Odd Norton and Computer behavior

Alright, I think I should just bring this up, it is starting to get on my nerves. I'm not sure if I have a virus, a cranky system, or if Norton is just starting to fall apart on me.

 

I had better start by explaining whats going on with my computer. I have a computer, quite new, less than a year old, and upon it is NIS 2010. I've had NIS ever since  my last computer, with only some problems here and there, which inevitably couldn't be resolved (with the exception of one problem which norton actually was preventing me from connecting to the internet at all, but that is neither here nor there). 

 

In anycase, I have, several weeks left on my norton subscription at this time, I plan on updating when the time is right, no sooner, no later. However, ever since coming home, every time I restart my computer, Norton displays "at risk" and tells me my trial has expired. All it takes is a simple click to reactivate the product, as it still seems to have my key, but it doesn't seem to acknowledge, this matter of fact that I never had a trial, or have 40 some days still left on my subscription.

 

Furthurmore, this problem didn't start happening till this weekend, when my computer started to act "oddly". I don't suspect it is a virus, nothing seems infected, and nothing norton has been able to turn up, indicates i'm at risk. The "oddities" began happening, when my computer's mouse stopped functioning out of the blue (though it works again per reboot), followed by a BSOD of some sort or another (Though I haven't had a BSOD since), subsequently, the internet seems to "cut off" any pages i'm loading, browsing or surfing, seem to go into a "cannot be loaded" (though the computer works by keyboard still).

 

Common solutions such as pulling up task manager, or using the window key to draw up the start menu, and shut down or restart by arrow keys, prove ineffective, as the screen goes black, and simply doesn't come to any resolution (or the compute becomes unresponsive in it's entierty). ALT-TAB seems to work to navigate open windows, as does ALT+F4 to force close anything immediatly open (in this case, i've been able to save what i've been working on in MS word, by the auto-prompt giving me the option to save my work before closing the program, thank goodness for that).

 

Eventually, I have to manually flick the power switch to turn the computer off, as it does not respond to any shut down options, or eventually goes to a perpetual black screen.

 

This tends to happen to me, once a day, at this point. After today's "reboot", my norton, as previously mentioned, registered as "at risk" with the trial period expired, despite me never having had a trial, and having several weeks still present upon my current subscription. I need an instant solution to all of these problems, as I am at this time in my life, extremely busy with my work, and need to keep my computer running for hours on end.

 

I appreciate any feedback that can be given, thank you.

 

~S

 

*I should mention, I am running windows 7 home premium, and my broswer is firefox, though I don't see how this affects much, every bit may help.

Hello Sc4m

 

When your computer was new, did it come with any trial version security program. A lot of new computers do come with a trial version of some sort of security program. If it did come with one, how was that program removed? I am wondering if perhaps there was a trial version of NIS on it and you didn't realize it perhaps.. Or else the previous security program wasn't removed properly and you didn't get a clean install of your NIS 2010. Did you use the removal tool from the previous company to remove the other security program?

Hello flopot.

 

No, my computer didn't come with any particular anti-virus or protection otherwise (as far as I am aware). I essentially, set up everything myself for Norton, as could be considered. I use norton, borderline exclusivly on any of my PC and Laptops. I make sure I know what is on a computer before I buy it, and tend to most of the products myself that I see would be safe to utilize, or worth putting my money into. But this is only as far as I can tell, I never had much problems with this practically brand new computer. I am baffled, simply.

Also, did the machine come with with Win7, or have you done an upgrade over XP or Vista?  Are the mouse and keyboard wireless, or wired?  Are they Logitech or some other maker?

 

It does sound like a program conflict. 

Hello  delphinium

 

The computer came with windows 7 home premium, installed nto it. I updated accordingly and still have done so, regularly, according to window's update. The mouse and eyboard are both part of the computer, having came with it, they are not logitech. Asus, is the name, of this computer's maker, and accessories.

Are the mouse and/or keyboard wired or wireless?  Have any of the peripherals been changed or added to like cameras, printers, cordless phones, etc?

Nothing is wireless. I have a set of headphones plugged in (by logitech, go figure), but thats into the front of the computer through a USB port. No cameras, or anything else of real note. I don't see how a headset could cause complications however, i've been using it for weeks before these issues started, as a means to moderate volume to a minimum, during the night hours because the bedrooms are adjacent to the office.

Hi Sc4m,

 

Many of your symptoms suggest your CPU may be overheating.  I would contact the manufacturer to see if this is a known issue for your brand and model.

 

As to the Norton subscription issue, in the main Norton window click Support > Subscription Status.   Click Finish after the status check completes.  This will synchronize the subscription shown in your local product with the information on the Norton servers and may correct the issue you are seeing.

 

http://www.ehow.com/list_6389404_processor-overheating-symptoms.html

Hello SendOfJive

 

I use a program called "speedfan" to monitor my computer's temperatures, though the fan-speed is reported abnormal from time to time in the Computer's feedback, the computer itself is relativly cool to the touch. I'm not sure how to curve this issue, exactly, or prevent it from being an issue at all (I've had suggesstions, to get a better fan, but i'm not exactly what better would be considered, as for someone who uses a computer that several family members use, work, games, online reasons, as well as serving as a movie-player from time to time, for others). 

 

I followed your instructions, in concerns of the subscription. Upon restart, and an update which was supposedly waiting, I've found my status "at risk" again, and the update didn't seem to take (hence it redownloaded, two, three times, throughout the various reboots i've done through the week). I reactivated my product, but this didn't seem to help the update apply any better (needless to say), or do anything towards Norton.

 

I am thinking of a clean install, though i'm not sure how to go about it, with NiS 2010.

Does Norton appear to be scanning properly Once it is updated?  You could do a cross-check for malware using Malwarebytes free version to see if there is anything interfering with Norton.

 

If you do a clean installation of it you will need the removal tool and the latest NIS2010 or NIS2011 version if you prefer.  You are able to upgrade versions for free.  Download eveything to your desktop and disconnect.

Run MBAM.  If clean, run the removal tool, and install whichever version you want.  NIS2010 will need to update to 17.7.0.12.  Both should pick up your key when you click check status.

 

http://www.filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/

 

Norton Removal Tool

http://www.symantec.com/redirects/norton/norton_com/nis10/


www.norton.com/nis11

pardon me, upgrade versions for free? I was under the impression i was stuck with Norton 2010, till i went to buy 2011 from the store. It was my intent to surf out Norton 2010's last few weeks, before buying the next yearly product.  Is this incorrect?

 

* I have ran a quickscan with malware bytes, it came back clean.

After a full system reinstall, Norton is reading as secure once more upon startup (very odd that it wasn't before. I wonder what could have caused it? Then again, I work during the day, so I have no clue what the others do on this thing while i'm out). Have yet to experience any "odd symptoms" otherwise, relative to the indications of overheating. I will keep all posted, as to the happenings. I won't officially close this topic, for another 24 hours, in the event "oddities" resurface.

I think the problem with Norton was caused by the system lockups and bad shutdowns.

 

I also agree it may be overheating.

If it's a desktop system, every year I need to clean the heatsinks and fans in mine.

Shut down the system, unplug it, and get one of those cans of air and blast away.  Especially in the fan areas and the CPU heatsink.  Let it sit a while to make sure any condensation dries before pluging it back in.

You'll know right away when you look inside if this was causing the system to overheat.

Dave

 

Edit- Yes, upgrades are free as long as you have a current subscription.

Moved to new thread for better exposure.