Expert: James Filmer - 12/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: I was using norton internet security 2009 with no problems and recently downloaded norton internet security 2010. I play games on pogo.com an online game site. This site uses Java for most of their games. Since downloading 2010 these games are running erratically. Is there any settings in 2010 I can change to fix this problem.

ANSWER: Charles,
I believe the best thing you can do is be a part of the discussion here:

http://community.norton.com/norton/board/message?board.id=nis_feedback&message.i

It's obviously Norton, so they're the only ones who have the expertise to resolve the problem.

If you haven't already, remove any old versions of Java and reinstall (or install) the newest version.

You could also try repairing Norton through Add Remove Programs - instead of uninstalling, choose Repair.

Or, uninstall and reinstall Norton - removing all previous Norton files using a temp cleaner like CCleaner.com, before reinstalling.

The thing is, 2010 is so new there's almost no history of instabilities or incompatibilities yet, and Full Security Suites like Norton aren't compatible with all online games or software.

If it's not Java or something unstable about your Norton installation, it's likely some "tweak" in configuration, like disabling some security feature. However, again because it's so new, you may be the first to resolve the problem by trial and error.

If you try any of the above, let me know the outcome.

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

QUESTION: Thank for the quick response. I have tried all of the above incluing norton support. They have not been able to figure it out either.

Answer
Could you provide any additional info related to "running erratically"? If you mean sporadic Web access, you might try the WinSock XP Fix utility: http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html?

If you try it, be sure to read the instructions carefully.

For some discussion about Pogo games see: http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/pogo.com/summary/
and
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070925073815AA1XurK

it could also be Norton picking up something from Pogo previously undetected:
See BadgeBabe's post: though 2 years old, there could be a slight chance of undetected spyware: http://www.pogocheats.net/forum/index.php/topic,31256.0.html

You could try a different browser (links to the most popular are on enrgy21.com/computertips).

You could try adding another anti-spyware application because Norton may not detect all.
Spybot Search and Destroy, a-squared, SuperAntispyware and Malwarebytes (free and paid versions) can be found on enrgy21.com, but not yet known if any conflict with Norton 2010. There's Windows Defender too: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

Or, it might be a misplaced Pogo or related entry in your Hosts File. If you don't know how to access it or what to look for, you might get involved in the discussion here: http://community.norton.com/norton/board/message?board.id=nis_feedback&message.i since Tim Norton Forums Administrator Symantec is posting about 2010.