How Do I Get Rid of the NAV2009 "Create Norton Account" Nag Screen?

Norton Security | Norton Internet Security
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Anyone know how I can get rid of this annoying screen that is prompting me to create a Norton Account everytime I load the program? I have done quite a bit of searching and cannot find anything on it. Its paticularly annoying because the option to "Remind Me Later" does not include a "Leave Me Alone" option and does not even appear until you hit continue twice. Looked all through the registry, does not seem to be a simple switch to turn it off anywhere. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

Edit: Below is the nag screen I am speaking of.

 

 

Message Edited by Shortfuse on 11-23-2008 10:30 PM
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Why don’t you just put in your mailadress? It is for your own safety

3

With the 2009 versions you have to create a Norton Account (which I value for saving all my KEYs) so the only way to get rid of it is as STU says -- fill in your email address. That, the country/region I am located in and my KEYs (which is useful in telling me which are 3 PC and which are 1 PC for example)

 

It's a while since I did it but I'm pretty certain that you can opt out of receiving email, at least from outside Symantec.

 

In my experience it is totally different to the marketing tool of registration used by so many which can lead to floods of spam.

4
Stu wrote:
Why don't you just put in your mailadress? It is for your own safety

 

This has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with information gathering which is something I will not support. The whole "this is to help you keep track of your product key" BS is about the lamest excuse I have ever heard for requring personally identifiable information to be disclosed to a company. Its more about them keeping track of you, than your product key. In any event, its my choice to choose not to provide such information.

5
huwyngr wrote:

With the 2009 versions you have to create a Norton Account (which I value for saving all my KEYs) so the only way to get rid of it is as STU says -- fill in your email address. That, the country/region I am located in and my KEYs (which is useful in telling me which are 3 PC and which are 1 PC for example)

 

It's a while since I did it but I'm pretty certain that you can opt out of receiving email, at least from outside Symantec.

 

In my experience it is totally different to the marketing tool of registration used by so many which can lead to floods of spam.

 

I object to unneeded compulsary collection of personally identifiable information. Apparently they have spun this as a "safety" feature and convinced the user community that supplying said information is for thier own good. What a sad state of affairs that is. None the less, if folks want to give up thier privacy because they cant keep track of the registration key then thats up to them. I choose not to sell my privacy for such frivilious things.

 

Someone at Symantec needs to address this by releasing an update that allows end users to disable this. I paid for the software, bought it at Staples. If they are not making enough on the software, raise the price. There is no reason I need to be subjected to additional revenue enhancement tactics after installation.

 

I am sure there is some way around this nag screen that does NOT involve submitting my e-mail address to Symantec so they can do god knows what with it. No one here knows? Gee, I thought all the experts on the topic would be here.

Message Edited by Shortfuse on 11-25-2008 11:26 AM
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This has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with information gathering which is something I will not support. The whole "this is to help you keep track of your product key" BS is about the lamest excuse I have ever heard for requring personally identifiable information to be disclosed to a company. Its more about them keeping track of you, than your product key. In any event, its my choice to choose not to provide such information.

My Account has the following pieces of personal information:

1.  My email address

2.  A first name (which can be invented)

3.  A last name (which can be invented)

 

You are not required to enter credit card information, phone number, address, or anything else!

 

The account saves for me and enables to use at reinstallation the product keys for each of the products I have registered.

 

 

That's it.  Anything afraid of this is carrying paranoia one step too far.

 

Edited for this P.S.

And if you are truly afraid of getting spam at the email address, well create a dummy email address that you use only for this one thing.  It's not as though the brainwashing waves broadcast from Jupiter are going to pass through the aluminum foil helmet.

Message Edited by mijcar on 11-25-2008 10:30 AM
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mijcar wrote:

This has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with information gathering which is something I will not support. The whole "this is to help you keep track of your product key" BS is about the lamest excuse I have ever heard for requring personally identifiable information to be disclosed to a company. Its more about them keeping track of you, than your product key. In any event, its my choice to choose not to provide such information.

My Account has the following pieces of personal information:

1.  My email address

2.  A first name (which can be invented)

3.  A last name (which can be invented)

 

You are not required to enter credit card information, phone number, address, or anything else!

 

The account saves for me and enables to use at reinstallation the product keys for each of the products I have registered.

 

 

That's it.  Anything afraid of this is carrying paranoia one step too far.

 

Edited for this P.S.

And if you are truly afraid of getting spam at the email address, well create a dummy email address that you use only for this one thing.  It's not as though the brainwashing waves broadcast from Jupiter are going to pass through the aluminum foil helmet.

Message Edited by mijcar on 11-25-2008 10:30 AM

 

LOL, you mean those are the only three items of information you entered in the account. I am betting your account has all kinds of additional information in it that you did not enter. First of all, its a gurantee that they have your IP address. Now they have your e-mail address.The two are linked. Your annonimious IP address ain't so annonimious anymore.Since NAV2009 calls home everytime you open it, they probably have a log of how long and how often you use your PC. They'll also have, most likely, enviroment variables such as OS, other installed software, etc. From that, they can build a pretty good profile of you as a consumer.

 

Why should I have to create a dummy address or take other steps to avoid/evade a trap laid by the manufacture to use a product I legitimately own and have paid for?

 

Also, the brain washing waves come from the Washington, DC - not Jupiter - but thats neither here nor there. And its not paranoia if they are out get you.

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Shortfuse wrote:

 

I object to unneeded compulsary collection of personally identifiable information. Apparently they have spun this as a "safety" feature and convinced the user community that supplying said information is for thier own good. What a sad state of affairs that is. None the less, if folks want to give up thier privacy because they cant keep track of the registration key then thats up to them. I choose not to sell my privacy for such frivilious things.

 

Someone at Symantec needs to address this by releasing an update that allows end users to disable this. I paid for the software, bought it at Staples. If they are not making enough on the software, raise the price. There is no reason I need to be subjected to additional revenue enhancement tactics after installation.

 

I am sure there is some way around this nag screen that does NOT involve submitting my e-mail address to Symantec so they can do god knows what with it. No one here knows? Gee, I thought all the experts on the topic would be here.

Message Edited by Shortfuse on 11-25-2008 11:26 AM

I shared your attitude with other "Registration" sites and since most offered check boxes to opt out, and then more recently to opt in, I only used them when I had to.

 

But as others have said Norton Account asks for very little and I have actually benefitted more than once from using it.

 

<<  I paid for the software, bought it at Staples. >>

 

Actually you did not, nor did I and nor did Windows users. We all bought a licence to use the software and had a free cardboard box and CD/DVD thrown in.

 

<< Gee, I thought all the experts on the topic would be here. >>

 

Whether experts or not what can we do when you ignore what you are told?

 

"Don't confuse me with the facts -- my mind is made up" <s>

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huwyngr wrote:
Shortfuse wrote:

 

I object to unneeded compulsary collection of personally identifiable information. Apparently they have spun this as a "safety" feature and convinced the user community that supplying said information is for thier own good. What a sad state of affairs that is. None the less, if folks want to give up thier privacy because they cant keep track of the registration key then thats up to them. I choose not to sell my privacy for such frivilious things.

 

Someone at Symantec needs to address this by releasing an update that allows end users to disable this. I paid for the software, bought it at Staples. If they are not making enough on the software, raise the price. There is no reason I need to be subjected to additional revenue enhancement tactics after installation.

 

I am sure there is some way around this nag screen that does NOT involve submitting my e-mail address to Symantec so they can do god knows what with it. No one here knows? Gee, I thought all the experts on the topic would be here.

Message Edited by Shortfuse on 11-25-2008 11:26 AM

I shared your attitude with other "Registration" sites and since most offered check boxes to opt out, and then more recently to opt in, I only used them when I had to.

 

But as others have said Norton Account asks for very little and I have actually benefitted more than once from using it.

 

<<  I paid for the software, bought it at Staples. >>

 

Actually you did not, nor did I and nor did Windows users. We all bought a licence to use the software and had a free cardboard box and CD/DVD thrown in.

 

<< Gee, I thought all the experts on the topic would be here. >>

 

Whether experts or not what can we do when you ignore what you are told?

 

"Don't confuse me with the facts -- my mind is made up" <s>

 

Its not an issue of how much or how little information it asks for, its an issue of the fact that it asks for more information than it needs to. When you write out a check, do you volunteer your socialist slave state number (a/k/a social security number or SSN) to the clerk? I am betting not. And if you do, well...

 

As for the license vs. ownership arguement, thats a technical point that is irrelevent to the matter at hand. You know the point I was trying to convey, i.e. that I did not steal the software so I should have a right to use it unencumbered and without further 'payments' (monetary or otherwise) as time goes on.

 

If we look at the popup box, it offers three bulleted points, or reasons, why I need a Norton account, to wit:

 

  • Access my Norton product key for easy reinstall.
  • Securely manager your Norton Account information and subscription online.
  • View the latest information about security threats and your Norton products and services.


The first one is a service I do not need. The security key is printed on a label on the back of the CD pouch and it also got added to my key spreadsheet when I installed the software. The spreadsheet is part of my incremental backup to an offsite, secure server I have in a datacenter in Los Angles. That server is backed up to another server in New York and a third in Chicago. I host 100s of websites, but one of the nice things about cheap, large hard disks is the fact that you'll always have spare capacity and that then you can back things up in multiple places.

 

The second one assumes that you have a need for a Norton Account to begin with. No need to manage information for an account that you dont have and no need to have an account for a service that you do not need.

 

The third and final point in favor of opening an account is the fact that I can "view information" about security threats. Thanks, but thats what security websites and blogs are for. I already have a few I like to read. I dont need another one. As for viewing information about my Norton products and services, that I can do right from the software program.

 

So, a careful examination of the benifiets of having a Norton Account weighed against my needs clearly shows that I do not need a Norton account. So the only other reason to open one is to give personal infromation to Symantec so they can do who knows what with it and give it to all of thier "carefuly screened business partners" and share it with their sister companies. Thanks, but no thanks.

 

It would be more helpful if folks would tell me how to bypass the nag screen instead of trying to convince me that I need a Norton Account.

Message Edited by Shortfuse on 11-25-2008 12:11 PM
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Look (I don't why I am taking this seriously, but I am going to give it this shot):

 

If Symantec was doing all this, why would they bother to ask you for your email address?  Their product is already on your computer.  They can have any darn thing they want from your machine.  Your emails.  Your instant messages.  Your passwords.  Even the thoughts you think while you're sitting at your computer -- at least if you write them down.  And it's been shown that computer keystrokes can be picked up ... even when the keyboard is not connected to the computer (btw, for the rest of you, this is for real); so I would imagine that vice-versa is also applicable and computers can be built they pick up all sorts of information from the environment (isn't there a built-in microphone, maybe one you don't know about?).

 

But back to where I started.  Either you trust a security company or you don't.  If you do, there is no reason not to give them an email address they could get anyway.  If you don't, then you shouldn't be using their product.

 

Given your state of fear, I think you need to write your own security software.  Of course, you need to be sure you don't have an alternative personality that's going to, well, you know, spy on you?

11

One mo' time:

 

Whether experts or not what can we do when you ignore what you are told?

 

"Don't confuse me with the facts -- my mind is made up" <s>

You cannot disable it ....

 

A licence is not a purchase ...

 

[edit: removed second kudos image.]

 

Message Edited by Tim_Lopez on 11-25-2008 11:13 AM
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mijcar wrote:

Look (I don't why I am taking this seriously, but I am going to give it this shot):

 

If Symantec was doing all this, why would they bother to ask you for your email address?  Their product is already on your computer.  They can have any darn thing they want from your machine.  Your emails.  Your instant messages.  Your passwords.  Even the thoughts you think while you're sitting at your computer -- at least if you write them down.  And it's been shown that computer keystrokes can be picked up ... even when the keyboard is not connected to the computer (btw, for the rest of you, this is for real); so I would imagine that vice-versa is also applicable and computers can be built they pick up all sorts of information from the environment (isn't there a built-in microphone, maybe one you don't know about?).

 

But back to where I started.  Either you trust a security company or you don't.  If you do, there is no reason not to give them an email address they could get anyway.  If you don't, then you shouldn't be using their product.

 

Given your state of fear, I think you need to write your own security software.  Of course, you need to be sure you don't have an alternative personality that's going to, well, you know, spy on you?

 

My state of fear? heh. If you dont value your privacy, thats your problem. I dont give out information just because someone wants it. Trust has nothing to do with it. Symantec has no reasonable need for e-mail address and as such they are not going to get it. But for the record, no, I do not trust Symantec or any other large multi-national corporation. Such entites exist for the sole purpose of turning a profit - no matter what the expense and tend to be morally and ethically bankrupt.

 

This place really is something. Does everyone here take home a paycheck from Symantec or something? Looks like I asked this question in the wrong place.

13

Wow your paranoid. Just about every web site you go to or program you install needs your email address. Email addresses have become a standard way of contacting people. My XBOX360 membership requires an email address. So I guess you cannot trust Microsoft. GM training requires an email address. My job requires an email address. Stop already with all the whining.

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Dieselman743 wrote:
Wow your paranoid. Just about every web site you go to or program you install needs your email address. Email addresses have become a standard way of contacting people. My XBOX360 membership requires an email address. So I guess you cannot trust Microsoft. GM training requires an email address. My job requires an email address. Stop already with all the whining.

 

You see, thats just it. I don't want to be contacted by Symantec. For anything. Ever. I have no need to be contacted by them and they have no need to contact me. I cannot remember when the last time Open Office required my e-mail address when I installed it. Or Dreamweaver. Or Photoshop. Or Pidgin. Or Firefox. Or X-Chat. Heck, even Dymo Label Software dosen't need my address. So your assertion that nearly every program needs an e-mail address is, well, false.As for trusting Microsoft, well, thats a can of worms we should not open here.

 

Has anyone here ever even bothered to read Symantec's Privacy Policy?

 

With Whom We May Share Your Information

From time to time, we may provide your information to selected business partners to communicate to you information about products or services that they believe are important to you or your business. If you prefer that we not provide your information to our business partners, you may let us know using one of the methods described in this policy.

 

 

Translation: Whenever we get the oppertunity, we will sell whatever information we have about you to our business partners, who we have carefully screened to ensure that they are able to pay good money for your information.

Since Symantec is a global company, we provide company information to our worldwide offices. The personal information that you have provided to us may be transferred to other Symantec offices around the world. For example, when European customers register Symantec products their personal information may be transferred to servers in the United States then transferred to servers in one or more of Symantec's European offices. Also, in certain countries our outside contractors might undertake the collection, transferring, storage and processing of your information.

Translation: In the event we want to do something with your personal information that would be illegal under US law, first we'll transfer your information to some third-world country where what we want to do is not illegal, then we'll do whatever we were thinking about doing before.

Symantec may also use web beacons in promotional email messages to determine whether the message was opened and acted on. We may use this information on email response to develop future promotions you may enjoy.

Translation: One we start spamming you, if you open one our spams, we'll use tricky things to see if you opened our spams. If you did, we'll reward you with even more spam. 

 

You know, I know someone who is good at making things do things they are not designed to do. Maybe I'll violate my license agreement and give him my copy of the software so he can reverse engineer it and write a patch to remove the nag screen. Then I'll stick that up on Bit Torrent for others to enjoy. Then someone can come on here and post about how its impossible to disable the stupid nag screen. The patch, mind you. Not my copy of the software.

15

So what email address did you fill in in order to log into this Forum and post?

 

As someone has said already, if Symantec wanted to get your personal information -- that which they do not have already if you install their software -- they could get it, just as Microsoft can or Apple.

 

Stay at home and read a book -- not from your local public library either or bought with your credit card -- if you want privacy.

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huwyngr wrote:

So what email address did you fill in in order to log into this Forum and post?

 

As someone has said already, if Symantec wanted to get your personal information -- that which they do not have already if you install their software -- they could get it, just as Microsoft can or Apple.

 

Stay at home and read a book -- not from your local public library either or bought with your credit card -- if you want privacy.

Notice, huwyngr (btw, how do you pronounce that?), how the poster ignored my suggestion of the simplest solution of all.  He goes on for about 5 column inches (on my screen) and never even addresses the idea of just using a dummy email address - one reserved only for this account.

 

Which is sad.  Because here he is making all these allegations without a single fact to back up assumptions that in other circumstances might get the relatives requesting sanity exams.  And all he has to do is use a dedicated email address, choose the opt-out for sharing the address, and then count the number of spam emails he gets, and offer them as evidence to back up his allegations.

 

(Now before everyone says what a great idea and tries this themselves, remember that all email addresses end up getting spam even if the addresses are never used -- because of the random generators that spammers use to send out email and then re-use them if they are not bounced back as nonexistant.  So if you want to try this experiment yourself, create two dummy email addresses.  One dedicated to the source you want to check out; one to never be used as all.  Then over a period of say six months, compare the amount of unsolicited email.  Have fun.  I've done it myself and it is very revealing.)

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<< ... huwyngr (btw, how do you pronounce that?),  >>

 

You don't need to.

 

Perhaps he is reading a book?

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huwyngr wrote:

<< ... huwyngr (btw, how do you pronounce that?),  >>

 

You don't need to.

I know that.

 

But I love names.  So I was wondering if that was a real name; and, if it was, how it is pronounced.

19

It's an assembly of bits of my name .....

 

Coincidentally Huw is the Welsh spelling of Hugh which is my first name ....

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huwyngr wrote:

It's an assembly of bits of my name .....

 

Coincidentally Huw is the Welsh spelling of Hugh which is my first name ....

Thanks.  I did the same thing with my name.  Now Welsh is something else.  I have never even attempted to pronounce anything in Welsh; I'd be afraid I'd either pass out or do my tongue permanent damage.  But I know I'll have to try some day.  And I know how the world will respond.  :smileymad:

 

And now back to our regular programming ...