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Issue abstract: How to set Norton 360 when another VPN is installed
Detailed description: I have Norton 360 basic installed and running as an antivirus For VPN, I use NordVPN. Everything seems to be working but I still wonder about this.
In Norton, I have VPN turned off. But when I look in Services, Norton VPN service is running. Should I disable this or just ignore it?
And what about the Norton Smart Firewall? I have that running but don’t know if I need it with NordVPN running.
Product & version number: 25.9.10453 (build 25.9.10453.954)
VPN such as NordVPN does not replace a firewall. They are fundamentally different security tools that provide separate, complementary types of protection. A VPN encrypts your traffic to protect your data in transit, while a firewall blocks unwanted traffic and unauthorized access to your network.
For the most comprehensive online protection, it is recommended to use a VPN and a firewall together.
Layered security: Your firewall provides a first line of defense, filtering out threats before they can reach your computer. The VPN then ensures that your traffic is securely encrypted as it leaves your device and travels across the internet.
Threat Protection: Many VPNs, including NordVPN, offer additional security features like threat protection that can block ads, trackers, and malicious websites. However, this is not a substitute for a full antivirus program, which actively scans and removes malware from your device.
Protection against different risks: A firewall protects against network intrusions, while a VPN protects against surveillance and data interception. Using both closes more security gaps than using either one alone.
Yes, disable Norton VPN Service has been mentioned…with third party VPN on board.
You need Norton Smart Firewall.
VPN such as NordVPN does not replace a firewall.
On my wife’s machine, Norton VPN blocks access to our printers. I’ve been through every conceivable test and fix, with no joy. There’s the sad tale.
Sorry if I was unclear about my tale. It wasn’t a problem with Norton support. I was just pointing to the thread discussing all the things I tried over many hours, with advice from multiple people here. My thought was that the support here went beyond anything I expected to get from the initial levels of Norton support people, and I would have to wade through many levels before getting to a upper level support person. I just don’t have the time now.
Okay…reporting the “issue” via Norton Lv1 support (as we know) would be how to get the case escalated.
I’ve been told (many times) by Lv1 agent that Lv1 needs to see the “issue” before they’re able to escalate an issue.
Thanks…I’ll follow along hoping you’ll set your issue sorted.
If I turn off the Norton VPN, either in the Control Panel, Secure VPN or via Services, I can print normally. When the Norton VPN is running, my printers show as “offline” and I cannot print. Turning on “access local devices with VPN” doesn’t make any difference. This is the subjet of another thread, referenced above.
Have you tinkered with VPN settings for split-tunneling applications within Norton? Adding the printer programs. Just trying to get the one laptop in a scenario where printing works and VPN is enabled for better protection away from your local network.
I could not find anything I’d could identify as a printer program. My Brother laser has a program called iPrint & Scan, but it appears when I print, it uses a Windows driver, not the iPrint & Scan program. I did put that program in the VPN exclusions anyway, but it made no difference.
What is your printer model if I may ask? I would like to have a look at the software for it closer. Maybe we can get the right executables to add that will fix this for you.
I have a Brother HL-L2370 b&w laser and an HP Officejet Pro color inkjet all-in-one.
It occurs to me to mention why the problem may not be solved by split tunneling, even if we can find applicable printer apps. When the Norton VPN is running and I open Printers, Add Printer doesn’t work. It just gets a message “Windows Could Not Search Your Network for Printers”.
There is a lot more discussion over months of this problem here.
I also noted in the other thread that I have no problem getting to the printers with Encrypt.me as the VPN on my wife’s Dell laptop.
Which single VPN is it that you actually want to use on BOTH computers? Running more than one will cause serious issues. The Norton VPN will prompt you that it needs to disable itself to add an executable to split-tunnel. Once that is done reenable the VPN and recheck. If that isn’t working for you support is the best path forward.
We only use a single VPN on each computer. But no way we can be sure that all computers run the same VPN. My iPhone has a different VPN, for example. And when we have house guests, they may have their own VPNs on their devices. We’ve never had a problem printing except from my wife’s laptop.
@RandySea2 I’m at a loss with this one. So much of the issue doesn’t make any prudent sense, especially given this is on a local network. Personally, I don’t see the need for a VPN when on my local network and never use one for that reason. I DO use a VPN when doing business online, never have had any issues with printing on Ethernet or Wifi connections.
I would again suggest contacting support. The new engine the Norton products uses has a boatload of hidden functions built into it and is nothing like the old versions we were accustomed to before the 24xxx release came with the new core engine. It has been one serious uphill battle trying to assist with issues like you for a long time now.
I am the OP. The problem of not being able to print with Norton as VPN seems to have mysteriously disappeared. I have made no change on the laptop. I did upgrade the DECO mesh routers to new DECOs. I haven’t figured out if or how that could have changed things.
