Can't remove file settings_2014.5.0.67.dat ; file is open in system

Norton Security | Norton Internet Security
1

After uninstalling Norton and running Norton Removal Tool, the above file remains in ProgramData directory. 

Any advice how to remove it?

Thanks.

2

Hi,

 

Just delete the file and it's done!!

 

Regards,

3

Hi GreyGhost:

 

This looks like the remnant of a Norton Toolbar / Identity Safe extension for Firefox (see here).  Can you still see the Norton Toolbar in your Firefox browser (Tools | Add-ons | Extensions) or a listing for Identity Safe in the Windows Control Panel (Add Remove Programs or Programs and Features)?

 

When you uninstalled your Norton product, do you recall seeing a prompt similar to this screenshot posted by RichD here? If you selected the option to re-install your Norton product in the future, the uninstall would have deliberately left behind static files containing your preferences and Identity Safe passwords, and you might want to retain this .dat file if you plan on re-installing.

------------
MS Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP2 * Firefox 24.0 * IE 9.0 * NIS 2013 v. 20.4.0.40
HP Pavilion dv6835ca, Intel Core2Duo CPU T5550 @ 1.83 GHz, 3.0 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS

4

Hi GreyGhost:

... and if the suggestions in my previous post aren't helpful and you're certain you would like to delete the .dat file, I would try re-booting your computer, closing all web browsers (IE, Firefox, etc.) and seeing if you are now able to delete it.

If the file is still locked after the re-boot, I might consider posting your question in the Tech Outpost board.  Someone there should be able to advise you how to safely remove the file using a utility like Unlocker or Malwarebytes' FileASSASSIN.

------------
MS Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP2 * Firefox 24.0 * IE 9.0 * NIS 2013 v. 20.4.0.40

HP Pavilion dv6835ca, Intel Core2Duo CPU T5550 @ 1.83 GHz, 3.0 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS

5

Thank you both for responding.  I was unable to remove the file using FileAssassin or Unlocker.

I removed one hidden driver using Device Manager and still couldn't delete the file.

I was finally able to remove the file by deleting all references to Norton in the registry.

I understand this is risky, but it was the only thing that worked.

 

 

6

Sorry I'm late to the party.

 

Next time you run into this kind of situation, try booting into Safe Mode and deleting the file. This way the services that are related to the 'open file' should not be loaded and you should be able to delete the file.