Norton Antivirus Problems

Any ideas?

I recently purchased an OEM version of Norton Internet Security 2004 and have had nothing but trouble with it from day one with the antivirus component refusing to perform manual or scheduled system scans. So far it has been installed on 5 occasions, and each time this is the result.

The first time it was installed, the system scan worked only once and had to be uninstalled with difficuly in safe mode as it wouldn't allow me to otherwise. Same with the second install (no scans) but it wouldn't uninstall and messed up other programs, thus forcing me to rewrite Windows XP and starting from scratch. With a clean install and nothing else to interfere with it, the system scan worked once and refused to run again, forcing another rewrite which produced the same result. The 5th install was done by a techie after a clean install of Windows and all seemed well until trying to perform a system scan. Again it didn't work, and again I can't uninstall it to try again. Furthermore, System Restore seems to have been disabled since the first and only scan on June 26, whereas it worked prior to this. The bold dates still show on the calendar, but when trying to restore my system to a date before this, a "no change page" returns.

I never had these problems with my previous version of Nortons (Internet Security 2003) and I'm at a loss as how to remedy the situation without buying another copy and wasting what Ive already spent. My techie believes it may be caused by Object Desktop as there are no known software conflicts with my other programs - could this be so? I would hardly think so as system scans didn't work on clean installs with or without OD, though I did install ObjectDock after that first scan, which may have caused an issue, perhaps.

In any event, it looks like I'm up for another clean install of XP and another copy of Nortons, unless somebody can help wih another solution.....pleeeeeeease, and thank you in advance for any ideas
55,311 views 24 replies
Reply #1 Top
yes, I also face same problem, the desktopx is stop the antivirus acan the hard disk, unload and reinstall is no use, Now I just use AVG antivirus free version 7.0 for my pc , I hope stardock can solve the problem asap.

joe lee
Reply #2 Top
Starkers...if you had no problems with the 2003 version of Norton why not just reinstall that? I'm still using 2003 and I have no problems, no virues, and no intrusions. As the old saying goes...if it ain't (I know Jafo...lol) broke, don't fix it.

I've heard the same thing from others that have up/downgraded Norton. All I can tell you is....do your clean install and don't install any OD for a fews days and do several or more scans to make sure they work...then install OD after a few days and see if the problem starts again, and if it does you will know one way or the other if it's OD.
Reply #3 Top
Fingers Crossed....problem might be fixed....with alot of luck.

I went to Stardock Central with the idea of uninstalling DesktopX (given your experience, Joe), but instead downloaded the available updates, hoping it would help, and viola, a system scan is now running. Won't jump for joy just yet, being that scans wouldn't run before on a clean install, but I won't be messing with anything at the moment either.

Thanks for the advice, guys...to you, Joe for leading me to a solution...and to you Webgizmos cos that was my next course of action if all else failed. This has been the most problematic version of Internet Security, but hopefully that's behind me and I don't have to resort 2003 with yet another rewrite.

Also, thanks to Stardock for the magnificent efforts to resolve our problems and issues with haste

Reply #4 Top
Your problem is best outlined in your title: Norton Antivirus.


That program is the biggest pile of crap I've ever come across. Do yourself a favour and switch over to a better anti-virus system.

Grisoft

AVG is a hell of a lot better than Norton (it's picked up stuff that Norton passed over), and it's free. I sincerely urge you to uninstall Norton and use something else.

If you don't mind paying for good anti-virus software, NOD32 (ESET) is what I use, and it is VERY good.

-- B
Reply #5 Top
And unlike Norton that allows you to get a virus and then try and deal with it, AVG will keep you from getting it in the first place.I have had AVG for years now with no problems and no virus infections!
Reply #6 Top
I have to agree Norton is the cause of many problems. I have switched to Trend Micro and have never had a problem.

Reply #7 Top
When I had Norton, I had to run a recovery disk twice and completely reformat once. Norton lets stuff in. Period. Since I hace switched to AVG and Zone Alarm, I have had zero problems.
Reply #8 Top
When I was running Nortons Internet Security 2003, I experienced no such problems and had a relatively trouble free internet experience... barring a browser hijacker that came with downloaded MSstyles from a certain site. However, this 2004 version is decidedly more temperamental and prone to software conflicts than its predecssor, so yeah, given recent problems, I have to agree that it's a pain in the butt. Thing is, I'm stuck with it for a while longer (finances), and it is working now so will bear with it whilst looking at alternatives to suit my needs.

Also, during this problem period, my System Restore wasn't working either, but since the DesktopX upgrade today, it is also working normally again. Thought I had better mention this just in case others find the same issue.

Thanks to everyone for their advice
Reply #9 Top
AVG antivirus is free, by the way.
I believe Zone Alarm is about $30 (firewall)
Reply #10 Top
Thanks SD, I shall look into that asap.


Update: after informing Symantec of the situation with DesktopX and yesterday's update resolving the issue, they replied by email to thank me for the feedback on how their product can be improved. Maybe, and I mean maybe, they'll work to resolve conflicts such as this, either alone or with Stardock. We can only hope, I suppose.
Reply #11 Top
Uhhh!

I have installed Norton Anvirus 2005 on my various network computers and still have trouble with many of them.

Their tech support has been outsourced to India; it just increases the frustration when they you can't understand what they are saying.

My specific problem is Norton is constantly popping back up asking for Reactivation.
I call them up and they supply a fix, only for another week later to have it pop up again.

I actually had an Indian fellow cop an attitude with me on the phone!
Reply #12 Top
Just in case http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
Reply #13 Top
they'll work to resolve conflicts such as this

Hopefully, but I'm willing to bet since the update resolved they will ignore it since they didn't cause it.

Had no probs with NAV & NPF (both 2003)- then I decided to upgrade to NIS 2005 - after 5 days of following their help bulletins and using 3-4 of their cleanup tools, it still would not install (& wiped out my 2003 av and firewall) . I did gets lots of practice with regedit - went and bought trendmicro and will be doing a letter of destruction with norton .
Reply #14 Top
although I am a complete computer idiot, I use system suite 5, it has trend anti virus, no probs for 3 years I updated from system suite 4,, the fire wall is net defense, it cost 89. dollars and has many many handy tools installed.
Reply #15 Top

I'm currently about an hour into a clean install. All to get rid of Norton Internet Security 2005. I've been sick of ccapp.exe not responding on shutdown, despite repeated claims the problem had been solved in an update, NIS itself sometimes not starting on boot, requiring a re-boot. And then finally, an uninstall of NIS2005 stopping my internet connection working.

Currently I'm using Norton Personal Firewall 2002. Old, but it works without aggro. NIS2005 will be going in the bin

Reply #16 Top
Seems to me, given the feedback here, NIS went to pot after 2003. I had no problems until the 2004 version displayed many of the issues you've all described.. One has to wonder if they sacrificed qualiy and stability for new features, or whether we were the unlucky ones who got bad copies...some friends and family members say they've had no issues with NIS 2005, whatsoever.

I'll definitely be looking into the AVG antivirus though, and thanks for the link, SD.....even the pro version is good value as compared to many others I've seen.

You might be right there, Bichur, but if Stardock customers worldwide put pressure to bear on Symantec, maybe they'll be forced to co-operate for fear of bulk lost sales.. seems that rot has already begun here for them, though.

I take great pride in my DIY L-shaped desk, so my NIS 2004 will become a coaster Waste not want not, hey!
Reply #17 Top
i had problems as well
Reply #18 Top

NAV2004 hasn't initiated a scan for a few weeks now...not without killing processes left, right and centre first.

Was quite timely, too...having just renewed the sub.

Currently AVG is doing a system scan....after which NAV will be removed.

I don't have it on a CD to use as a coaster though, fitting use, however....

Reply #19 Top
Now using AVG - works fine
Reply #20 Top

Because AVG was free I'd always installed for other people when setting up their machines...family/friends etc.... never had any dramas or issues with it...but I'd already been using Norton for years...and just kept on doing that.  But lately it seems to be more trouble than it's worth.

Perhaps I should give my subsription to an unsuspecting sucker - er - family member....

Reply #21 Top
Well.....you can add another disatisfied using of Norton to the list. No sooner did I mention the words..."still using 2003 and I have no problems, no virues, and no intrusions"...and my firewall just crapped out on me and I've gone through the uninstall hassles for the last time...Hey Jafo!...still need that coaster?...

I guess for now I'll be giving AVG a try until I can afford NOD32.
Reply #22 Top
Hey Jafo...a more fitting candidate...little Johhny Howard.

Family member indeed...that's wicked...but then again, I've an aunt and uncle that I'd....

Well my NIS seems to be behaving for the moment (last night blocking 2 intrusion attempts from somewhere in Taiwan), but since starting this thread and speaking with others, I'm convinced now to switch over to AVG, tho I'll most likely go with the professional version for the additional support.
Reply #23 Top
I'm convinced now to switch over to AVG, tho I'll most likely go with the professional version for the additional support.


You won't be sorry. I have the pro version. I have yet to need any support though. You will also get 2 years free udates as opposed to Nortons 1. You have endless free updates with the free version. My husband has the free version on his computer, and has never had a problem either. Smile!
Reply #24 Top
Norton Antivirus Problems?? I don't like Norton ....I use F-secure and its a great antivirus.

You can try it.