Uninstalling Symantec

[Layback Bear]

Your correct it was intended for the OP.

 

[renpei]

Ok so the issue is complicated and I think I should clarify it even furthur.

ISSUE
I want to uninstall Symantec Endpoint Protection 11. I ran the uninstaller but it does not work. I then follow the steps on the symantec website to manually unistall it. Result: Symantec gone, Yipee!

THE REAL PROBLEM
I want Norton 360 instead. So i got Norton and I run the Installer. It tells me that a Norton or Symantec product has been detected and I have to uninstall it before preceding.

Things I have tried

1. Force uninstalling using Revo Uninstaller
2. Rebooting
3. Manually Uninstalling Again
4. Running Cleansomething-or-other (Symantec's uninstall tool for emergencies) about 5 times

Results of My Efforts
Guess what? same message appears when I try to install Norton again.


Any Idea?

 

[mjf]

Again - contact Norton/Symantec via their chat help service. They should be able to guide you through the process. I've used the service and they can help.

 

[Layback Bear]

Well you are trying very hard to get this done. Good job. Have you check out services as requested to see if part of the program is still running there. You also should check in Safe Mode Services. Next lets get something clear. I don't care if a Symantic program is called Nortons or Billy Joe's Dirty Under Ware if it is Symantic it will see their products which ever one it is. A program I use to find things is Search Everything. You must be careful it is kind of like regedit but easier to use. You must fine all left overs of Symantic or choose another brand name product. If you choose another brand product for your security that will put you in another layer of hell. I will work with you if you will work with me. I have been through the hell you are going through. We must know if any part of this program is still running in services in normal mode or safe mode if so stop and or remove it.

 

[Infinite]

Here's what I'd do:

Run the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility and see if it finds Symantic, if it does Remove it.

Then download and run Everything and search for "Symantec" or "Norton" or any keyword associated with Norton/Symantec and then delete them. Then open RegEdit and do the same by pressing CTRL+F to bring up the find Box.

   Information

To open RegEdit, press Windows Key + R. Then type "regedit" in the Run box, or search for it in the Start Menu Search or even use Everything.

Then download CCleaner and click Registry, click Scan For Issues and ONLY select the Registry associated with Norton and fix.

Next try an SFC Scan, Repair Install or Disk Check

If none of the above helps. try running a Malwarebytes and MSE Scan

Before trying this I would Backup the Registry and make a Restore Point. A System Image might also be a good idea.

 

[renpei]

Funny thing is, i dont trust these customer service people. I have had various issues with differents products and not once was any customer service person able to help.

I will try out the program.

 

[renpei]

Thanks for the help!! I ended up getting RegScanner, found a few more left over keys and deleted them

 

[Infinite]

Thanks for the help!! I ended up getting RegScanner, found a few more left over keys and deleted them

I wouldn't install various Registry Cleaners, they are unsafe, I would only ever use CCleaner. Hopefully you backed up the registry though.

 

[renpei]

I use about 4 registry editors/cleaners in addition to regedit ;D

 

[Layback Bear]

What ever program you trust and can use properly is great. It varies from person to person. A good program and your abilities is the answer but we have no idea what those abilities are. You have to make those calls. Please keep us informed what you have done and how so others may learn.

 

[Infinite]

I use about 4 registry editors/cleaners in addition to regedit ;D

You do realize Registry Cleaners do more harm than good, which may be why you have this problem in the first place.

 

[wanchoo]

I don't think that it is the Registry Cleaners that do the harm. It is their injudicious use that does the harm. Most Registry Cleaners provide for levels of cleaning. Running them at the safe level is absolutely safe. It is only running them at the aggressive level that is fraught with danger and may create problems sometimes.

I use about 4 registry editors/cleaners in addition to regedit ;D

You do realize Registry Cleaners do more harm than good, which may be why you have this problem in the first place.

 

[Layback Bear]

That is exactly why I mentioned ones ability. In the wrong hands these programs can do more damage than can be fixed without a clean install.

 

[wanchoo]

There is a very good registry cleaner named "jv16 PowerTools". Long ago it was recommended by Fred Langa as the best one out there. I have used it extensively in the past but I don't use it now.

It provided for three levels of Registry cleaning. As I always keep back-up images I ran it a couple of times at the aggressive level. It never did much harm except that it stopped running a few third party programs that I could easily settle later.

I wonder what four programs Mr. Renpei is running and if "jv16 PowerTools" is one of them.

That is exactly why I mentioned ones ability. In the wrong hands these programs can do more damage than can be fixed without a clean install.