Expert: Brian Benosky - 3/1/2008

Question
QUESTION: I’ve had Norton Corporate AntiVirus software on my computer for over 5 years.  I’ve finally decided to uninstall it and install the free version of AVG since it was so highly recommended.

But I am having trouble getting rid of Norton.  When I uninstalled Norton I received a fatal error but presumably the program still went to completion and uninstalled (I don’t know if I have to check further for files or just seeing that it is removed from my programs is enough).

I then removed Symantec LiveUpdate.  I got a message that other programs are using it and that I should uninstall them first, but I wasn’t able to find those programs.  So I just uninstalled Symantec LiveUpdate as well.

I still have an icon in my task bar for Norton Corporate edition and can still click on it to do a live update.  I’m not sure why that is possible and what I must do to uninstall the program completely (and maybe other files associated with the program) especially since it looks like the program has already been uninstalled.

I installed the free version of AVG.  I disabled the Norton icon (there's now a red circle around the yellow sheild).

I basically need help as I am not sure how to proceed.


ANSWER: Hi Steven

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles removing Norton.  You are not the only one who has had problems uninstalling this program.  Symantec has developed a tool to assist in the removal process.  Choose your version of Norton, then download and run the tool from this link:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
You may want to exit AVG during the removal process.  If you have any further questions, please let me know.

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Brian.  I may have a Norton Program prior to 2003 (which is the oldest removal program on the website from your link).

Below is what I could find out about the program I tried to delete.

I have Norton Corporate – Copyright 2000
Full Version:          7.60.926
License Type:          Server/Client Gold (mfg only)

How do I find out what year it is?



ANSWER: Hi Steven

I found the Symantec link for removing NAV 7.6:

How to uninstall Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition 7.5 and 7.6 client for Windows NT/2000/XP manually

http://service1.symantec.com/support/ent-security.nsf/854fa02b4f5013678825731a00

There's a whole list of things to remove, including registry entries.  Trust me when I tell you that if you ever need to uninstall AVG, you will not have to do it manually.  Good luck.

Brian


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Brian,

I really appreciate your quick response and great help.  Eventhough I've used computers all my life, working with registries and program files and keys is totally new, and somewhat intimidating for this 65 year-old.

The reason I started this process I'm going through is that I got the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).  After much trial and error I think I was able to create a check point that was as current as I could make it to be able restore my computer next time.

I'm now afraid to turn my power off because for the last week everytime I did and restarted I got the BSOD; and it always took a while for me to be able to restore the computer since previous check points that worked didn't work the next time I tried, and I had to go further back in time to find one that did.

The reason I'm mentioning all this is that I don't have any idea what to do about the BSOD that keeps reappearing.  I tried Googling for answers and for the codes I got, but that wasn't any help.

If you can help me in this area I'd really appreciate it.  Or if you know someone else at allexperts that you respect in that area, that would be helpful too.

Besides fixing the problem, my other issue is that a I purchased a number of my programs through a small company that has been out of business for over 3 years - and they loaded the programs into my computer.  Like the Norton Corporate anti-Virus program that I had, if I have to erase my hard drive to solve the BSOD problem I have no way of reloading those programs since I don't have the source discs.

Answer
Hello Steven

Usually, the BSOD is a result of hardware issues.  I can troubleshoot the codes if you like.  Just send me the error message along with the codes and I will see what I can do for you.  Don't feel intimidated by working with the registry.  All the warnings sound so ominous, but if you make a backup before you start, you should be fine.  Follow the steps below to backup individual entries in the registry, so that you will have a spare if you delete something wrong:

   * Click Start, and then click Run.
   * In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK
   * Locate and then click the key that contains the value that you want to edit
   * On the File menu, click Export.
   * In the Save in box, select a location where you want to save the Registration Entries (.reg)
   * In the File name box, type a file name, and then click Save.


Brian