Getting Rid of Norton

[davewr]

Have tried to download the free antivirus, spyware etc. suggested by Ethel last November without any luck. Think it's due to a "free trial" of Norton already installed when I bought the laptop. Have downloaded the removal tool recommended a few weeks ago, but when I try to run it the message "Removal_Tool.exc is not a valid Win 32 application" comes up. Any ideas what to try next? The computer has Vista Home Premium.

[ACtheTROLL]

sounds like an incomplete download

just try again
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo .nsf/docid/2005033108162039

[pauln90]

I recently worked on a friends new pc which had Vista and the add/remove programmes feature totally removed the trial version of Norton.

I was then able to download AVG and Zonealarm etc with no problems.

[Clanad]

Sounds like the same problem I had with a "full" version of Norton I had on a previous computer to which I wanted to install a different protection package. Used the removal tool from Norton, but found that some references were still stored in "Shared File" directory. Check that. Additionally, some free shareware protocols have removal tools that work.. Take a look at "Error Expert" for one, "Perfect Uninstaller" is another.
Additionally, take a look at this site... Best of luck!
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/lofiver sion/index.php/t34671.html ...

[davewr]

Thanks for all the advice, I'll try again at the weekend.