XP SP2 Symantec error

Hi folks. I appreciate your kind attention and wisdom:

I just installed XP SP2 and now *occasionally* when I shut down, an error box is displayed. I haven't been able to write it down exactly because it only flashes on the screen for a second, but this is close:

Blue bar at top says "Microsoft C++ Runtime Library "

File name c:\ ... <path name> ... \SYMWSC.EXE

This program has attempted to shut down in an unusual way. If this persists, notify the vendor."

I have Norton SystemWorks and Personal Firewall, and they seems to be fighting with SP2.

My machine also starts up and shuts down much slower; it takes forever for the Symantec stuff to start up.

Anyone else run across any of this? If I can't find a solution I will probably recover SP2 out (I have an os backup), at least for now.

Thanks so much,
Ted

 

pianoman1948,

What versions of Systemworks and Personal Firewall are you using? Did this just start after installing SP2? Can you get the complete error message?

B

 

Don't throw tomatoes at me, but .... SystemWorks 2002 and Personal Firewall 2002. I've had these for many years, and the experience of a number of my friends has been that Norton software .... and support .... has gotten steadily worse. So I'm sticking with my tried and true. Although I suppose, this problem could be that it just can't deal with something new in XP SP2.

Sorry, I thought I was pretty clear that it did.

It only stays on the screen for a few seconds, but what I gave you is pretty much all of it. The first part reads, "This application has requested that it be shut down in an unusual way." And when it says to contact the vendor ... well, the vendor is Microsft. lol.

Thanks,
Ted

 

Well, the error message I am getting mentions SYMWSC, not SYMWMI. I did disable SYMWMI, because I am all for having as little running as possible too, but I think it is unrelated to the error I am getting.

Thanks,
Ted

 

pianoman,

I think the problem is going to come down to the 2002 versions not being compatible with XPsp2, and I doubt if there is a patch available. I think it is probably time to bite the bullet and upgrade your security software. Things have changed alot (and not for the better) since 2002, and you need software that will give you the best defense.
I'm not trying to turn this into a "let's beat up Norton ", but I will agree their support is almost nonexistant. Symantec still makes one of the better security suites (although it's pretty bloated). There are some very good alternatives for antivirus programs and firewalls. Do a search on the BBS for 'antivirus and security programs' (I got 116 hits). I used Norton programs for years, then changed last year to NOD32 from eSet and I use a firewall from Sygate . They also offer a *free* version of their firewall.

B