Why is it when I set "googleupdate.exe" to be BLOCKED in NIS 2010, it keeps arbitrarily reinstalling itself as a service (even when I disable it, it creates a NEW instance (with a different key in services,) and starts running as a task. I thought that the smart firewall would automatically block its install/run when I set it that way. When I would use ZoneAlarm Internet Security, a box would pop up indicating that it was blocked, or if I had not, ask me if I want to run/install. How can I change this behavior, and block it for good? I don't required Google services other than email, I don't use Google Earth (because of that,) and I don't use their "cloud" software. Thanks.
If you go to Network settings>Smart Firewall>Advanced Settings>Configure, you will be able to turn off automatic program control. If you remove all of the entries in Progam Control, Norton will ask you for everything. If you get tired of answering questions, turn auto back on and the same rules will be applied.
Hi Gmichaels.
A firewall can be set to prohibit an application from accessing the internet, but it does not remove a program or prevent it from running. The best thing to do in your situation is to go into the Norton Network Settings and click Configure [+] for Program Control. Look for an entry for Google Installer (Googleupdate.exe) and set it to Block. For a more permanent solution, which has some definite drawbacks, you can remove the program as outlined in the two articles below:
http://antivirus.about.com/od/windowsbasics/ht/googleupdate.htm
Thanks for the advice, delphinium. I knew about this, but unfortunately, it's an "either or" kind of situation with this product. I turned off the "smart" feature and now it seems as if NIS has to relearn what to block or not. With ZoneAlarm, the program when into "learn" mode (which only took a day or less,) and then it was pretty much self-sustaining, except for when I would install a new program that needed Internet access. I just turned off the "Program Control" feature, so I'll have to give it a "test ride" to see how long it takes for it to learn. Just pressing "reply" generated a prompt!
Why is it when I set "googleupdate.exe" to be BLOCKED in NIS 2010, it keeps arbitrarily reinstalling itself as a service (even when I disable it, it creates a NEW instance (with a different key in services,) and starts running as a task. I thought that the smart firewall would automatically block its install/run when I set it that way. When I would use ZoneAlarm Internet Security, a box would pop up indicating that it was blocked, or if I had not, ask me if I want to run/install. How can I change this behavior, and block it for good? I don't required Google services other than email, I don't use Google Earth (because of that,) and I don't use their "cloud" software. Thanks.
Excellent info, SendOfJive! I like the links -- very informative! I had "googleupdate.exe" blocked in my Program Control list. I never saw the "Google Updater." What googleupdate.exe does is very insidious. I disabled the service, blocked it in NIS (and don't use ANY Google services except email,) yet it pops up time and time again! It installed THREE instances of Google Updater Service in the Registry, in HKLM\System\ControlSet001\Enum\Root\Legacy_.... as Legacy_GUPDATE, LEGACY_GUPDATE1CB4B5F432DEA50, and Legacy_GUSVC. The last one is described as "Google Updater Service," and the other two are "Google Update Service." These were added unknowingly to me, AFTER I installed NIS 2010. Sure, it is a "trusted program," but maybe NIS should ask me if I want to START another service. It isn't just running a program, it's installing a service "behind my back."
I will read your links and try to get rid of it once and for all. I can't even disable two of the GUpdate services in my Service panel (Control Panel, Admin tools.) I get an error that "a write to the Registry failed!" That is why I despise this program.
Gmichaels:
I don't think Norton is going to "learn" like Zonealarm. What it will do is keep track of what it was told to do, so that when you turn it back on auto, it will oblige. As long as program control is off, it will continue to ask. I think you will need to uninstall the updater and do it manually. Some of them are very persistent.
"Blocking Googleupdate.exe FOREVER!"
Dream on, don't we wish. Those arrogant developers at google are absolutely determined to start that up, no matter what the owner of the computer wants.
I looked in all the places that I could think of to turn it off (Windows services, the application, etc), turned off update in those places, and it still started up.
Windows Process Explorer shows you the root location of running processes. I went to that location and changed the name of the file to googleupdate1.exe and now it doesn't start up. It's sure irritating to have to do that.
I see none of this as the fault of NIS.
Try checking Windows task scheduler,there is probably an entry for it there. I disabled the entry and it hasn’t run since. This was for GoogleEarth. villasbill
It definitely makes an entry in the task scheduler. It's at the top level of the Task Scheduler Library folder.