Junking Norton

1 I want to junk Norton but have heard it is hard to remove.
a. true or false?
b. any tips on removing or is add/remove programs adequate?
2 I will also be junking ZoneAlarm
a. any problems to be expected as above?
b. same as above
3 Any feedback on merits of BitDefender?

Thank you,

 

Reilly,

This is what I did when I removed Norton's from my systems. Use Add/Remove, then run Norton's removal tool found here. I then used Regseeker and removed all registry items related to Norton's. The first two steps should be enough, but I went the extra step.

It's been a long time since I've had ZoneAlarm installed, so I'll let somebody else offer suggestions for that. You want to look at this page for help though.

I then installed AVG to replace Norton's and have been bug free. My systems also run quicker without Norton's bogging them down.

Mike

 

Hi Reilly, I hope I can refer you to a post that describes the full detail involved in removing Norton from your PC. http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=61013
This was posted in January this year and I bookmarked it in case I need to use it when NIS 2007 runs out as I had trouble installing NIS 2007 and had a Symantec Techo take remote control of my computer for 3 and 1/2 hours to remove previous Norton AV's which prevented NIS 2007 from installing. I'm only using NIS because I bought the software and thought I might as well get some value for money spent. It does slow the PC somewhat, so I will be removing it next year. Hope you can get to the link BOL Neil.

 

Follow the advice given relating to the Symantec clean-up tool and go with AVG. I've had BitDefender for a year and it also is nigh to impossible to get out of the system. I am not a happy camper with the incredibly lousy tech support offered by BitDefender. I believe they went off the rails when they developed their security suite. I should have stuck with the AV program alone. Oh well...

 

So AVG seems to get high marks. On their website they say "install and forget ". I assume I have to remove Norton first. If I do that how do I download AVG without risking disaster? Or can I download it, disconnect my cable, remove Norton, and then install AVG?

 

Hi Reilly, I would download to Desktop ALL the necesary tools and including AVG and go off line. Then carefully follow the protocol advised and when Norton is removed, then load AVG and go on line to get the latest updates. Neil.

 

Reilly,

Yes, remove Norton's and I agree with downloading everything you need first. Disconnect if you want to be extra careful. I would go one step further after unistalling Norton's. Do a general cleanup up of your drives (scan disk, defrag, clear out temp files, and restart the system). Might as well start clean. Just a personal preference.

Once AVG is installed, you can forget about it for the most part. With cable, I would just keep AVG's automatic update enabled. Mine is set to check every morning at about 9:00. The only time I have to mess with it is when I do a weekly scan of my system.

Mike