Norton Is an antivirus program used by many computer manufacturers, however many users complain about it, they say it slows down the system. Many people are not satisfied with the fact that this antivirus program slows down the system, and therefore they decide to change Norton to a simpler one. In this case, an interesting and most importantly relevant question will be, how to remove norton completely? Let's take a closer look at this issue in this article.
Norton Antivirus removal step-by-step
- In order to remove Norton, you will need to open "Control Panel"... You can not bother too much and perform this procedure right on your computer, like other programs. Open the "Start" menu or "Control Panel".
- We open the program management. If your control panel is located in the "View" category, then you will need to click on the "Uninstall Programs" icon. If the category is list, then you should click on the link "Remove / add a program".
A window should open in front of you, with the entire list of programs installed on your computer. If you have a huge number of programs installed on your computer, then it may take a certain period of time to download them.
- Among the list that opens in front of you, you should find Norton Internet Security. Programs are usually arranged in alphabetical order, so you will need to scroll down with the mouse. Select the program and click on the icon "Delete", it is located at the top of the window. The system will ask you to confirm your actions, follow the instructions.
- now we need to get down to the complete removal of other norton antivirus software products. In the list you will need to find Symantec or Norton, and then remove them, for this you will also need to click the "Remove" button.
- We are restarting our computer. After the removal of the anti-virus program is completed, you should perform a full restart of the computer, as a result of which you will complete the uninstallation process.
Download Norton 2003-2015 Removal Tool (Windows XP / Vista / 7/8)
Download Norton 2003-2007 (98 / Me / 2000) Removal Tool
Download Norton Security Scan Removal Tool
So we figured out the question of how to remove norton antivirus completely from your computer. If you follow the instructions carefully, then this procedure will not take much of your time and will be completed quickly.
A utility for cleaning the system from traces of antivirus is available for download on the official website of the program for free. We recommend that you use the last method if the first 2 methods did not help in removing Norton Antivirus.
Installing an antivirus is a prerequisite for safe Internet browsing. Moreover, many users choose full-fledged paid versions in order to have all the modern functionality at their disposal (for example, you can).
However, it also happens that you need to remove the antivirus. It just can't be done because of a number of points. Therefore, detailed instructions are required. In our case - for a program from Symantec.
Why uninstall Norton?
First of all, let's take a look at the main reasons for uninstalling. As a user, you may want to uninstall Norton Internet Security from Windows 10 for the following reasons:
- installation of other antivirus software;
- reinstallation of the existing one due to its incorrect work;
- transferring antivirus files to another hard drive in your PC.
Unfortunately, you can't just go to the Control Panel, select a program and uninstall it. Firstly, almost all antiviruses have a built-in system that blocks uninstallation (in case some virus tries to remove the program). Here you will need to manually confirm each step of the operation. Secondly, in addition to the files of the software itself, various additional modules, libraries, registry entries are stored in the Windows system. If you just remove the antivirus, they will remain. And it will lead to failures when trying to re-install the Norton Internet Security software. This requires a solid approach.
How do I uninstall NIS from my PC?
First of all, you need to uninstall the program itself. For this:
- open the control panel;
- find the item "Uninstall the program";
- select software from the list and start uninstallation;
- confirm all actions in a new window.
The antivirus itself has been removed. Now you need to get rid of the accompanying files. The most important thing is to remove it from the registry using special software (you can find free products on the Internet). Only then can the uninstallation be considered complete. Now you can install another antivirus or the same Norton Internet Security Windows 10, but on a different hard one.
In some cases, this removal method may not work due to a failure or something else. In this case, it is recommended to use a special utility from Symantec - Removal Tool. It is downloaded for free from the official site and carries out a complete removal of all program files. Works as quickly and clearly as possible.
Remove antivirus? For some, this phrase sounds like a living nightmare. Indeed, why delete it - after all, such a necessary program! Nevertheless, sometimes it is necessary.
- If you just wanted to change it to another.
- If an antivirus is preinstalled on the new computer, which does not suit the user.
- If the user himself decided that 2 antiviruses are better than one, but there were problems after installation.
- If the "extra" antivirus was installed together with another, the required program.
By the way, the latter option is becoming more common - it is used not only by distributors of free low-quality software, but also by reputable brands, including McAfee or Norton Internet Security.
I must say that the complexity of removal depends on the reason why Norton antivirus appeared on the computer.
Which vaccine do you prefer?
If you need to remove an antivirus in order to install another, then this is the easiest option. Usually it is enough to use the standard uninstaller of the operating system, i.e. open Control Panel, Programs and Features, find Norton Internet Security or Norton Avtivirus in the list, select and click Remove. After uninstalling the program, the computer must be restarted.
In rare cases, you also need to manually delete the program folder located in the system partition of the hard drive in the Program Files folder.
And of course, before uninstalling, you must stop the program, i.e. call it from the tray (area near the clock) by right-clicking on the logo and select the item in the resulting menu that means exiting the program.
Present? Thank you, take it back!
The second most difficult option is the last one in the above list, i.e. in which Norton was installed along with another program - with an update of the browser, Flash plug-in, etc. In this case, you just need to repeat all the steps mentioned in the previous section. If the antivirus is not removed, then you just need to check if it is stopped, which can be easily identified by the program icon near the taskbar clock. Most often, problems with the removal of any program arise precisely because it has not been closed, which means stopping antivirus protection.
War. And by no means cold
Well, the most unpleasant option is antivirus conflict. In this case, problems often arise not even with removing the unnecessary program from the computer, but with starting the computer altogether!
In a professional environment, it is common knowledge that McAfee products are not “friendly” with NOD antivirus (and indeed the entire ESET Security suite), as well as the fact that Norton conflicts with KIS, as well as other mutual problems of some programs. An ordinary user may not know this, installing what he was advised in the store or friends as "the best antivirus", and getting a buggy or not working at all computer.
In this regard, the best way to remove the second antivirus is before rebooting the system after installing it. And therefore the first advice: when installing (any) antivirus, be sure! uncheck the box "Restart computer after installation" or any similar in meaning, or cancel restart if the system asks about it.
What does it do? After a reboot, the changes in the system take effect, and if there is a conflict between the programs, then it will manifest itself in all its glory, and it will no longer be possible to uninstall the program painlessly. And before the reboot, the Removal of programs from the Control Panel will perfectly cope with this task.
Still, how do you uninstall Norton Internet Security if you can't uninstall it in the usual way?
If the problems are limited to simple "glitches", i.e. temporary computer problems, it is best to manually delete all program folders from the hard drive. For reliability, it is worth using the search function (F3 or Service - Computer Search). After that, you will need to open the system registry (Start - Run - regedit) and delete in it all keys and parameters containing the words "norton" or "nis". At the end of this procedure, restart the computer and be attentive in the future to the software being installed.
Problems arise already at startup. The most unpleasant option is to lock the system at boot time, which looks like the computer froze when it turned on. Dead.
In this case, it is better to call someone from your specialist friends (only real specialists!), Or to stock up on courage.
So, first you need to restart the computer with the Reset button and immediately start pressing the F8 key, after the system boot options appear on the screen, select the "Safe Mode" item and wait for the boot. It is imperative to log into the system under an administrator account!
Open the Computer program, find the folder with the program, open the context menu on it (right mouse button) and select the "Sharing and Security" item, if it is not there, then the "Properties" item, where select the "Security" tab.
This tab defines user groups and their rights in relation to this folder. User groups are listed in the upper window, and the rights of each group in the lower one. You need to select the Administrators group in the upper window (ideal if you are using the administrator account, since it is the same as the group) and click the Advanced button under the lower window. In the dialog box that opens, select the Administrators item, click the "Change" button and put everything! check marks in 1 column. This gives the specified group full control over the folder. It remains to click on "OK" several times, and then delete the folder. The next step is the already described cleaning the registry and rebooting.
Of course, it's scary to use Safe Boot Mode for the first time. But in reality everything is not so complicated. The main thing is that this will solve the problem that has arisen.
Remove antivirus? For some, this phrase sounds like a living nightmare. Indeed, why delete it - after all, such a necessary program! Nevertheless, sometimes it is necessary.
- If you just wanted to change it to another.
- If an antivirus is preinstalled on the new computer, which does not suit the user.
- If the user himself decided that 2 antiviruses are better than one, but there were problems after installation.
- If the "extra" antivirus was installed together with another, the required program.
By the way, the latter option is becoming more common - it is used not only by distributors of free low-quality software, but also by reputable brands, including McAfee or Norton Internet Security.
I must say that the complexity of removal depends on the reason why Norton antivirus appeared on the computer.
Which vaccine do you prefer?
If you need to remove an antivirus in order to install another, then this is the easiest option. Usually it is enough to use the standard uninstaller of the operating system, i.e. open Control Panel, Programs and Features, find Norton Internet Security or Norton Avtivirus in the list, select and click Remove. After uninstalling the program, the computer must be restarted.
In rare cases, you also need to manually delete the program folder located in the system partition of the hard drive in the Program Files folder.
And of course, before uninstalling, you must stop the program, i.e. call it from the tray (area near the clock) by right-clicking on the logo and select the item in the resulting menu that means exiting the program.
Present? Thank you, take it back!
The second most difficult option is the last one in the above list, i.e. in which Norton was installed along with another program - with an update of the browser, Flash plug-in, etc. In this case, you just need to repeat all the steps mentioned in the previous section. If the antivirus is not removed, then you just need to check if it is stopped, which can be easily identified by the program icon near the taskbar clock. Most often, problems with the removal of any program arise precisely because it has not been closed, which means stopping antivirus protection.
War. And by no means cold
Well, the most unpleasant option is antivirus conflict. In this case, problems often arise not even with removing the unnecessary program from the computer, but with starting the computer altogether!
In a professional environment, it is common knowledge that McAfee products are not “friendly” with NOD antivirus (and indeed the entire ESET Security suite), as well as the fact that Norton conflicts with KIS, as well as other mutual problems of some programs. An ordinary user may not know this, installing what he was advised in the store or friends as "the best antivirus", and getting a buggy or not working at all computer.
In this regard, the best way to remove the second antivirus is before rebooting the system after installing it. And therefore the first advice: when installing (any) antivirus, be sure! uncheck the box "Restart computer after installation" or any similar in meaning, or cancel restart if the system asks about it.
What does it do? After a reboot, the changes in the system take effect, and if there is a conflict between the programs, then it will manifest itself in all its glory, and it will no longer be possible to uninstall the program painlessly. And before the reboot, the Removal of programs from the Control Panel will perfectly cope with this task.
Still, how do you uninstall Norton Internet Security if you can't uninstall it in the usual way?
If the problems are limited to simple "glitches", i.e. temporary computer problems, it is best to manually delete all program folders from the hard drive. For reliability, it is worth using the search function (F3 or Service - Computer Search). After that, you will need to open the system registry (Start - Run - regedit) and delete in it all keys and parameters containing the words "norton" or "nis". At the end of this procedure, restart the computer and be attentive in the future to the software being installed.
Problems arise already at startup. The most unpleasant option is to lock the system at boot time, which looks like the computer froze when it turned on. Dead.
In this case, it is better to call someone from your specialist friends (only real specialists!), Or to stock up on courage.
So, first you need to restart the computer with the Reset button and immediately start pressing the F8 key, after the system boot options appear on the screen, select the "Safe Mode" item and wait for the boot. It is imperative to log into the system under an administrator account!
Open the Computer program, find the folder with the program, open the context menu on it (right mouse button) and select the "Sharing and Security" item, if it is not there, then the "Properties" item, where select the "Security" tab.
This tab defines user groups and their rights in relation to this folder. User groups are listed in the upper window, and the rights of each group in the lower one. You need to select the Administrators group in the upper window (ideal if you are using the administrator account, since it is the same as the group) and click the Advanced button under the lower window. In the dialog box that opens, select the Administrators item, click the "Change" button and put everything! check marks in 1 column. This gives the specified group full control over the folder. It remains to click on "OK" several times, and then delete the folder. The next step is the already described cleaning the registry and rebooting.
Of course, it's scary to use Safe Boot Mode for the first time. But in reality everything is not so complicated. The main thing is that this will solve the problem that has arisen.
The improvement of anti-virus programs occurs every day, as, in fact, the emergence of new malicious programs. Naturally, the user wants to always receive the highest possible protection in order to protect himself from loss or even theft of his personal data. However, having chosen the optimal and, as a rule, free option, the majority of average PC users stop at it and do not want to change anything until something happens.
How can new software products attract attention? Some of them, like Norton Internet Security, one of the top 10 PC security solutions, offer a 30-day trial, allowing you to test some of the best antivirus software for free. But what about after this period? What if the user doesn't want to pay for a license, and he chooses to go back to free security options? It would seem that everything is simple - I deleted the current "antivirus program" as a normal program and installed whatever I wanted. But in reality, this is not at all the case. It is not enough to know how to remove Norton Internet Security, you need to understand how to do it correctly.
Removal difficulties
Most users, removing the "antivirus", use the standard features of "Windows". But with this approach, it is impossible to completely remove Norton Internet Security, as this application leaves its residual files on the system. And this, in turn, will greatly interfere with the work of another installed protection program. In some cases, leftover Norton applications can even prevent the installation of new antivirus software. What to do in such cases? And how can you avoid them?
How to delete?
Before removing Norton Internet Security, you need to download a special utility from the official website of the program. It is called the Removal Tool and weighs very little, so you can download it quickly and easily. This software is distributed free of charge, so you shouldn't worry about this moment. After you have received the required program, you can proceed with the uninstallation.
How do I uninstall Norton Internet Security?
First of all, you should restart your computer by pressing "F8". This will allow you to choose to log in in safe mode at boot time. For laptops, there may be another key, it all depends on the manufacturer, but it is very easy to get information on this, so there should be no difficulties in the process. Boot the PC in safe mode, activate the resulting utility. As a result, a window will open in which "Next" is selected. Then you will need to agree with the license agreement and enter the captcha in the field that appears. This will launch an automatic procedure that allows Norton Internet Security to be completely removed from the system.
Conclusion
This is the easiest and most reliable way to get rid of all program components once and for all. You can, of course, delete it in the usual way, but then you will have to manually edit the registry, cleaning it from the remnants of the antivirus program. This is very troublesome and not for every user, so you should not make your life difficult and use easy and reliable methods for solving such problems. Thus, knowing how to remove Norton Internet Security, you can safely get a 30-day "trial" to see for yourself how efficiently the software works.
