How to move NIS 2012 and Norton Utilities from old computer to new computer

Norton Security | Norton Internet Security
1

I need to know how to move NIS 2012 and Norton Utilities from my old computer to a new computer.

 

My current computer is 9 years old and has NIS 2012 and Norton Utilities, using Windows-XP, and DIAL-UP MODEM (I'm not yelling -- just emphasizing how antiquated my computer and internet service are).

 

New Dell computer is still in box and has Windows 7 home premium, 64-bit.

 

I will be having either DSL or Comcast Cable internet installed (after deciding which) and then I'll install the computer. I'll probably arrange installation of one of them in the next two or three days.

 

My current subscription to NIS 2012 and Norton Utilities still has 57 days remaining, and is installed on only one computer

 

I have the NIS 2012 and Norton Utilities CDs.

 

How do I make the move and what steps do I need to follow?

 

AT&T DSL (now called uverse) and Comcast cable both advertise that anti-virus is part of their service. Is that all I need?

 

Would I be able to not use either AT&T or Comcast's anti-virus, and use NIS 2012? I particularly like the Norton Utilities, and want to continue using it

 

I apologize for all the questions, but I want everything to go smoothly -- most important question remains how to move the NIS 2012 and Norton Utilities to new computer without losing the 57 days I have left on my subscription.

 

I'd also appreciate a Symantec/Norton tech expert assisting in the answer.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

waenre

2

waenre,

 

Glad you are here and asking.....

 

I'll deal with bits and pieces as best I can.

 

Firstly there is no problem in transferring any unexpired time from your old to your new PC (glad it is not Windows 8!) -- do you have a NIS for 3 PCs or 1 PC? Whichever you have is easy to transfer but simpler if you have a spare activation.

 

Secondly and very important -- most new PCs come with a free trial installation of a security program, often Norton but not always -- I'ved come across McAfee and Kaspersky for example.

 

This is important because if it is not what you have now you need not only to uninstall it in the usual way but you need to run a cleanup tool you can download from the website of whichever brand is installed. Uninstalling is not enough.

 

If it is NIS then you are home and dry if it is NIS 2012 / V19 as you have already. If it is NIS 2013 / V20 which is the current version then you can still choose and it may be important if you use the Identity safe for password logins etc. Do you?

 

So we need to know the answers to those questions and also what version of Norton Utilities you have (Help / About usually shows this) since someone will have to advise you whether it is compatible with WIndows 7 64 bit.

 

Re the free security applications:

 

AT&T Internet Security Suite powered by McAfee®

 

Honestly if you go to AT&T I would not use McAfee. All I read is that it is not near the top in effectiveness and I think whatever it costs you to stick with NIS is best so don't opt to get that application.

 

COMCAST's Security Suite is in fact a slightly modified version of Norton 360 but without the free online storage since COMCAST supply that anyway as part of their package. Note that N360 includes some utilities similar to those in Norton Utilities.

 

You definitely should not use more than one security application of the kind you are considering since they can interfere with each other and give you less protection than one alone.

 

OK?

 

Sso please let us know the answers and we can go on from there.

 

Note that we can give you a link to a more uptodate version of NIS 2012 than the one that is on your CD since those are not updated and that will make a good installation more likely under Windows 7 and save on updating time. But we need to know whether you would like to stick with 2012 or move to the current 2013 which is a free upgrade as long as your subscription is in force.

 

BTW With only 57 days left keep your eyes open for a cheap copy of NIS, if you prefer to stick with that rather than get the COMCAST freebie, since it is often cheaper than renewing online with Norton and all you have to do is use the KEY on your new installation.

3

Hi huwyngr,

 

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it.

 

I think I have the info that you requested:

 

NIS - v 19.9.0.9

Norton Utilities - v 15.0.0.124

 

I have the 3 PC version, and have the 2012 NIS and NU discs.

 

New computer has no anti-virus -- I opted not to have it since I already had 2012 NIS and NU, plus I also have NIS and NU 2013 -- I buy it at Costco, which with Costco coupon is cheaper than internet renewal.

 

Thanks very much.

 

waenre

4

weanre,

 

Do you plan to start using your new computer now? Have you decided which ISP to go for and to stick with NIS rather than go to the free software on offer? When you do just make sure that no security application gets automatically installed when you sign on.

 

If you go to COMCAST there is at least one Guru here who does support on their forums and knows what's what.

 

SInce you have and are used to NIS 2012 / V19 let's deal with installing that since you can always upgrade to 2013 / V20 whenever you want and if you stay on NIS 2012 for a while then when your existing subscription is about to expire you can activate it for another year using the NIS 2013 KEY from the product you bought -- but if they have not fixed a glitch you may have to get Norton OnLine Support to issue you a new KEY since the 2013 ones should be backwards compatible but are not always. Thre's no hassle about this but allow the time before your subscription expires.

 

Here is a link to download a single file to install NIS 2012 which will be more uptodate than the one on your CD since those are not updated. You can download it on your old computer and copy it to a thumbdrive to install on your new PC.

 

New NIS 2012:

Click on this link -- NIS 2012

 

This will download a single file of around 100MB which you should save on your hard drive where you find it again  -- Do not select Run but use Save As when asked and remember where you put it!

After you install that on your new PC -- copy it to your new PC hard drive to the location Downloads and right mouse click on the file and select Run as Administrator to start the installation -- this often gives better results than just double clicking on the file. You need to be connected to the internet while installing.

 

When it is installed, run LiveUpdate manually a few times with a reboot inbetween until it says you are fully uptodate and you should be operational. Then click on the Subscribe link on the main screen of NIS and you should after a moment see a line about having an existing key so click on that and enter the key from your existing NIS 2012 and that should activate it for the balance of your subscription.

 

One thing you should do is to go into Settings / Comuter / Updates and turn OFF the Automatic Download of New Version. This stops an automatic download during idle time of the next upgrade version, 2013 / V20. It does not install it without asking you first but you might as well decide if and when you want to move on to that version since you are used to the 2012 / V19 which has the local vault for your Identity Safe duplicated on your hard drive and not only "up in the clouds" as the newer version has. Some people do not mind about this but others do and if you move to 2013 after you have set up your Identity Safe under 2012 you can retain it that way .....

 

A few days before the subscription expires you should try to enter the NIS 2013 key and if it is rejected then contact Norton OnLine Support via the CHAT link which uses your computer keyboard and they will either give you a new key or enter it for you.

 

To contact customer support Click on this link https://www.norton.com/chat   and work on from there.

Please let us know how you get on .... and if you have any queries.

 

PS -- I've not dealt with Norton Utilities partly because "one step at a time" and partly because I don't know it and it is dealt with in the Other Norton Products Forum here so when you have NIS installed and OK then post a query about installing it under Windows 7 64 bit.

 

PPS Don't forget to make those Dell recovery disks BEFORE anything bad happens.

5

huwyngr,

 

Thanks so much for all of your help.

 

I was planning on having cable or dsl installed and also installing the new computer at the same time. I have to move my current computer, monitor, and printer -- on table and printer stand -- so that the tech will have room to install either cable or phone plug.

 

I haven't had a chance to call Comcast or AT&T yet -- I'm just about finished cleaning up the computer area -- it was a mess with all kinds of papers, magazines, 4  years of tax returns, and other assorted stuff.

 

I plan on staying with NIS regardless of the ISP (Comcast or AT&T). If I go with AT&T, I definitely don't want McAfee -- it didn't even make PC World mag's top ten security suites, and a friend of mine has AT&T and has been infected with three viruses. However, if staying with NIS proves to be a big hassle, I may use Comcast's AV. I definitely won't use AT&T McAfee program.

 

I'll try to talk to the techs at Comcast for more info on installation and if I can keep NIS and NU -- customers service reps are really sales people and say "yes" to any question I ask.

 

Comcast is offering a special promotion -- more tv networks and 20 mbps for less than I'm paying for cable tv, but I don't know all the specifics. I don't need that speed -- for what I do -- 3 mbps (which is offered at $14.99 for twelve months) will be all I need. I want to be sure that after the year I'm not obligated to some $200 monthly package.

 

I'm somewhat amprehensive about installing broadband and computer at same time -- but since I have to move everything for the installation, I don't want to have to do it twice.

 

I'm sure I'll have more questions, and you've been so helpful. I'm very grateful.

 

waenre

 

P.S. Where are autosaved replies put? I typed a much longer response to your post, hit post, and got error message "authentication failed", and I was unable to find the autosaved "backup" file. I just checked and saw "autosaved at 7:08 a.m."

6

Just one point about your new computer "still in its box" -- if you bought it from a store like Best Buy or Ofdfice Depot they have a short period during which you can return it for any reason .... I don't like the color of the cabinet <g> -- and that makes it a lot easier if there is a problem when you first fire it up. Instead of them saying we will have to return it to Delll for servicing you can say I am returning it under your warranty and I want a new one! So maybe it's an idea to unpack and set it up just to see that it works?

 

<< I'll try to talk to the techs at Comcast for more info on installation and if I can keep NIS and NU -- customers service reps are really sales people and say "yes" to any question I ask.  >>

 

I'd suggest you ask here about that since some of the volunteers here "work" the COMCAST forums as well or use their service and will give you a better answer to such a specific question.

 

I'll ask one of them to jump in here.

 

I don't know where Autosaved replies are saved since it is part of the Forum system up in the clouds but my experience of some kinds of loss is that if I go to the message I clicked the Reply button on originally and click it again it opens the editor with a link that asks if you want to recover the text or start again.

 

Try that.

7

waenre,

I'll leave the connections and security to the experts who are already responding.

NU is a licensed product. Before you retire the old system delete NU from that system. NU15 will work with w7x64. It should continue to work as long as you keep it on that system.

I like v16 but that means buying a new license.

Keep us posted

8

Hi waenre,

 

I'm the Guru who volunteers on the Comcast Forum as well as on here.  I am "yank" here and "USAF_E-8_Ret" on Comcast - in case you ever get over there - you'll recognize the name.  I do not use Norton Utilities and canot assist you with info on that program.  I can tell you, as Hugh has said, the Comcast Norton Security Suite is a clone of Norton 360 which does include some of the features of NU.

 

I am a Norton customer, I run NIS v 20  on a Win 7, 64 bit desktop, Comcast's free Norton Security Suite (v 20) on another Win 7, 64 bit desktop and NIS 2012 on a Vista, 32 bit laptop.  I am also a Comcast customer and as you can see I run a retail copy of Norton on two systems and the free Comcast version on another system.  There is no requirement to run the Comcast version on your system just because you have Comcast cable. 

 

If you go to the Norton Security Suite FAQ's you will see that we have instructions for many different How to scenarios in regards to Install/Uninstall and Update/upgrade as well as notices for updates/upgrades of the product and also Fiefox add-ons updates.  So if you decide to use Comcast's version, you'll have the instructions at hand - we can evenguide you to whichone of the FAQ's apply to your situation if you desire.

 

One word of caution, Comcast (Xfinity) offers something called Constant Guard Protection Suite (CGPS) which is tagged as a Secure Browser (for your shopping/banking etc).  It has proven ove the last year or more to be a royal PITA andComcast users either swear y it (when it works for them) or uninstalls it and avoids the problems.  You cancheck out the Comcast Forums and see what I mean.  IMHO - CGPS will never be on any of my systems.  

 

BTW, the Comcast Forums are open to everyone as read only. You can read all day - but have to be a customer in order to sign in and post.

 

Anymore questions in regards to Comcast Norton Security suite and or using NIS on Comcast - let us know.

 

I see dickevans has responded already about NU - so if we missed anything or think of any more questions let us know!

 

 

9

Thanks again for your help and referring me to the NU and Comcast gurus. I really appreciate all the help I can get.

 

I bought the Dell direct from Dell's website, so I think I'll be OK -- I want to get everything done in next couple weeks or so (purchase date of the Dell was 1.6.13).

 

I now have most everything cleaned up around the computer area -- only problem is that on 12.17.13, I fell on wet floor of Muni streetcar and severely twisted my left ankle -- couldn't leave house for two weeks, and I'm just now beginning to be able to get around.

 

However, I can't lift anything heavy such has monitor (9-year-old Viewsonic 16-inch flat screen CRT) or the tall tower computer, so I'm having to wait a few days until I can do so. It does, however, give me time to do research. I have to go through all sorts of contortions just to plus in a USB thumb drive -- usb ports are located all the way at the bottom of the computer -- but it's to be expected on a computer that's 9 years old.

 

Thanks again.

 

waenre

10

Hi Dick,

 

Thanks for replying to my post -- huwyngr said he'd refer me to a couple of expert gurus for help with NU and Comcast. I appreciate your assistance.

 

I'm glad you reminded me to delete NU from my old computer -- I hadn't thought of that.

 

I bought the NIS 2013 with NU from Costco two or three months ago (whenever the $20 off coupon was in Costco's coupon book). I'm not sure which NU is it -- I don't see which version it has in a cursory review of the software box. I just assumed it would be the latest version.

 

I'm relieved to learn the NU works well under Windows 7.

 

Once again, thanks for your help -- I'll keep everyone posted, since I'm sure to have more questions.

 

waenre

11

Hi Yank,

 

Thanks for your reply -- I appreciate any assistance I can get.

 

You gave me a lot of info -- I have my homework to do.

 

You mentioned that you're running both NIS as well as what's provided by Comcast.

 

Do you think that what's provided by Comcast is just as good as the NIS products? Since Comcast's version is the path of least resistance, it would be easier just to go with it, but I want to be sure that I get the best protection.

 

After I've checked out the FAQs and Comcast, I'm sure I'll have more questions.

 

Thanks again -- I'll keep everyone posted.

 

waenre

12
waenre wrote:

Hi Yank,

 

Do you think that what's provided by Comcast is just as good as the NIS products? Since Comcast's version is the path of least resistance, it would be easier just to go with it, but I want to be sure that I get the best protection.

 

What is provided by Comcast is the same protection as provided in NIS, the same engine, virus/malware defintions, etc.  So as far as protection goes they are equal.  NSS adds some functions that you currently have in NU, via PC Tuneup Function.

 

PC Tuneup

  •  Finds and fixes problems that slow your computer 
  •  Speeds up the computer's startup time 
  •  Cleans and repairs Windows registry
  •  Removes Internet clutter such as cookies and temporary files

 

NSS also provides a backup function - not whole system image, but for your personal dats (docs,pictures, etc)

 

Now a few differences, Norton Security Suite (NSS), does not have an online vault for ID safe - it only has the Local Vault. 

It does not have a Norton Account either - the subscription/license is maintained by Comcast - you are permitted to install it on up to 7 systems however. Also the upgrades for NSS may be delayed being available as compared to the commecail products.  If you are familiar with the phased updtes Norton uses - NSS comes after all others.  I have seen as uch as a few months delay - buit the flip side of that is all the bugs have been worked out by then.

 

After I've checked out the FAQs and Comcast, I'm sure I'll have more questions.

 

Thanks again -- I'll keep everyone posted.

 

waenre

 Yes,please do come back if you have any more questions - anxious to see which route you go.

13

Sorry to hear about your accident --

 

<< on 12.17.13, I fell on wet floor >>  I hope you aren't planning to repeat it again <g>

 

You are in good hands not so I'll just watch.....

14

January 30, 2013

 

Hi Yank (as well as huwyngr and dickevans),

 

Thanks for all your help. I thought I'd give a status report.

 

A friend set up ccomputer on Monday (1-28-13) -- and I spent the rest of Monday and Tuesday playing with the win7 interface by mostly going through the control panel.

 

The win7 interface is different, though I'm beginning to see some that most of the differences I'm encountering are location. I used winXP for so long (nine years) that I was very familiar with its interface. I don't feel that comfortable with win7 yet, but I'm sure I'll get there eventually.

 

Comcast installed the broadband today with direct ethernet input (Motorola SURFboard eXtreme cable modem, SB6121), and the installer ran new cable to where the computer is located, hooked everything up, and then initialized or did whatever was necessary to turn caboe internet on.

 

The Comcast interface is also very different, and when I click on ie explorer in taskbar, everything looks so different than what I'm accustomed to seeing on XP.

 

I asked him if I should get my own anti-virus and he said yes, though I haven't installed my NIS 2012 yet. I'm not planning installing my MS Office 2003j (yeah, it old, but so am I, too old to learn and new MS Office.)

 

Yank, I don't think I want the Constant Guard -- there's an icon on desktop where I can install it -- but I have to install all of Constant Guard. It appears that Norton Security Suite is part of Constant Guard, and that I don't have the option of installing just Norton Security Suite (after reading the warning when I clicked on the link to rad about Norton Security Suite, and without anti-virus protection, I was too afraid to continue on to the site.

 

I googled Constant Guard, and saw lots of complaints -- one even complained that it slowed down his internet, and another said it was very difficult to uninstall. I don't want to install anything that will give me trouble -- I don't use online banking, and I very seldom order anything over the internet.

 

When I was playing on the Comcast internet today, I only went to email sites, yahoo, and google -- I feel pretty safe at these sites w/o anti-virus protection.

 

The installer also gave me a "welcome pacckage" and I plan to read it this evening, and see what I can learn.

 

I'm really pleased with the speed (direct ethernet connection helps, I'm sure) -- it seems almost as fast as the broadband internet at my local library branch -- it's wonderful.

 

Well that's the status for now -- I really appreciate all the help of everyone, and I'll keep everyone posted. I was hoping to see what I was used to on the old computer, but just at a much faster pace. It seems that won't be the case, and I've got quite the learning curve.

 

Thanks again.

 

waenre

 

 

15

waenre,

Please get some type of security product active on your system as soon as possible. So long as you are connected to the Internet you are subject to attack. And, now with the faster connection it will quicker.

Use either the Comcast Norton Security Suite - minus constant guard or the product you purchased. The Comcast product is a variation of Norton 360 and is updated and supported by Comcast. [that's Yank and friends under different usernames :smileywink:]

Stay well and surf safe

16

Dick,

 

Thank you for your prompt advice -- which I followed early this p.m., as soon as I returned from doing errands (no small feat since I'm not moving that well due to the ankle injury).

 

Yesterday I clicked on the Constant Guard icon on desktop, and it didn't appear that I could install Norton Security Suite minus constant guard, so I just turned the computer off for the rest of the day.

 

This a.m. I decided to just go with what I had (NIS 2012 and Norton Utilities), once a friend told me that if I later wanted to change to dsl, I would have trouble getting rid of any Comcast products, while it would be easier if I had "independent" products.

 

As soon as I returned home from the errands, I install NIS 2012 -- and did updates four or five times (booting up after each update) until I got the message that there were more updates. I did the same with Norton Utilities, updating and rebootin after each update) so I have some level of protection.

 

I also installed MS Office 2003 Professional and once again did the multiple update and reboot  routine -- afterwards I even created a small excel file, so I guess it's working.

 

The Win7 and IE9 explorer interfaces are so different -- I'm spending a lot of time googling specific questions. It appears that Win7 split My Documents and took out music, video, and pictures -- which I regret because I kept everything I wanted to save in My Documents and just copied the whole folder to a Western Digital portable hard drive.

 

I'm thrilled with the speed and the updates (considering the number of them) didn't take that long. I just have the economy service (3 mbps) -- the first person I spoke with at Comcast tried to get me to go for the 20 mbps, which would have been too much, and lots more expensive. I think it's safe to assume that he gets paid by commission.

 

Thanks again for all your help and advice. You guys made my life a lot easier. and answered all my questions.

 

waenre

17

Hi waenre,

 

Sorry I am late getting back to you.  I do want you to know that if in the future you decide to go with Norton Security Suite (NSS)  which is free from Comcast, it is a separate program and is not a part of Constant Guard Protective Suite (CGPS).

 

As shown in the FAQ's I referred you to oln Comcast's Forum Security Board you will find the following link for the NSS only download.  You do not need to install CGPS in order to get NSS.

 

Please tell your friend that in the case of NSS, it is no more difficult to remove from your system than the retail Norton Products. 

 

Also if at a future time you decide to go with NSS, please let us know and we'll provide guidance.

 

Oh and I went thru the Win 7 from XP deal a few years ago - easiest way for me to break myself of XP habits was to think of Libraries in Win 7 as the old XP My Documents. 

 

I am glad you are up,  running and protected.

 

18

Hi Yank,

 

Thanks for all the help -- I'll be sure to contact the you and the group when I have additional questions.

 

Playing (even for a day) on the computer wi/o virus protection probably wasn't the smartest move -- so I'm glad I'm protected now.

 

I have 43 days left on NIS 2012 and NU, and I already have the NIS 2013 from Costco -- since I opened the box already, I can't return -- so I'll just use it when NIS 2013 expires -- I'm familiar with its interface, so I'll have more time to work on the win7 and ie9 interfaces.

 

When I have to start paying for NIS, I'll go the NSS route.

 

Your suggestion of thinking of Libraries as My Documents is good. I've also been googling specific questions about differences between win7 and XP, as well as between ie8 and ie9 -- I just found instructions on importing favorites into ie9 -- I exported my ie8 favorites to a file.

 

I haven't made it to Comcast's board yet -- my errands take so much longer with the bum ankle, and then I'm spending time on the computer -- rather slowly as I don't want to make any mistakes. I'll eventually get to the Comcast board.

 

Once again, I want to thank you and the group for all your help, and that it's really appreciated.

 

waenre

19

Hi everyone,

 

Just to let everyone know that the "accept as solution" comes from all responders -- everyone provided very good information, and I would have been at a disadvantage, had I not had their posts. Unfortunately, the board only allows one selection, but I really appreciate everyone's efforts.

 

Thanks to all again.

 

waenre

20

waenre, I think I managed to reflect your true feelings as far as the solution goes.

 

Hopefully anyone who looks at this thread will see the solution was a combined effort from all who posted in it - including yourself as you had the decision to make and the rest of us just provided information.