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Restoring Norton AntiVirus after it is infected by a virus

To fix Norton AntiVirus, you must make sure the computer is not infected and then uninstall and reinstall your Norton program.

 

This solution requires that you use Internet Explorer. If this page is open in any other Web browser, open it in Internet Explorer.

 

STEP 1
  Print this page
We suggest that you print this document before you start.
 Expand each section by clicking the "+" before you actually print. PRINT
 Because you must return to this page after you restart the computer, add this page to Favorites.
STEP 2
  Run an online scan to check for viruses
1
Run an online virus scan. RUN IT NOW
NOTE Note You may see a yellow bar at the top of the window with a message about ActiveX controls. If so, click the bar and then click Install ActiveX control. When a small box appears, click Install.
2
When the Security Check Web page opens, click GO.
3
Click Start under Virus Detection.
4
When you are asked, always click START, Next, or Install.
5
Allow the scan to run. The scan can take thirty minutes or longer. Do not interrupt the scan.
6
When the scan finishes, if any problems were found, you will be given links to more information.
If no problems were found, return to this page and continue with STEP 3.
STEP 3
  Uninstall Norton AntiVirus and all Norton products using Add/Remove Programs
Warning Warning

Before you continue, make sure that you have the installation CDs or downloaded installation files for any Norton products that you want to reinstall. Also, if you use ACT! or WinFAX, back up those databases and uninstall those products. 

1
Click Start > Control Panel.
2
Double-click Add or Remove Programs.
3
Click the name of one of the installed Norton or Symantec programs.
For example, you may have one of more of the following programs installed: Norton AntiVirus 2003.
4
Click Add/Remove, Change/Remove, Remove or Change (this varies with the operating system), and then follow the prompts.
5
Restart the computer, if you are asked to do so.
6
Repeat steps 1-5 until all Symantec or Norton programs are uninstalled.
7
Repeat steps 1-5 for LiveReg.
8
Repeat steps 1-5 for LiveUpdate.
STEP 4
  Reinstall your Norton products

Choose the statement that best describes your situation:

I have the product on a CD

1
Insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive.
2
Click Install Product Name, where Product Name is the name of your Norton product.
3
Follow the on-screen instructions.

I downloaded the product from the Symantec Store and still have the installation file

1
Find the product installation file. Unless you saved it elsewhere, it is on the Windows desktop.
2
Double-click the installation file.
 Wait for the installation wizard to appear—it may take a minute or two.
3
Click Install Product Name, where Product Name is the name of your Norton product.
4
Follow the on-screen instructions.

I downloaded the product from the Symantec Store and no longer have the installation file

1
Go to the Symantec Store Order Status Web page.
2
Type in your order number and password to log on, and you will see your order information.
If you do not know your order number and password, you can look up your order using your email address.
3
On your Order Summary, click Start Download.
NOTE Note
  • If you purchased your product more than 60 days ago, you can click Buy Now to buy the Extended Download Service and download the product again.
  • If you purchased your product more than a year ago, you cannot download your product anymore. You can buy a new version of your product at a discounted price by purchasing an upgrade. Go to our Upgrades and Renewals page, then choose your product and version to see your upgrade options.

The product came pre-installed on my computer

Reinstall your Norton product from the back-up CD that came with your computer.

If you do not have the back-up CD or are not sure how to use it, please contact your computer manufacturer for help.

I downloaded the product from my Internet service provider (ISP)

1
Find the product installation file.
If you no longer have the installation file, download it again from your ISP.
2
Double-click the installation file.
 Wait for the installation wizard to appear—it may take a minute or two.
3
Click Install Product Name, where Product Name is the name of your Norton product.
4
Follow the on-screen instructions.

What if this didn't work?

 

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Document ID: 2001120816371506
Last Modified: 03/03/2008
Date Created: 12/08/2001
Operating System(s): Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP
Product(s): Norton AntiVirus 2003, Norton AntiVirus 2003 Professional Edition, Norton AntiVirus 2004, Norton AntiVirus 2004 Professional, Norton AntiVirus 2005, Norton AntiVirus 2005 3 User License

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