Norton the SCAM

[TrailChaser]

Below is a chat session with the fine folks from Norton. If you have Norton or are thinking of buying Norton You should really read my hour and a half ordeal.

 

Here's the jist of it: Quoted from the bottom of the chat session.

"That is simply the dumbest thing I've ever heard. A fee based support to "help" your already paying customers when they have a problem that wouldn't be a problem in the first place if the software that I paid so much $$$ for would have done it's job in the first place."

 

 

Issue: k End Session Mr. D k has entered room.

 

Shekhar has entered room.

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:27:00 CDT 2008)>Hello Mr. D k. My name is Shekhar.

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:27:02 CDT 2008)>Thank you for contacting Symantec Technical Support.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:22:14 CDT 2008)>My computer is running VERY slow on the web and also while opening folders or doing anything at all.

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:27:23 CDT 2008)>v

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:27:25 CDT 2008)>How may I help you today?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:22:51 CDT 2008)>I'm getting RUNDLL errors and norton is not finding any problems

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:28:16 CDT 2008)>Would you be able to give me a brief overview of anything that happened prior to you experiencing this issue?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:23:38 CDT 2008)>nothing out of the norm

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:30:10 CDT 2008)>Could you please tell me the exact text of the error message you are receiving?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:29:11 CDT 2008)>error in c:\users\David\AppData\Local\Temp\wouipkbf.dll

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:29:23 CDT 2008)>missing entry.run

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:30:05 CDT 2008)>The dll file is always different when I see the error message.

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:36:05 CDT 2008)>Okay.

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:37:10 CDT 2008)>May I confirm your issue that you are receiving error as ":\users\David\AppData\Local\Temp\wouipkbf.dll" missing?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:33:31 CDT 2008)>wouipkbf.dll is always a different file. But yes that is right.

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:38:49 CDT 2008)>Okay.

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:38:54 CDT 2008)>Meanwhile, please make a note of the Chat Request Id [3571724] for this interaction.

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:39:17 CDT 2008)>Is this happen after after installing the Norton program?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:35:12 CDT 2008)>Yes, but I've had norton running on this machine for almost a year.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:37:03 CDT 2008)>Also when I open a windows folder like "My Computer" it will close after a second or two and the task bar at the bottom of the screen will disappear also. The only way to get it back is to completely restart the computer.

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:42:46 CDT 2008)>Thank you for information.

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:44:16 CDT 2008)>This issue happens if the .Dll file is corrupted

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:45:12 CDT 2008)>In this case, I suggest you to check this issue after uninstall the Norton program.

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:46:01 CDT 2008)>If the issue persist after uninstall the Norton program then please contact your computer vendor otherwise please reinstall the Norton program.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:41:39 CDT 2008)>What the hell kind of response is that???

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:41:50 CDT 2008)>I need help with this issue

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:42:11 CDT 2008)>I didn't spend $100 on this "protection" for advise like that.

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:47:05 CDT 2008)>Please stay online while I transfer the session to senior technician who will assist you further. This might take me 2-3 minutes. Is that okay with you?

 

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:48:32 CDT 2008)>Please wait, while the issue is escalated to another analyst.

 

GaneshKumar has entered room.

 

GaneshKumar(Sun Mar 9 07:49:16 CDT 2008)>Hi

 

GaneshKumar(Sun Mar 9 07:49:18 CDT 2008)>Thank you for contacting Symantec Technical Support.

 

Shekhar has left room.

 

GaneshKumar(Sun Mar 9 07:49:30 CDT 2008)>How may I assist you ?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:45:00 CDT 2008)>I just need my computer to work RIGHT and I paid alot of $$$ for this software and I expect it to be fixed. I don't expect a cop-out answer like " Just uninstall our software and see if you still have a problem"

 

 

GaneshKumar(Sun Mar 9 07:49:56 CDT 2008)>What is teh exact issue with the Norton program ?

 

GaneshKumar(Sun Mar 9 07:50:10 CDT 2008)>I will help you with the issue

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:45:45 CDT 2008)>It's not doing it's job and detecting and getting rid or whatever virus my computer is infected with.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:46:42 CDT 2008)>I scan with norton and norton says it's clean, when it's obviously not clean.

 

GaneshKumar(Sun Mar 9 07:51:54 CDT 2008)>May I confirm that there is an issue with a virus and spyware in the computer and you need to delete it from the computer ?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:47:41 CDT 2008)>Yes you may confirm

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:48:00 CDT 2008)>The switch is on FULL CONTROL

 

GaneshKumar(Sun Mar 9 07:52:54 CDT 2008)>I suggest you to contact the Virus and the Spyware removal support, so that they can remove the virus and spyware from the computer with out causing any damage to the data present in the computer.

 

GaneshKumar(Sun Mar 9 07:53:03 CDT 2008)>Okay

 

GaneshKumar(Sun Mar 9 07:53:37 CDT 2008)>Can I Transfer this chat to the virus removal team now ?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:48:50 CDT 2008)>Sure

 

Aneesh has entered room.

 

GaneshKumar(Sun Mar 9 07:55:05 CDT 2008)>Please wait, while the issue is escalated to another analyst.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 07:55:13 CDT 2008)>Welcome to Symantec Virus & Spyware Solutions.

 

Is this the first time you are contacting us or do you have a Priority ID?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:50:51 CDT 2008)>3571724

 

GaneshKumar has left room.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 07:57:20 CDT 2008)>May I have your name please ?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:52:39 CDT 2008)>David

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:53:38 CDT 2008)>Norton is not doing it's job and detecting and getting rid or whatever virus my computer is infected with.

I scan with norton and norton says it's clean, when it's obviously not clean.

 

 

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 07:58:47 CDT 2008)>May I confirm your email address as foremanmetalworks@yahoo.com and direct phone number as 832892xxxx, am I right?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:54:08 CDT 2008)>Correct

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 07:59:19 CDT 2008)>May I know which country you are connected from?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:54:45 CDT 2008)>USA

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:00:06 CDT 2008)>Please let me know which Symantec product you are using and its version/year. Is it Norton Internet Security 2007 ?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:55:54 CDT 2008)>I believe it is. It was bought in 07

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:01:22 CDT 2008)>May I know which Operating System do you have on the computer? (Operating System would mean Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS, etc.)

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:56:34 CDT 2008)>vista

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:01:39 CDT 2008)>Please provide me your alternate phone number or mobile number.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:57:01 CDT 2008)>832657xxxx

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:02:14 CDT 2008)>Are you connected from the computer, which is facing this particular issue?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:57:32 CDT 2008)>yes

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:03:03 CDT 2008)>Great !! Is it a Stand Alone computer ?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 09:59:19 CDT 2008)>It's a laptop on a secure wireless connection with no other computers in the network

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:05:20 CDT 2008)>Thank You for your patience.

 

Your Priority ID is 487608307 . Please make a note of it for future reference.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:06:02 CDT 2008)>Are you getting any Warning messages such as "Virus Alert", "Your Computer is Infected", "Security Alert" Trojan-Spy.win32@mx or Spyware.Cyberlog-X infections ?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:01:33 CDT 2008)>Nope, Norton says it's clean.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:07:11 CDT 2008)>Does the browser home page remains the same, or is it being changed to some other web page of some other antivirus companies trying to sell you their product to get rid of the infection?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:02:37 CDT 2008)>It pc is really slow and the internet connection is compareable to dial-up

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:03:17 CDT 2008)>Yes, I have for the first time been getting pop-ups by some other antivirus company.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:08:48 CDT 2008)>Are you getting icons looking like a circle with a (?) or a 'danger' triangle with an exclamation mark inside ?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:04:40 CDT 2008)>Norton is just showing a check mark

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:10:40 CDT 2008)>As I understand from your issue description, Your computer is infected with the Virus and you need to remove it . .

 

Am I correct?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:05:59 CDT 2008)>Yes

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:11:24 CDT 2008)>Once there is infection on your computer, they would normally try to spread to other files on your hard drive and to other computers/devices connected to your system. Most of the times, they create/manipulate entries and keys in your windows registry. In these cases we need to manually remove these registry entries and also remove the infected files

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:12:02 CDT 2008)>David,at the present situation, manipulating the registry is very precarious and is to be done with extreme care, since any incorrect changes could mean that the computer’s functioning could be altered maybe even unchangeably altered. Hence it is always recommended that only a trained expert do this for you

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:08:13 CDT 2008)>I have the full control status on.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:13:23 CDT 2008)>Please do not worry, in this situation, if you wish our expert consultants will do a complete diagnosis of your system, and troubleshoot any malware present on your computer. If required and if your system permits they can connect to your computer remotely and do all this for you directly

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:09:14 CDT 2008)>Go right ahead.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:14:41 CDT 2008)>I would like to inform you that this is a paid consultation service.The Consultation fee would be US $99.95.This fee includes a full system diagnosis, virus removal service, and protection from future threats which will be done by a virus removal technician directly on your computer. However we provide you 100 % guarantee that the issues will be resolved by our technician

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:14:53 CDT 2008)>The service is guaranteed , our expert Consultants will troubleshoot the malware on your computer without any potential loss of personal files or undue risk to the Operating System.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:15:03 CDT 2008)>You would have one of the experts in this field to assist you in resolving the issue.

Once they are able to remotely connect to your computer, you just need to sit back and relax while they do the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

Your presence is only required if we need to restart the computer and to ensure an active Internet connection

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:15:21 CDT 2008)>Shall We proceed so that you can save your computer from the threat as soon as possible ?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:12:14 CDT 2008)>I already paid for the Norton service. Now you're telling me that since I got a virus I need to pay another $100 for you to do the job you were suppose to be protecting my computer from.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:12:50 CDT 2008)>How does that make any since?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:13:00 CDT 2008)> Is this some type of scam.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:18:07 CDT 2008)>When you purchase the product, the cost of the product is for the software, updates to the software and for the virus definitions. Apart from this, there is an additional charge for value added services.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:18:12 CDT 2008)>Norton most probably is working well on your computer. But it’s also important to note that no security software can afford you 100% protection. This is because a lot of environmental variables, the vulnerabilities of Windows and the softwares/applications on your computer play a pivotal role in keeping your computer secure. If there is any level of insecurity or any security holes, the possibility of a security breach is always present.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:18:40 CDT 2008)>Clicking on insecure links and opening attachments which are exempted from virus scanning can also get your computer infected.

 

You also have so many free softwares which bundle spywares/adwares with themselves. Installing the primary software will mean you are installing the bundled spyware/adware simultaneously, making it difficult for a security software to scan before permitting installation.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:15:48 CDT 2008)>So I guess I'll just make it my personal campain to let everyone know that Norton is a scam that WILL NOT HELP if you get a virus after you alreaady paid over $100 for the protection services.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:21:21 CDT 2008)>I have already explained you the Scenario

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:21:31 CDT 2008)>Norton is protecting you from tens of thousands of existing malwares and from the hundreds of new threats released every single day. It provides among the best security that is available for your computer.

 

This particular infection could have been caused while subscribing or downloading from free websites or when you download/transfer files such as movies, songs, screensavers, games, etc. from other computers, such as in a P2P system, or from insecure websites.

 

Normally when you download something, it would ask for your permission to open/install, and accept the license agreement such as EULA.

 

When you do so, being the administrator/final authority of the computer you are potentially authorizing an override of the security restrictions in place.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:18:17 CDT 2008)>Ya, For $100 you can fix gthe problem and probably add a new problem that will arise in a few months that you'll charge another $100 to fix.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:19:56 CDT 2008)>How about you just fix the problem with the 84 days I have remaining in my subscription then when it's fixed I'll uninstall Norton and get a real anti virus software that actually has decent support.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:20:39 CDT 2008)>That's about as bad as charging your already paying customers $10 to call you for support.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:26:02 CDT 2008)>We do not charge you on an hourly basis like certain other similar support services, and we offer you a 15 days support which is a great value for the money you pay and you could get back to us during that time if the issue persists. Moreover once the infection is removed our technicians would provide you expert advice, based on the specific configuration/settings of your computer, on how to stay protected in the future from similar threats.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:21:26 CDT 2008)>The first tech I talked to recommended uninstalling Norton and reinstalling it????

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:26:43 CDT 2008)>Would you like to proceed ?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:22:19 CDT 2008)>I'd like my Money back for the software I paid for that is obviously no good.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:23:11 CDT 2008)>You can just put the money back on my card and I'll happily uninstall this SCAM product.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:28:37 CDT 2008)>Are you looking for the refund for the Norton product ?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:24:34 CDT 2008)>I'm looking to get my computer fixed. If you can't do it for the $100 I already paid then HELL YES I want a refund.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:29:46 CDT 2008)>You need to be connected to the Customer Support Team for this issue to be resolved. Shall I proceed to do so?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:26:25 CDT 2008)>No don't bother, I'm just going to go post this conversation for the world to see in every internet forum I can find so maybe poeple will know how Norton operates before falling victim to your scam.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:31:40 CDT 2008)>Thank You. I will now transfer this session to the Customer Service Team, who would assist you in this matter.

 

You can also connect to them directly by visiting http://www.symantec.com/cschat .

 

It has been pleasure working with you, thank you for using Symantec; have a great day ahead.

 

Please wait while I connect you to the Customer Service Team. This would normally take around 2 to 7 minutes.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:27:01 CDT 2008)>BTW thanks for ALL your help.

 

Aneesh(Sun Mar 9 08:32:13 CDT 2008)>Please wait, while the issue is escalated to another analyst.

 

Bharathi has entered room.

 

Bharathi(Sun Mar 9 08:32:51 CDT 2008)>“Thank you for contacting Symantec Customer Service. Please give me a moment while I review the issue you have described.”

 

 

 

Aneesh has left room.

 

Bharathi(Sun Mar 9 08:34:26 CDT 2008)>Hi

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:29:39 CDT 2008)>Hi

 

Bharathi(Sun Mar 9 08:35:37 CDT 2008)>May I know the exact issue you have experiencing with Norton product?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:31:25 CDT 2008)>It is not protecting my computer from whatever virus I currently have.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:31:45 CDT 2008)>The tech I already talked to says he can fix it for $100

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:32:19 CDT 2008)> I already paid for the protecton so paying again seems like a scam

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:32:34 CDT 2008)>I'd like a full refund.

 

Bharathi(Sun Mar 9 08:37:37 CDT 2008)>Can I please confirm that the issue you have described is that your computer is been infected with virus. Is that correct?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:33:42 CDT 2008)>According to YOURT techs, YES I have a virus and they assured me they can "fix" it for $100.

 

Bharathi(Sun Mar 9 08:38:56 CDT 2008)>Thank you for confirming your details. Please make a note of this case no. 487608307 for your future reference.This case number will include the details of todays call.

 

Bharathi(Sun Mar 9 08:39:20 CDT 2008)>Yes, we have fee based support to fix the virus issues, they will help you to remove all virus.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:36:15 CDT 2008)>That is simply the dumbest thing I've ever heard. A fee based support to "help" your already paying customers when they have a problem that wouldn't be a problem in the first place if the software that I paid so much $$$ for would have done it's job in the first place.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:36:33 CDT 2008)>SCAM

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:36:48 CDT 2008)>That's what it sounds like.

 

Bharathi(Sun Mar 9 08:43:03 CDT 2008)>I really apologize for the inconvenience.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:38:17 CDT 2008)>You can go ahead and refund the money I paid for the software now. All our problems will be solved.

 

Bharathi(Sun Mar 9 08:44:17 CDT 2008)>May I know the order number for the product purchase?

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:39:53 CDT 2008)>Where would I find that information?

 

Bharathi(Sun Mar 9 08:45:49 CDT 2008)>Mr. D.K, I understand, you are experiencing a technical issue with your Norton product and you do not want to pay the charges for a technician to resolve the issue. Due to this, you want a refund for the Norton product. I highly recommend that you speak to a technician, as they are trained to assist with these issues. However, if you still want a refund for the product, I will transfer your case to the Customer Relations team. They will assist you with this request.

 

Mr. D k(Sun Mar 9 10:44:00 CDT 2008)>That's okay, You can keep the money. I'm sure that after this chat session is read by thousands of you potential customers that it will cost your company far more in losses in the long run. Good luck with your SCAM.

[Pezzy]

lmfao@It has been pleasure working with you, thank you for using Symantec; have a great day ahead.

[adamzan]

Norton came with my new laptop, I used it untill the subscription ran out then i put AVG free on there. Works so much better and doesn't require 100 dollar tech calls to get the job done.

 

If you want a good paid one, get eset NOD32.

[GrimGreg]

When I upgraded to 360 I had an install issue. Took about an hour and 2 chats to get the one Indian in the bunch that knew WTF he (I think he...) was talking about. Haven't had any trouble since then. The issue I had was with Live Update, they had me run a seperate uninstall/install on just that and it was fixed.

 

I think the real problem is the outsourcing to people who have no clue what you are telling them when you have trouble.

[MY1PATH]

sounds more like an operating system error than a virus error. Hard disks can have problems totally un-related to any anivirus operation than my cause opperating sytem errors. I reccomend using your system disk to "repair windows installation". Then try defragmeting your drive and searc for/ block off bad sectors.

[dagwoodzz]

Shekhar(Sun Mar 9 07:27:00 CDT 2008)>Hello Mr. D k. My name is Shekhar.

 

 

Anytime I get a simlilar greeting I know I'm in for a long phone call. Not to say the aren't qualified. It's just to have the ability to explain it technically correct. I can't ever seem to explain the problem so it can be understood.

 

You know your screwed when the first question after introductions is

 

"What means this?"

 

[adamzan]

that is possible mypath1 but it's still obvious that norton is a crap product. Last time I got treated the way trailchaser did i just hung up on the guy. Why should you buy a product, and they have to pay even more for a problem to be rectified, when that product is supposed to be keeping problems like that from happening. No antivirus/spyware/whatever suite is 100% guarunteed to make your pc completly secure, but come on, you pay for something that slows down your computer and misses things? Heh, I'll stick with my free stuff, never had a virus yet.

[Kittamaru]

Trailchaser, if you like, I can try to help you fix this on your own - I'm not as adept at manipulating Vista as I am XP, but I should be able to walk you through fixing the problem.

 

If you wish, try the following first:

 

AVG Free Google Search

 

Go to that link - the first item will be AVG anti-virus. You should see their free anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-rootkit. Download all three of those.

 

Install the anti-rootkit FIRST, you will need to reboot the PC during this procedure. Allow it to reboot and finish the installation.

 

Install the Anti-Spyware, then the Anti-Virus.

 

Run the Anti-Rootkit software first. Once it comes up (hopefully clean), run the Anti-Virus SECOND. After that has run, you should find one or more viruses of various types. Heal them if possible, quarrentine them if not.

 

Once that is done, run the anti-spyware. Same deal as the anti-virus

 

BE SURE TO UPDATE THE ANTI-VIRUS and ANTI-SPYWARE DATABASES BEFORE USING THEM - it should ask you during installation if you'd like to do that - if not, it's pretty easy to figure out how

 

Finally, google SpyBot Search and Destroy. Install that, immunize, update, reimmunize, and scan. Remove any threats you find.

 

That SHOULD help you a lot.

 

If you still have problems, lemme know and I'll gather some info from you to help you a bit more.

 

PS - Norton, and all Symantec products, are worthless. On the odd chance they CATCH a virus, they are HIGHLY unlikely to be able ot fix it!

[LandShark]

I use Norton at home and it seems to work fine. Problem I have with norton/symantec is we use it on our office computers/laptops. One of my guys in the field has some crap on his computer right now. You turn the laptop on and it automatically starts running its scan. Scans all damn night. Shows 300k files scanned 244k files infected. And seems like its stuck in some kind of loop. It keep getting stuck / going back to scanning one particular file. Shows the file to be a trojan virus, and right below that it has the box that says "Action Taken" and guess what it says for Action Taken??? "Left Alone". lol what kind of crap is that?

GG Norton. :tonguefinger:

[adamzan]

Trailchaser, if you like, I can try to help you fix this on your own - I'm not as adept at manipulating Vista as I am XP, but I should be able to walk you through fixing the problem.

 

If you wish, try the following first:

 

AVG Free Google Search

 

Go to that link - the first item will be AVG anti-virus. You should see their free anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-rootkit. Download all three of those.

 

Install the anti-rootkit FIRST, you will need to reboot the PC during this procedure. Allow it to reboot and finish the installation.

 

Install the Anti-Spyware, then the Anti-Virus.

 

Run the Anti-Rootkit software first. Once it comes up (hopefully clean), run the Anti-Virus SECOND. After that has run, you should find one or more viruses of various types. Heal them if possible, quarrentine them if not.

 

Once that is done, run the anti-spyware. Same deal as the anti-virus

 

BE SURE TO UPDATE THE ANTI-VIRUS and ANTI-SPYWARE DATABASES BEFORE USING THEM - it should ask you during installation if you'd like to do that - if not, it's pretty easy to figure out how

 

Finally, google SpyBot Search and Destroy. Install that, immunize, update, reimmunize, and scan. Remove any threats you find.

 

That SHOULD help you a lot.

 

If you still have problems, lemme know and I'll gather some info from you to help you a bit more.

 

PS - Norton, and all Symantec products, are worthless. On the odd chance they CATCH a virus, they are HIGHLY unlikely to be able ot fix it!

good info kittamaru. another good one, i think simon mentioned in another thread, is windows defender. It actually works and is free as well. That coupled with avg free antivirus and my router/modem firewall. I haven't had a virus since...um, I had a windows 98 PIII and someone came over with a floppy disk and it had a virus, but that wasn't my fault!

 

Also, if you look on many reviews of norton i think you will find that many if not all of them mention that it is quite a resource hog.

Edited March 9, 2008 by redfinder

[87pathy]

i'd rather use norton than AVG.. I've fixed so many computers running AVG. as soon as you need to update something with it, it tends to screw up your computer.

[Kittamaru]

Uh, say what pathy?

 

Norton is pretty worthless... so hard for it to ACTUALLY remove something

[87pathy]

Uh, say what pathy?

 

Norton is pretty worthless... so hard for it to ACTUALLY remove something

 

we all have different issues.

 

I do however use Norton Corperate.. Not personal.

 

I spent 2 days removing crap that was installed by AVG on my buddies computer. it was completely screwed up. when i finally got rid of it and all its crap, i installed norton corperate and its been fine since.

[Kittamaru]

Sounds like your buddy was running something kinda fishy then... AVG WILL disable even critical windows components if they are infected, it's that deep.

 

And yes, norton corporate might be better... still a resource hog though XD

[adamzan]

Sounds like your buddy was running something kinda fishy then... AVG WILL disable even critical windows components if they are infected, it's that deep.

 

And yes, norton corporate might be better... still a resource hog though XD

for the corporate i don't even think they use the norton name. I believe it is called symantec antivirus. It's way better than the consumer version.

 

87pathy, where did you get it?

[Mr. Pickles]

Anytime I get a simlilar greeting I know I'm in for a long phone call. Not to say the aren't qualified. It's just to have the ability to explain it technically correct. I can't ever seem to explain the problem so it can be understood.

 

You know your screwed when the first question after introductions is

 

"What means this?"

 

 

Yeah, BS... *click*

 

redial

[TerranoNZ]

I tried to uninstall Nortons.....It wouldn't let me....I think Nortons is a virus

When my 3rd HD blew and my computer got (SLOWLY) replaced I didn't complete the install.

 

Does sound like a scam though David

[87pathy]

for the corporate i don't even think they use the norton name. I believe it is called symantec antivirus. It's way better than the consumer version.

 

87pathy, where did you get it?

 

yes, its called symantec. I get it from my company.

 

I had AVG install a Bug saying I have to buy it cause it was past the "free" period. fskced everything up and i could not get rid of it. I had to get online and find how to remove it line by line out of the registry and every other place.

[Kittamaru]

.... uhm... AVG Free doesn't... ever... ask you to install the full version and pay...

 

sounds like a fun rootkit, a pirate version, or some seriously screwed up registry problems!

[adamzan]

.... uhm... AVG Free doesn't... ever... ask you to install the full version and pay...

 

sounds like a fun rootkit, a pirate version, or some seriously screwed up registry problems!

or he didn't actually download the free version. a lot of my friends make that mistake.

[GrimGreg]

a lot of my friends make that mistake.

 

At your age, that is all you do, make mistakes.

[vengeful]

New Laptop...first thing I did was uninstall all of the pre-installed AOL crap. Second thing I did was uninstall Norton and add TrendMicro.

[zonianbrat]

Well damit I wish I knew all of this before I my company got me 360. Oh well no problems so far and my computer is as fast as it always was.

[adamzan]

New Laptop...first thing I did was uninstall all of the pre-installed AOL crap. Second thing I did was uninstall Norton and add TrendMicro.

so that time in the summer i sent you a file and you said it had a virus.......i guess norton really doesn't do its job. good thing i got an exchange on that laptop.

Edited March 27, 2008 by redfinder

[Precise1]

Yep, Norton sucks. Years ago I spent $100 on Norton Internet Security 2004. Within 6 months the OS was riddled with malware that got through and finally crashed. I started using Zone Alarm which was recommended to me by a savvy IT guy who manages entire plants for 3M. I'm quite happy with it and will never trust a Norton product again...

 

Damn, that support dialogue is surreal. I'm sorry you had to find out the hard way.

 

B