This post is not complicated BUT you will need to read ALL the Details. I have made it as short as possible without omitting all relevant details. PLEASE Read All Before Replying.
To make sure we all understand, here are abbreviations that will be used:
- NS = Norton Security WITHOUT Backup; also means Norton Security Deluxe Multi-PC
- KB = Knowledge Base
- NIS = Norton Internet Security – an older version
I am an Experienced IT professional working in Programming and Network Design, so you can be very technical and detailed in your reply. I have used Norton products for decades. Personally, I still wish they offered their stand-alone Anti-Virus product. I realize that they are making them for the general public, who lack an in-depth understanding of what is needed for Internet protection.
Before you enter your reply, know that I searched Symantec’s KB in great detail before contacting Norton Support.Not finding my answer in the KB, I then spoke with Norton Support at length on the issues. They do not have any information on how to do it. I realize that they may not have a method and the software’s Designers and Programmers may not want it known, primarily for security reasons.
I have since submitted Feedback to Norton, because earlier versions of this software (NIS) DID HAVE Methods to back up what I need. This is needed, because if you lose your PC – due to any reason, Hard Drive Failure, Virus Infection, etc. – and have to reinstall the software, you also lose everything the NS software set by default and the user did manually. Only if you have backups of your PC and can restore it to a previous point in time, can you avoid this dilemma.
THE QUESTION: Does anyone know if the Settings for NS, or the Files that contain the Settings, can be Manually Copied to another Folder on the Hard Drive ??
Alternately, can the Settings be Exported out and then Imported back to save a lot of work and pain ??
If this is possible, then there are 2 more Questions:
- Which Files contain the Settings ??
- Can you Manually Copy those files back into NS and have them work without problems ??
** NOTE: I realize that Norton Self-Protection will have to be Disabled to allow the Overwrite.
When I write the word “Settings”, it Specifically Means the data NS uses to determine its actions. This is the data can be accessed using, and modified from, Norton Security’s Settings GUI. This GUI is accessed by Clicking on the “Settings” Control Button, located in the Upper Right Area of the Main GUI.
What I specifically need is a way to Manually Backup or Copy the File(s) that actually contain the data for the “Firewall” section of Settings. I would like to save all the Settings, if possible.
This issue arose because of problems with the upgrade/installation of the 22.6.0.142 Engine from the prior 22.5.5.15 Engine Version. After Live Update ran, problems were noted with Norton’s Security History Log.
The ONLY solution Norton Support can offer is to Uninstall Norton Security, run the Norton Cleaner Tool and re-install a fresh version. Unfortunately and as of this posting, Version 22.6.0.142 of Norton Security is NOT available as a stand-alone download. You have to go back to the prior version 22.5.5.15 of NS.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, Uninstalling Norton Security PERMANENTLY deletes all of your Settings. I have over 40 programs, including Windows System Executables, that have Custom Firewall Settings. If I have to Manually Re-Enter all of those, I will be Very Unhappy.
I had always been able to resize the Security History Log. I will open this Log, position it on my Desktop and resize so that you can easily read all the entries. I then minimize it to the Task Bar. I look at it frequently while online and clear out the log, after reviewing entries, when it reaches 8-plus pages.
With Version 22.6.0.142 as Live Update installed it, I now cannot resize the Security History GUI. Another problem was also discovered. The Pull-Down Menu in this log, which has the word “Show” to the left of the Window, had the various Menu choices grouped with Section Dividers. Those Dividers are not there and Norton Support has confirmed that they are supposed to be present.
Norton Support has also confirmed that the Security History Log is one of the few GUIs that can be resized to any size the user wants. This capability has NOT been changed and is working with the 22.6.0.142 Engine Upgrade.
I have also verified this with a number of my colleagues. If they did not have a problem with the 22.6.0.142 Upgrade from Live Update, then it works on all 32-bit Windows Systems from Vista to 10 versions. A number of them have the EXACT SAME problem with the Security History Log and we have been commiserating and conferring.
This problem was found on my 32-bit Windows Vista Ultimate and TWO 32-bit Windows 8.1 Systems. My 32-bit Windows 10 system does not have these issues. Several of my colleagues do have this problem with 32-bit Windows 10 systems.
The actual version of NS (i.e. Deluxe, Premium with Backup) is irrelevant, because according to Norton Support, they are the same with the Features added being the only difference. That being stated, I will specify what NS version I am using.
I have what Symantec terms “Norton Security Deluxe”, which is a 5-license Version of Norton Security WITHOUT Backup. I do not need Backup, as I have External and Network Backup Drives.
Even though I have Backup Hard Drives, it may NOT help the problem and even be a futile use of my valuable time. I can restore the affected systems to how they were a few days ago, which would give me NS with the 22.5.5.15 Engine. That will take some time and I prefer to avoid this extra work – not to mention that all emails downloaded and documents created are gone. Once restored, I would have to re-run Live Update and HOPE the problem does not return.
It would be both Faster and Simpler if I knew which files to copy. Then I would not need to do a full restoration, as the Registry would not be needed to make them work, like it would if you changed the Engine. After I copy the files that contain the Settings, I could uninstall NS and restart the system. AT THAT POINT, I would do a Full Backup. That would give me the System without NS, but everything else.
Once I have Version 22.6.0.142 of Norton Security installed and all the Security History GUI capabilities working, then I would copy the files containing the Settings and all my Settings would (hopefully) be there.
That is all the details. I hope someone has the answers I seek.
Thank you for your time.