5+GB of temporary files in Virus Definition folder - how can I delete them?

I've been recently fighting with the Symantec Shared/Virus Definitions folder. I have tried just about everything short of an uninstall and reboot and cannot for the life of me figure out how to get rid of close to these 400 files.

I have even tried accessing my computer registry's services menu directly, turning off all Norton/Symantec related files and still no luck in getting rid of them.

If anyone has a way to solve this problem, please let me know.

It’s the virus definitions folder located in Common Files/Symantec Shared/VirusDefs.

Those are the definitions which are protecting you against malware

It can't be 5 gb at max 150 mb is possible

 

this is definately a worm taking ur space in vain.

Easy way : download unlocker.exe from google

use it to del all folders in the dir

it may require a restart as unlocker will tell u to restart

after deleting quickly do a live update to get definitions.

 

scan computer

download malwarebytes and scan comp with it too.

It will surely solve ur porbs. 

And to clarify further - almost all of the stuff eating the space are temporary files.

then delete those temp files using unlocker

Can you please name us the product you are using? Is Norton Antivirus/Internet Security/360? And what year? If you don't know that, the version number (Help -> About) can help us too.

This an older version, because it uses the old virus def folder system (2008 or earlier).

If you have a valid subscription, download the 2009 version from here:

http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/support/special/upgrade2007/vista/select_product.jsp

Uninstall your current version using the Norton Removal Tool (run it several times):

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039, and it will delete the old folders too (free up your hard drive from that 5GB).

After it run the 2009 installer, and use it with your subscription (2006, 2007, 2008 version's subs. key can be used by the install).

Sorry - been away on business and couldn't get back sooner. I'm running what looks like an older version of antivirus that came sort of preinstalled on the computer. The uninstall and upgrade makes the most logical sense, as the files that are sitting in the folder seem legit updates (they include Norton text messages and alert updates).

Thanks for all of your help.

I've been recently fighting with the Symantec Shared/Virus Definitions folder. I have tried just about everything short of an uninstall and reboot and cannot for the life of me figure out how to get rid of close to these 400 files.

I have even tried accessing my computer registry's services menu directly, turning off all Norton/Symantec related files and still no luck in getting rid of them.

If anyone has a way to solve this problem, please let me know.