Missing Files, Moved Files

I've been attempting to rehabilitate an old laptop for my mom to use for email purposes, and I've had a hell of a time loading Norton for her. Apparently there are lots of missing files (and some moved files) in the old WIN 98 operating system, probably some resulting from my several attempts in the last few days to load Norton Systemworks 2005 (with integrated NAV). I have installed and uninstalled it several times, but have been unable to remove all of an old and non-functional standalone version of Norton Antivirus.

I can not find my old WIN 98 install disc, so I am considering trying a free debugger for WIN 98 online, hoping to fix the missing and moved files in my 98 operating system.

Am I totally crazy, or is there really a free debugger online that can actually fix my WIN 98 problems? (I've used the WinDoctor utility in Norton Systemworks several times, launching Utilities with the 2005 Systemworks install disc, but I still can't get the missing and/or moved files corrected.

And I can't get the old NAV program uninstalled.

A couple of times I managed to get 2005 SystemWorks installed (apparently), but the NAV part was non-functional and would not accept installation of the Norton antivirus updates downloaded with LiveUpdate, neither software updates nor updated virus definitions.

I'm thinking that's because my WIN 98 has some problems and also there are remnants of the old NAV still in the computer interfering with the new NAV. I have been unable to completely uninstall that old NAV program using Windows or using the 2005 Norton installation discs.

Without Norton virus protection working, I Obviously can't give it to Mom for email.

Any suggested free online debugger for 98?

And any suggestions for removing all of the old Norton Antivirus, so the integrated NAV in 2005 Systemworks will load properly and accept updates downloaded from Symantec with LiveUpdate?

 

Hi Harold,

Sorry you've been waiting so long. Think we need more information about the laptop; model, HDD size, memory etc.

Some thoughts: seems to me that NSW2005 is overkill, especially for an older machine with a probably small HDD. If it's running well offline, I'd suggest putting free zonealarm and a free antivirus (see 'Links' in my sig.)
If you don't have the CDs that came with the machine, I'd be afraid to monky with the OS 'cause if you have to reinstall you won't have the mobo drivers etc. I wouldn't trust a free online 'debugger'.

 

Thanks for the advice. I don't necessarily want NSW 2005 - would settle for just a NAV standalone.

I did finally find my 98 disc, but it won't re-install - it says an anti-virus program is detected. But I have unistalled Norton as best I can, with a less than perfect WIN 98 OS.

I think it's time to takre it to an expert who can wipe it clean, so I can re-install WIN 98 and NAV.

Thanks for the thoughtful help - it was worth a try to fix it myself. But after 3 days of diligent efforts and frustration, I'm ready to seek a professional.

Harold

 

Depending on the versions of Norton you may be able to find and use tools designed to remove or cleanup any uninstall dredge (leftovers) or manually remove as much as you can. Try looking through a few of these google hits as well as search help-net's archives of past posts. This subject/problem has come up a time or two and as I recall the struggles and solutions of those personal experiences have been documented.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=manually+uninstall+Norton&spell=1

Some windowsbbs hits:
http://www.google.com/search?source...en&q=site:www.windowsbbs.com+uninstall+norton

--Tired of fighting Norton?-----
You may have come to the best solution particularly since your passing the computer on to another less computer savvy person. Wipe it clean and install fresh. Remember to update this thing when done as an unpatched/un-updated win98xx is still full of mine fields, unless you desire constant communication from mom on a regular basis.

Also are you sure the virus protection, being detected on your attempt to install win98, is Norton? Could this be bios related virus protection? Although I'm reasonably sure it's Norton thats giving you your current headaches, I have to mention the Bios setting as this can also interfere with software installs and many can confuse the two.

 

If you're willing to tackle it...and save yourself some money...wiping it clean and reinstalling Win98 isn't all that difficult.

A detail tutorial on fdisking/formatting/reinstalling is on this page. Don't let the amount of verbage intimidate you. The author included a lot of details.

 

Agree with Miz. Think Ann nailed the problem. Go into BIOS and make sure any antivirus stuff is turned off.