Issue abstract:
Detailed description:I have a file that was deleted while cleaning disk space, and then I cleaned my Recycle Bin. The file it wants is a Norton file
C:\ProgramData\Norton\{0C55C096-0F1D-4F28-AAA2-85EF591126E7}\Updater\
How can I find the file and remove it so I can uninstall Chrome?
Product & version number: Not sure how to find this information
OS details:
What is the error message you are seeing?
If you have any supporting screenshots, please add them:
@treasuredphotos Here is some AI generated information for you to review:
AI Overview
If Windows throws an error stating that it cannot uninstall Google Chrome because it needs a missing Norton Updater file path, it usually means that a Norton security program (or a leftover browser protection component) has restricted or locked the installer files. [1, 2]
You can bypass this blocker and force Chrome to delete itself completely by following these steps:
Step 1: Force Close Google Chrome and Norton
Sometimes background processes look for these missing files and hang up the uninstallation. [1]
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Look through the list for any instances of Google Chrome, Norton, or Symantec.
Right-click on them and select End Task. [1]
Step 2: Manually Delete the Chrome Installation Folders
Since the default uninstaller is broken, you can manually delete the files: [1]
Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Paste the following path and press Enter:
%localappdata%\Google
Delete the Chrome folder inside.
Open the Run dialog box (Windows Key + R) again, paste this path, and press Enter:
C:\Program Files
Look for a Google folder. If there is a Chrome folder inside it, delete it. (Do the same check in C:\Program Files (x86) if you are on a 64-bit system). [1, 2, 3]
Step 3: Remove Leftover Registry Entries
To ensure Windows drops the broken uninstaller link:
Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. [1, 2]
Navigate to the following keys using the left sidebar:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Google\ChromeHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome [1]Step 4: Run the Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool (Optional)
**If Norton continues to block system processes or remains corrupted, its local files might be damaged. You can clean up Norton’s residual files by downloading the official Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool** to reset your security software and eliminate the ghost file paths. [[1]
Once these steps are complete, restart your computer. Google Chrome will be completely removed, allowing you to run a fresh installation if desired. [1]
SA
I installed the remover. Did not make any difference. I just found that the Chrome I removed from the current user returned, and now it will not let me remove it either.
· I tried to do what you showed me; however, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome would not delete Chrome. It gave me an error.
Are you logged into Windows with an account that has admin privileges? Are you using Windows 10 / 11? How many other users have accounts on this computer and are they standard or admin accounts? Thanks in advance.
SA
I am running Windows 11. I am not sure how to log in to my computer with admin privileges. I did get into the registry as an administrator. I still get an error and cannot remove Chrome
Asked earlier if there are other users with accounts on this same computer. If so removing Chrome from those profiles has to be done individually.
SA
Sorry, I forgot to answer that question. I am the only one using this computer. How do I log in with Admin Privileges?
I tried again and got this error Cannot delete Chrome Error " while deleting key. I expanded Chrome; there are 2 subfolders. The last is com. microsoft. browserscore. The error says Cannot delete com. microsoft. browserscore: Error while deleting Key
Hoping this will help:
AI Overview
You cannot delete the
com.microsoft.browsercoreregistry key because Windows protects Native Messaging host configurations linked to active system extensions like Microsoft Defender or Microsoft Edge.[image]Malwarebytes Forums +1
**com.microsoft.browsercoreis a legitimate Microsoft component used for browser extensions (like the Microsoft Defender or Passwords extension) and is not malware, which is why Windows locks the registry key and blocks deletion**.[image]Microsoft Learn +2
Why It Won’t Delete
- Active Permissions: The system or a background service (
BrowserCore.exe) holds permissions to the NativeMessagingHosts registry path.[image]Microsoft Learn +2
- Integral Registry Lock: Standard user or admin accounts lack ownership rights to delete system-level native messaging integrations without first changing key permissions.
How to Take Ownership and Delete It (If Necessary)
If you still want to remove it, you must take explicit ownership of the registry subkey via Permissions:
Press
Windows Key + R, typeregedit, and hit Enter.Navigate to the stubborn path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Google\Chrome\NativeMessagingHosts- or
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\NativeMessagingHosts[image]Malwarebytes Forums
- Locate the
com.microsoft.browsercorefolder.[image]Malwarebytes Forums +1
Right-click
com.microsoft.browsercoreand select Permissions…Click Advanced at the bottom of the window.
At the top next to Owner, click Change, type your current user account name, click Check Names, and hit OK.
Check “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects”, then click Apply and OK.
Back in the Permissions window, select your user account and check Full Control under Allow. Click Apply and OK.
Right-click
com.microsoft.browsercoreagain and select Delete.
SA
Would that be my email
If I do this would microsoft.browsercore be changed every place in the registry? Can this cause other problems?
That will be the user name you log into Windows with as that is your account on the system.
SA
Is there a way Norton could create the missing file?
Norton won’t recreate the file.
SA