February 1, 2008 5:49 AM:
is it ok to install norton antivirus 2005 on my ney hp pavilion laptop? edward craig said, on February 7, 2008 7:25 AM:
I have been charged a renewal fee that is not correct. Who do I contact to remove? Wilma Johnston said, on February 19, 2008 12:39 PM:
I have gotten your CD to install 2008. But I can't get it downloaded. It tells me that I must have 2007 first. I did, so what is the problem? Also you have charged me twice for the Please help! Wilma Johnston Larry said, on February 25, 2008 7:41 AM:
This is a very helpful tutorial. It's bad that they keep Norton files on your computer even if you uninstall it. Larry Stambaugh Daygan said, on February 28, 2008 2:10 AM:
Just want to say thanks for the very helpful advice! Natasha said, on March 30, 2008 4:25 PM:
I can't delete as you suggested Symantec from the Common Files folder or Norton Antivirus from the Program folder. I get this error "Cannot delete ScrAuth.dll: Access is denied. Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use." I need to get rid of Norton from my PC as I was trying to install a new Anti-virus product and until I get rid of Norton Antivirus I have no way of installing this new product. Norton came already on my pc and I just can't get rid. It doesn't appear on the add/remove program list but is on the C:drive in Program folder. Please can you help. Mike said, on March 30, 2008 9:11 PM:
All you have to do is go here http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2007080716174339?Open&docid=2005033108162039&nsf=tsgeninfo.nsf&view=docid and click download.It's as simple as that.There's no need to mess with your registry.It only works with Internet Explorer though.Good luck. Sandy Cunin said, on April 10, 2008 8:14 AM:
Just to let anyone know who has removed or cancelled their Norton. Keep an eye on your bank account. We cancelled ours over a year ago. This week we received a charge for 63.89 for an automatic renewal. Keep in mind this service was cancelled through Norton over a year ago by phone-we did receive a refund at that time. However now we are faced with trying to ge this amount refunded while talking with someone in New Delhi. There is an office in California but they will not release the phone number. so keep an eye on you bank account and credit cards-just because the service has been removed it doesn't mean they won't charge you for it. Elena said, on April 12, 2008 11:26 AM:
Hello there. I have more or less the same problem as you guys. I've been looking for a solution, but was unable to find one. I would appreciate if you could help me guys. Sai said, on May 31, 2008 1:31 AM:
Hi Dave ThanQ very much. It worked for me. U R THE LEGEND. Regards, Elton said, on June 22, 2008 8:36 AM:
Hey it is so helpfull.thanks you are the only one to solve this. neyi said, on June 27, 2008 3:11 AM:
Dave, I have the same problem as Norma. When I click on the add/remove I also get the following: Error 1316. A network error occurred while attempting to read from the C:\Windows\ Installer\Symantec AntiVirus.MSI. What should I do? Thank you! =) rene castro said, on June 30, 2008 2:01 PM:
very nice instructions, detailed and such. worked excellent in removing expired Norton Sys Works 2006 from my brother's system. now, for all who do not have(or does not appear) norton in add/remove programs, all i did was get their little removal tool(yes i know how pesky it is) to do the job, then proceeded to erase the registry keys myself. it is completely safe to erase the registry keys so as long as you remove the ones he asks you to. as far as backing up the registry, 'tis a pretty simple task that can be done quickly. ~ go to run, type 'regedit' without 's of course. ~ once in the program go to file and click on export. ~ on the subsequent save menu, make sure the bullet "all" is selected, not the "selected branch" one. ~ specify a file name and location for the backup and click ok. i hope this information was useful to anyone, if not, well. D: Bjclark said, on July 13, 2008 12:41 PM:
Hi! I'm a novice who is trying to protect her machine. Will these programs all running at the same time do it? Avira AntiVir hisham said, on August 1, 2008 8:28 AM:
have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts BILL said, on August 23, 2008 5:16 AM:
My norton is password protected and I don't have it. How do I remove it. Paul Freer said, on August 27, 2008 6:59 PM:
I just want to say thanks, with deleting Norton and Symantic the way you advised it fixed word 2007. Thanks again. Paul Freer david said, on August 28, 2008 1:53 PM:
Hi Dave, I tried the steps, out lined in this article to remove norton anti-virus. The problem is that there is a reference to symantic and norton still in my system. As a result my computer will only start in safe mode. how do I down load the removal tool so that i may make a disc out of it ??? Jenny said, on October 9, 2008 6:20 PM:
Go to norton.com ....in the search box type Norton removal tool .......just download it and it should remove every aspect of norton on your computer......good luck Kim said, on October 25, 2008 12:18 PM:
Your Norton cleaning recipe fixed what I thought was an XP network problem. I had removed Norton, but parts of it were still clinging to life and disabling incoming and outgoing traffic, including pings! Thanks. Ash said, on October 25, 2008 6:47 PM:
Thank you so much! I followed all the steps and it worked very well; very easy to understand. The only thing I would add is that if you run into error messages when trying to delete files, try downloading a utility like Unlocker and you should be able to delete them without a problem (just google "unlocker"). I still need help though!!!! After completing all the steps I installed Avast as my new virus protection software. I am STILL getting error messages from Avast about Symantec being installed on my computer, even though I can't find it anywhere. There must still be a couple of references buried even deeper. Any thoughts...? (my situation was systemworks 2003 on vista) Chito Dela Torre said, on November 23, 2008 8:37 AM:
Please advise how to remove the white web page from my desktop or computer screen. It has been there since Nov. 12, 2008. It occupies one-sixth of the screen. Since it has filled up the whole desktop area vertically, the buttons for exit ("X") could not be seen and therefore I could not use any to exit the web page. marek said, on November 30, 2008 5:16 AM:
This was great. Thanks. The main reason i wanted to remove it was to get rid of the product key. Norton automatically stores the key in a hidden registry file so that when you install it again it would automatically detect the key and install. Its a bit anoying but i suppose it stops piracy. The thread was: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Symantec every time you clicked on one of those sub keys, the product key pops up for a second and then disappears. I don't really know what symantec did there. hmmmm. All i do know now is that i can re-install Norton with a different product key. Nice P.Karthigayan said, on December 9, 2008 5:51 AM:
Dear Dave But, I think there is a mistake in your valuable direction as follows: "5. Click (+) next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" should read HKEY_CURRENT_USER instead. Please correct your webpage if I am correct just to help seekers like me. P.Karthigayan, Charles said, on December 16, 2008 4:57 PM:
Dave, I went to the 1st step of uninstalling Norton (Add/Remove programs, select Norton, hit "Change",) and there was a delay, then a setup error message saying "Setup has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience." What now? Thanks Stacy said, on December 21, 2008 7:04 PM:
I tried doing what you told me... however when I get to step 3, an notification will come out saying "An open Web browser window such as Internet Explorer or Firefox, has been detected which is preventing the process from continuing. Please close any open Window browser and start again." However, none of these apply to me, because I did what it said, and it still didn't work. Plus, since my computer type is window vista..will that apply to the steps. Sam said, on January 3, 2009 7:15 AM:
Hi Dave, I have Vista and Norton was pre-installed. And as the dude at Circuit City said, with only 1 GB, and Norton always running, PC is slow...even having cable internet. I have recently installed a version of Word...if I uninstall Norton, will word be affected? Thanks, in advance, to you...or anyone who has advice. Sam
I do have a comment, now that you mention it!Check This Out Too... |
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I hope that the person who wants to remove Norton Antivirus is going to install some other AV package. Using the Internet without some kind of AV protection is quite risky.