Need to permanently remove Desktop icon - returns after every update

Archive
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For years I have struggled with Norton placing an icon on the desktop during every update.  I delete and it reappears.  I do not want the icon on my desktop. AV should run silently in the background.  It does not need a shortcut on the desktop.  And, to e clear - I DO NOT WANT the icon on my desktop.  I want the icon gone.  I want it to STAY gone.  N360 is the ONLY program that "self installs" an icon on the desktop.  I do NOT want the icon.  I do not NEED the icon.  When I delete it, it should STAY deleted.  What do I have to do to make the icon NEVER reappear on my desktop - short of subscribing to a different AV? 

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First, I want to acknowledge this problem. We are aware of this and other threads discussing this. We have added this to the backlog of items to address. I also want to highly recommend that you do not change the name of any of our executables. First, you don't know exactly what the behavior will be after the change, and it will get updated on the next LiveUpdate.

We will update this post once the change has been made.

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Does this workaround honestly seem like an acceptable solution to the people working at Norton? What an embarrassment.

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I have this exact same issue. It's an absolute disgrace that Norton FORCES a new desktop icon every time it updates itself in the background. I have dozens and dozens of programs on my PC and Norton is THE ONLY ONE THAT CONTINUALLY ACTS LIKE MALWARE. I've been a Norton customer for over a decade, this will be my last time unless some MAJOR changes occur. Sick of this bull$%&*!!!

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I’ll give it a try. I’m not a huge fan of working around design flaws but it’s better than nothing. Thanks.

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I'm curious...have you tried renaming uiStub.exe to (for example) uiStub.exe123

Program Files > Norton Security > Engine > 22.22.3.9 > uiStub.exe

In my testing -> renaming uiStub.exe kills the desktop shortcut.  I still had the Norton system tray button/icon. 

To rename uiStub.exe -> you'll need to temporarily turn off Norton Tamper Protection.
(remember to turn Norton Tamper Protection back on)

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Or, if you do not want to rename uiStub.exe

Maybe, "Pin to taskbar" against uiStub.exe. 

Another user suggested "Pin to taskbar" sorted their issue with the Norton Desktop shortcut. 

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Need to permanently remove Desktop icon - returns after every update - Posted: 27-Feb-2022
https://community.norton.com/en/forums/need-permanently-remove-desktop-icon-returns-after-every-update

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NotMilk:
Pinning to taskbar??

Maybe, I'm not understanding.  I thought you want the Norton shortcut off your desktop.  
Curious, have you tried "Pin to taskbar" against uiStub.exe. 

 

Curious, have you tried renaming uiStub.exe to (for example) uiStub.exe123

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I don't have a problem with Norton desktop shortcut. 
So, I was curious...what you've tried. 

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Pinning to taskbar??

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 NotMilk:
I do not want the icon on my desktop. 

Maybe, try renaming uiStub.exe - (temporary turn off Norton Tamper Protection)
Maybe, try pin uiStub.exe to taskbar - 

C:\Program Files\Norton Security\Engine\22.22.1.58\uiStub.exe

 

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So never empty my trash? I feel like that’s a strange work around and really Not an option for me. The application install file should prompt (standard software installation behavior) and I would like to know how to get to that setting. I’ve Uninstalled and reinstalled and there is no option I see.

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Hello NotMilk. Drop the desktop icon into your recycle bin and leave it there. 

SA