anti virus software

[Jason Green]

Hi,

I am having a serious problem following a 'Live Chat' support session with Norton AntiVirus...

Last week I was invited to download a new version of Norton 360 v2.0 - and did. I then attempted to install the new release on my second PC, but was told I needed to buy a new 'Key' - which contravened their policy of 'Protection for up to three PCs'.

I subsequently deleted it and decided to buy a new disc from PC World. I then put the disc in, which couldn't be read. I tried another disc - and this too wasn't working. I then tried Norton's free 'Online Chat' facility which, having waited for 20mins in a queue of 30, resulted in the technician 'remotely fixing it'.
I then resumed control and he said it was 'driver conflict' between the Norton software that I deleted and the CD-ROM drive that rendered it unusable.

Anyway - it was then installed - but wouldn't scan!!!!

I went back to the 'Chat' and a new technician responded - after a queue of 30 - and deleted it remotely again. It then required a Restart - which went through - but then I couldn't log back on again!!

I tried the password countless times, the previous one, then I started getting red lines drawn on the screen highlighting the password textbox and forming words I couldn't really read. I tried again, then re-started - and still I cannot log back on again!!!!!

Each time I press Enter it says 'Cannot load profile', yet if I try an incorrect password it says 'Password is incorrect. I don't have a password reset disk either. Have I permenently lost the computer?

Please Help!! (by the way I am on the second PC and use Windows Vista)

[pressld2]

Hi Jason,

I'm afraid I agree with the every growing number of people who say that installing Norton Security (or McAfee for that matter) is worse than having a virus! It's way to greedy on system resources and far too intrusive.

I've just last week upgraded my home PC to a brand new Windows Vista machine and the very first thing I did after powering it one was remove Norton. I use Avast! Home Edition which is free, reliable, updated at least once a day (sometimes more) and doesn't hog system resources. You never know it's running unless it finds something.

Dave P.

[nightshade]

I have always had trouble with Norton, machine locking up freezing programs, so I use Kasperski instead

[glsammy]

I've built and maintain a number of machines and I wouldn't touch Norton with a barge pole. It causes more problems than it solves, as you've discovered.
The free utilities you can get, such as Zone alarm firewall and AVG Anti Virus are better than any commercial software I've seen. Better simply because I don't find they cause any conflicts, and they work.

[nightshade]

I think you will find that the old and new program have associations so that deleting the new will leave new code mixed with old routines so they do not work.
You would have to remove all the Norton program and start again, incidentely
there is a version of Kasperski callled Steganous which as far as I can see is the same program only cheaper both can be had as a free trial then you pay for a key if it is what you want

[FungiJohn]

I agree with everything said about Norton. It's a nightmare! ... It's why it's free on nearly all new machines!

To remove all traces of Norton, you need to run the Norton Removal Tool. Un-installing still leaves garbage on your system.

I would suggest AVG and Xoftspy .... Excellent!

John

[SilverW0lf]

I've never paid for an anti-virus program yet.

I always use AVG and that picks up all virus' that find my PC.

The only thing to be wary of with the free ones is when they tell you the new version of the software is out. It can often be less than obvious that there's also a new version of the free one as they want you to buy the "Premium Version"

[mbaldw]

Hi Jason,

does the 'Cannot load profile' message prevent you logging into Windows? Normally, XP will create a temporary profile if your existing one is damaged, which should at least allow you to log on. Failing that, and assuming you can't get into Windows to remove the offending Norton package, I'd try restoring the PC to 'last known good configuration'. Restart your PC and hit F8 and you should be presented with a number of boot options. If the options available you should be able to select the 'last known good configuration' or boot into Safe Mode and manually force a restore using rstrui.exe.

As others have said, it's worth looking elsewhere for your AV software. If you're looking for paid AV, I can recommend NOD32 - I have it installed on five machines and found it to be very good. In terms of firewalls, I'd recommend either Commodo Personal or Netarmor (both free).

Good luck!
Cheers,
Marc.

[helen253]

Buy a mac! You don't need to install any anti virus software as it's all already on there, any updates you need are done automatically with general software updates without needing to delete the originals. I've had a mac for three years and have been virus free (and hassle free) all that time....macs are the way forward.

[Ollie]

You probably don't want to hear this Jason as it's not going to solve your problem, but when you do get the PC up and running definitely dump Norton.

I run AVG anti virus and Zone Alarm firewall. No problems and both free.
Avast! Home Edition anti virus and Commodo firewall are another free combination that work well together.
Roger

[Jason Green]

Thanks for the responses! We have had to run a full system restore, having had to lose everything. Luckily I backed it up yesterday! I will change anti-virus software as well.

Thanks again!!

[NickCantle]

Originally Posted by helen253

Buy a mac! You don't need to install any anti virus software as it's all already on there, any updates you need are done automatically with general software updates without needing to delete the originals. I've had a mac for three years and have been virus free (and hassle free) all that time....macs are the way forward.

Excellent answer

[helen253]

Thanks Nick, probably not hugely constructive as far as OP's problem goes but I just couldn't help myself!

[NickCantle]

If you hadn't have said it, I would have been in there

[ron1863]

I've had 2 laptops in the past few months and both came with Norton 60 day free trial on them, the first thing I did was uninstall them due to bad experiences with it in the past.
I use Avast antivirus, which is free and has never caused me the slightest problem and provides antivirus updates virtually daily, without the user having to do anything.

[badger426]

Just to add a balanced view on this, I've used Norton for years without any problems. I currently use NIS 2008 which is excellent and light on resources, I have had good use out of them and will continue. I agee about using the Norton Removal Tool which you need to do even if you are going to install a new version of Norton.
Cheers,
Badger.

[RobinP]

Norton on XP was tortuous to say the least, now I've got a new PC with Vista and horror of horrors it's got a 60-day free trial version of NIS on it However, performance seems fine so maybe I'll stick with it for a while. Does anyone know if you can use the Norton Removal Tool on a trial version, it seems to imply you need a registration code to remove it.

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by RobinP

Norton on XP was tortuous to say the least, now I've got a new PC with Vista and horror of horrors it's got a 60-day free trial version of NIS on it However, performance seems fine so maybe I'll stick with it for a while. Does anyone know if you can use the Norton Removal Tool on a trial version, it seems to imply you need a registration code to remove it.

Hi Robin

The official Norton removal tool from Symantec will remove all files.

Norton just want you to register ... ignore it.

John

[Tricia]

I use Norton 360, it was on my first PC and I have never been sure whether the free ones would offer the same level of protection. McAfee comes free with my Broadband, I was going to change to that when the Norton runs out but now I am wondering if I would be better to go with one of the ones you mention here. Windows Defender would still run?

On my old laptop - which I only use occasionally when I want to use an XP program, I noticed that when I logged in Norton was okay but once it connected to the internet - autoprotect switched off. I have disabled the wireless internet on it so I am not on the internet without autoprotect. I went into the settings and ticked autoprotect but when I try and apply it - nothing happens. Seems like it has been disabled. I managed to do a scan without going on line but all it discovered was a low level spyware which it fixed.

Any ideas how to solve this? To get Norton support I would have to go on line and to be honest, I have never found Norton very helpful with problems and reading about the original poster's experience I am hoping I won't need to.

[badger426]

For good advice on both your questions, go tot Tech product reviews for cell phones, computers, MP3 players - CNET Click on tips and tricks and navigate your way to the help forums. It's great just like this site.
Cheers,
Badger.

[mbaldw]

Hi Tricia,

you might also find this link of some assistance.

Cheers,
Marc.

[Tricia]

Thank you - will check out both links.

[Dutchess]

I have only just come across this thread. And I thought it was only me that had trouble with Norton! Originally, I purchased online and had to update yearly (that was always a nightmare, never straighforward and always involving phone calls and helpcentres.) I am still running Norton Internet Security as I do not have problems with that, but uninstalled the Anti-Virus part as it was causing problems especially as I could not update it. So, like Jason, I went out and bought a cd hoping to re-install NIV anew, but I was not permitted (those conflicts again.) What a waste of money that was!

Now I have read through what people have said, when I have the time I shall get rid of the lot (pain in the b*m) and go back to AVG and Zone Alarm.

Cheers all,

D.

[Jason Green]

Thanks everyone, your help when I needed it was very much appreciated

I now have Kaspersky Internet Security, so far very good

Thanks.

[coasty]

Another late plug for AVG here . For years I have just used the free version