My computer is running really slowly, Norton AV (2004) keeps turning off and Live Update doesn't work anymore. I'm afraid I have a virus or spyware. I have always kept Norton AV and Spybot up to date with regular scans. But, since these problems started, I installed and ran AVG and AVG antispyware with no results. I was going to just uninstall Norton and go with AVG, but it doesn't show up in my Add or Remove Programs list. The Norton error messages are popping up every 5 minutes and driving me NUTS!! The symantec website is no help. What should I try next?
Update — I tried Stinger, in safe mode with system restore points disabled, and it didn't catch anything. I also tried downloading the Norton removal utility and couldn't do it. I went to my MIL's computer and downloaded it to a CD, came home, and found out there is now something wrong with my CD drive (device manager says bad driver ?!). Also reran Spybot and AVG in safe mode, nothing. I will keep trying to get the Norton AV removal tool on my computer…. but… any other ideas?
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4 responses so far ↓
1 The Phlebob // Apr 3, 2008
You almost certainly have some malware, and it's attacked Norton Antivirus. (I'm not sure LiveUpdate even works with NAV 2004, though. I think that version has dropped off Symantec's support list.)
I suggest you download the free Stinger utility from McAfee and run it in Safe Mode. Stinger's only purpose in life is to detect attacks on the major A-V programs.
It’s so good at it the publisher has had to change its name a few times to keep malware from defending against it.
I don't know if it can actually fix any damage done — you may have to reinstall Norton — but it should keep it from being re-disabled when you do.
Note that Stinger does not take the place of any other malware removers. You should still run them, probably also in Safe Mode.
Stinger also may not reverse everything the malware did.
To get into Safe Mode:
1.Log out and reboot your machine.
2.When the machine starts the reboot sequence, press the F8 key repeatedly.
3.Select Safe Mode from the resulting menu.
4.When the login screen comes up, log in as Administrator. By default, Administrator has no password.
5.The machine will continue booting, but the Windows desktop will look different. You won't be able to see the Internet, for instance.
6.When you're finished, log out and reboot back into normal mode.
Good luck.
2 jibbarjabar // Apr 3, 2008
To completely remove Norton products (which MUST be removed completely before installing any other A-V, such as your AVG.)
Download and run the Norton Removal Tool from the Norton / Symantec website.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
3 Patrick W // Apr 3, 2008
Download a free trial of Kaspersky, it will give you the option to Uninstall Norton's during it's installation.
The top rated Antivirus/Spyware suite by those who test antivirus programs (av-comparitives, virus.gr, etc) is Kaspersky
(I have used this to clean up machines that nothing else would work on.
you can download a 30 day free trial here.
http://www.download.com/3120-20_4.html?qt=Kaspersky&tag=srch&tg=dl-20
After cleaning up your computer I suggest buying it, if you can’t afford it then These 2 free tools will help you keep your computer clean ~ Patrick
Check out the video review below for the best free Antivirus program
The Top Rated Free Antivirus Program researched from those who test Antivirus programs (av comparatives, virus.gr, and other reviews including this video review) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhXZo3dHulc is
Avira Antivir http://www.download.com/Avira-AntiVir-PersonalEdition-Classic/3000-2239_4-10322935.html?tag=lst-1
Today you are in more danger from Spyware I Download, Install, Update and Run SuperAntiSpyware
http://www.download.com/SUPERAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html?tag=lst-2
( I used this to remove spyware and Trojans from a laptop that adaware would only detect but not get rid of ) It detected and removed everything
4 Dora Winburn // Jun 20, 2008
Please help me to find out why I do not have Norton Anti-Virus when I thought I did, and paid for it to be installed by credit card.
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