Expert: Brian Benosky - 5/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: Once in a while I get a virus on my computer that Symantec quarantines, but does not eliminate. Sometimes I must pay a local computer guru to eliminate the virus. A friend of mine told me about the web site www.freedrweb.com, in which you download their program and it will then check the entire hard drive for viruses, malware, etc. It will also eliminate anything it finds. The program is free and sounds too good to be true. I am afraid to download any program with which I am not familiar. I use Symantec AntiVirus, which I update regularly and always run Kerio Personal Firewall. Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Alan


There are two parts to your question which I will be happy to address.  First, the program on freedrweb.com, called CureIt, is legitimate, and happens to be a very good tool for removing malware.  In the past, I have recommended running it to clean infected computers, and it has performed the job admirably.  However, there is an even better free program, called Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.  It is, hands down, the best removal tool out there, free or for-fee.
The second part of your question which I need to address concerns the performance of Symantec.  I will give you my 'real world' opinion of this product: It is definitely not worth the money.  The first line of your question states: 'Once in a while I get a virus on my computer that Symantec quarantines, but does not eliminate.'  So you spend money on the program, then pay for updates (not cheap), then pay someone more money when the program does not work.  Unless you are Bill Gates, don't you think that you're spending too much, especially for a program that does not do what it says it should do?  
I have fixed hundreds, if not thousands, of computers of malware.  Be it in person or online in forums like this.  I will honestly tell you that the majority of infected computers have a Symantec program running.  Besides it's lack of protection, the program is very heavy on computer system resources.  Once uninstalled (which requires a special Norton Removal Tool), most folks can't believe how much faster their computer responds.  To replace it, I recommend the free Avast For Home AntiVirus program, which protects your computer better than Symantec, using less system resources in the process.  And I recommend that folks run a monthly scan with Malwarebytes, to double-check their security.
If you wish to read more about these programs, check out these links:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
If you ever need help removing malware, this AllExperts service is always free.  Volunteers such as myself are willing to assist you for nothing except a thank you (and a smile).  
Cheers!

Brian

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

QUESTION: Hi Brian,
Thanks for your prompt and very helpful and complete answer. I intend to take your advice regarding your 2 recommendations.  My follow-up question relates to the removal of the Symantec AntiVirus program. You say that I need a special Norton Removal Tool. What is this and how do I get it? I always thought that I could uninstall this, and other programs, from the PROGRAM FILES folder. Thanks again.
Alan

Answer
Hi Alan

The Norton removal tool is available directly from Symantec:
http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
From PCWorld:
"Some Norton products, especially its security suites, are notorious for being resource-hungry hogs, taking up far too much system resources and RAM. It can be tough to completely remove them, but this free tool from Norton does the trick. It's a good idea to copy down your product key before removing them in case you want to re-install."
I have found that if you uninstall the program using Add/Remove in the Control Panel, it will still leave traces behind, especially LiveUpdate, which continues to run in the background, even though the program is no longer on the computer.  So you can uninstall normally, but run the removal tool afterward to complete the process.
You are most welcome for the assistance, and if you need anything further, just ask.

Brian