Hey Guys,

@Pancake, I could not agree more. Norton is a good program, but it can cause all kinds of headaches if it gets a hold of something it can't fix.

@Jmelo, you may want to do a complete uninstall of Symantec/Norton AV to remove this from your PC.

Pancake's uninstall instructions are very good, however, I found Symantec so invasive, to completley uninstall it, I had to go through the registry, and kill some of the services.

Please let us know if it looks like Symantec/NAV is not completely uninstalling.

Lookng forward to your reply,

TTFN

LGW

Once I uninstall Norton, how shall I clean the remainder of the virus form my pc?

Would you have a suggestion of how I might replace Norton and maintain decent security?

I will try it tonight.

Yahooooo! My PC is free. I tried the control panel uninstall of Norton and it hung but I used the utility that Pancake pointed me to and it removed Norton smoothly. Now my PC is back.

What options you suggest for keeping my pc clean?

If you wish to do so, here are a few things that you can do that will help keep your computer a bit more clean and secure..

If you have not already done so, you might want to run Disk Cleanup and run it in each user's profile:
Run Disk Cleanup
Click "Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup"
Please make sure the following are checked:
-- Downloaded Program Files
-- Temporary Internet Files
-- Recycle Bin
-- Temporary Files
Click "OK" and Disk Cleanup will delete those files for you.

Now that you are clean its now is a good time to flush out your restored files.
To flush the XP System Restore Points:
(Using XP, you must be logged in as Administrator to do this.)
Go to Start>Run and type msconfig Press enter.
When msconfig opens, click the Launch System Restore Button.
On the next page, click the System Restore Settings Link on the left.
Check the box labeled Turn Off System Restore.
Reboot. Go back in and turn System Restore ON. A new Restore Point will be created.
How Do I Protect My Computer Against Future Malware Now I'm Clean.
NOTE:You may have already taken some of these steps.
Update your anti-virus software & Windows operating system on a daily or weekly basis. Microsoft also distributes updates to its operating systems. These updates fix security holes or other problems that make a computer susceptible to security breaches. How to update your Windows operating system
Know What You're Installing
Check the source.
To avoid malware, make sure your software comes from a reputable source. Be particularly suspicious of sponsored software (software that relies on advertising) or software that claims to speed up your Internet connection.
Use Custom Install.
If you feel comfortable with software installation, you can choose Custom Install (as opposed to Typical Install). Custom Install allows you to select only the software components you wish to install, and leave out others (such as potential spyware).
Modify Security Settings (Internet Explorer 6)
To reduce the risk of installing malware, you can set Internet Explorer to high security mode. To do so:
Open Internet Explorer. Go to Tools > Internet Options?.
On the Internet Options screen, select the Security tab, then select the Internet icon (if it is not already selected).
Under Security level for this zone, click Default Level. Set the slider to High.
Note: You may have to lower the security level to view certain Web sites.
Next, select the Trusted Sites icon. Under Security level for this zone, click Default Level. Set the slider to Medium.
Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.
Some Recommended Protection Programs
Each tool has its own strengths for identifying and removing specific types of malware. To thoroughly check your computer, its recommend that you use more than one malware removal program. Don't forget to back up your data files before starting a scan!
Some available programs are:
Ad-Aware
SpyBot Search & Destroy
Now that you are clean, to help protect your system I recommend that you get the following free programs:
SpywareBlaster to help prevent spyware from installing.
SpywareGuard to catch and block spyware .
IESpy-Ad to block access to malicious websites so you cannot be redirected to them from an infected site or email.
WinPatrol to monitor any changes that programs make to the registry.
If you do not have a firewall, here is a free one for personal use:
ZoneAlarm
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conten..._freedownloads
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conten...g=en&lid=ho_za

Free Anti Virus

http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

Before using or purchasing any Spyware/Malware protection/removal program, always check the Rogue/Suspect Spyware List. It will save you a lot of grief, as well as money if you are thinking of purchasing. Here is the link:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
If you want to know just how effective your anti-spyware program is, or how well any of the "rogue" programs listed at the above link work, check this for an independent comparison of several anti-spyware programs:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/asw-test-guide.htm

Here is a helpful article:
"So how did I get infected in the first place?"
[http://www.pchelpforum.com/index.php?page=protect
Let us know if we have not resolved your problem. Otherwise, you are good to go.
Happy and Safe Surfing!

Yay Jmelo!!!! Great Job!!

I think you will find the free Anti Virus, and Firewalls available much better than Norton's and much less prone to problems.

Read the article Pancake pointed you too, it should step you through staying protected in the big bad world.

We'll look forward to seeing you in the forums.

TTFN

LGW

Marked as Fixed.