How does uninstalling Norton affect quarantined viruses?

Norton Security | Norton Internet Security
1

Hello,

 

I am using Windows XP.

 

My question is if I uninstall Norton Antivirus 2010 using add/remove programs, will the viruses in quarantine be released and affect my computer?

 

I have always used Norton Antivirus and buy it every year and I keep it up to date.  I have always just put in the latest disk and "updated" or let the disk remove what it wants of the old version and install the latest version. 

 

Lately I have had some issues that I attibute to Norton, so I wanted to do a removal of the 2010 version and clean install of the latest 2011 version.

 

My 2010 version expires on Tuesday and I have 2011 disk ready to go, just want to know if the quarantined items will be set free to infect my PC between the time I uninstall and the time I install the AV protection.

 

Thanks for your help!

2

Hello donn33 and welcome!

 

When you uninstall your Norton product, the items in quarantine will not be released to your machine.  Depending upon the method of uninstalling, they will remain in a quarantined state or be removed for the system.

 

You didn't mention what type of problem you are attributing to Norton, but for a clean uninstall / re-install, I would suggest the following:

 


  • Download and Save the Norton Removal Tool to your desktop.

  • Download and Save the NIS 2011 Installer to your desktop. Do not use your CD as it is probably an older version.

  • For temporary protection, turn on your Windows Firewall.

  • Back up your Identity Safe Data to a convenient location. Have your product key handy.

  • Uninstall your current Norton Version via Add-Remove Programs or Programs and Features.

  • If prompted, do not select the option to save your settings.  Select "Please remove all user data...." (see image here)

  • Restart your computer when prompted.

  • After the restart, run the Norton Removal Tool.

  • Restart your computer when prompted.

  • Right click on the NIS 2011 Installer and select “Run As Administrator” (XP users just double click).

  • If prompted, enter your product key and set up your Norton account.

  • Check that Norton has turned OFF the Windows Firewall.

  • Run Live Update a few times until no more definitions are available.

 

3

Thank you for the reply.

 

I'm confused with a couple of things.

 

 

  • Download and Save the NIS 2011 Installer to your desktop. Do not use your CD as it is probably an older version.

I purchased and have the NAV 2011 CD.  How can I install Norton AV 2011 is I don't use the CD as you instructed?

 

"For temporary protection, turn on your Windows Firewall."


I use Zonealarm Firewall.  Do I still need to turn on the Windows Firewall and won't the two conflict with each other?

 

 

I don't know what this is, and the link does not show my Norton product currently installed (NAV 2010)

 

 

"Check that Norton has turned OFF the Windows Firewall."

 

Don't I have to do this manually?  I didn't know Norton had the ability to turn off the Windows Firewall.

 

I apologize for my confusion!

 

4

I am sorry for the confusion.  I misread your product information.

 

You can download NAV 2011 here.

 

Obviously you do not have Identity Safe, so that step is not required and since you have ZoneAlarm as your firewall, disregard any mention of the Windows firewall.

 

Again, I apologize for the confusion.

5

No problem, I appreciate your help!

 

I downloaded the NAV 2011, so am I correct to assume that I can install this and use the product key that came with the disk of NAV 2011 that I purchased?  So I basically spent the money on a product key, but it's better to dowload the NAV 2011 from your link because it is the latest version?

 

I have never done it that way before, just making sure that my product key should work with a downloaded version, before I do it.

 

 

6

That is correct.

 

The CD key will work with the downloaded version which at this point is probably one version ahead of the CD.

 

Let us know how you do!

 

(and I have attached the printable instructions for NAV 2011)  :smileywink: