Ron Schenone

Completely Remove Norton Software Using Tool From Symantec – For FREE

Posted by on Nov 27, 2006 | 65 Comments

I was reading a post in the lockergnome.com forum, in which someone was requesting help with uninstalling Norton. Seemed they did the standard uninstall through the add/remove icon in control panel, but each time they tried to reinstall and update the software, they would get a message that Norton was still installed.

I have seen this happen on numerous computer systems that I have worked on. And I have tried many different solutions to the problem. But the one solution that works best, and the one I recommend, is to take advantage of the Norton Removal Tool provided by Symantec.

Hidden away on the Symantec site, resides this very versatile tool, that will save you hours of time trying to do a manual uninstall such as editing the registry.

Here is what Symantec says about their tool ” The Norton Removal Tool uninstalls all Norton 2007/2006/2005/2004/2003 products from your computer. Before you continue, make sure that you have the installation CDs or downloaded installation files for any Norton products that you want to reinstall. Also, if you use ACT! or WinFAX, back up those databases and uninstall those products.”

The FREE removal tool can be found here.
[tags]norton, uninstall, symantec, tool, products, computer, system, free[/tags]

  • Robert M. Moxin

    We have Norton anti-virus 2007 installed on our xp windows system. We are having an error message problem when signing on with our ISP (Earthlink.net). We receive a Symantec error message -Ox0000030E8. After going through steps to correct – running Auto Fix Tool, a message comes up that no virus was found. A print out technical support page listed info. about our product and the problem as follows – Product NAV Version 14.0.0.89 Language English Module ID 3035 Error ID 6 Build Retail. Can you help us identify this problem and how to correct it?

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Robert,
    I would completely remove Norton 2007 and then use the tool above. Then reinstall Norton.

  • to remov

    pls give guidence to remove the symantec

  • to remov

    how to download

  • Larry

    Used the removal tool. Since then have been trying to reinstall Winfax 10.03. Always get the message ‘a reboot is required.’ Despite dozens of reboots Winfax will not reinstall. Symantec offers no help.

  • runlevel0

    NRT does not remove anything, it simply “disables” the program so taht you can in most cases reinstall it.

    The only advantage is that it removes the entries in %windir%registration and sometimes de %ProgramFiles%\Norton Whatever directory.

    No other things are removed, normally not even the registry entries.

    I am a tecnician at the symantec desk and now what I am talking about.

    If you want to check this, just use NRT and then check you filesystem for Norton and Symantec directories. Also take a glance at HKLM\Software and HLCU\Software…

    You will be surprized.

    And you will be more surprized if you use MSCIUU2.exe
    (support.microsoft.com/kb/290301) of all the stuff left behind in the MSI install database.

  • JSVB

    Downloaded the Norton Removal Tool. Get a ‘not a valid WIN32 application’ response when trying to run this. I don’t even recall ever ‘downloading’ or installing ANY Norton firewall, but McAfee insisted I had it. When I ran the search, of course, there all these files popped up. Any ideas how to get this tool to work for me?? I have recently begun having other small? issues with this Compaq (SD card no longer readable, nor USB jump-drive), in addition to slowed processing. Maybe due to Norton showing up?
    Any help would be appreciated!
    Thank you.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    JSVB – sorry it took so long to get back to you. I was without power the past few days.

    It sounds like McAfee may be giving you a false positive. I am sure you would of known if you had installed Norton Firewall or not. This could be why the Norton tool is not working.

    May I suggest this. It sounds like you may have other issues. Go to the site below and follow the instructions on how to use Hijack This log file and post a log.

    http://help.lockergnome.com/general/HijackThis-Logs-forum-48.html

    You will need to register but the process is painless.

    I hope this helps.

    Regards, Ron

  • Valentina

    Hello,
    I’d like to remove my 2004 Norton Antivirus, but I can’t download the Removal Tool, not from the Semantec website not from anywhere else. The only time it worked, the Removal Tool didn’t work because supposedly the time on my computer wasn’t right (it was)
    How do I get this Removal Tool?
    Thank you,
    Valentina

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Valentina,

    Try downloading the tool from here:
    http://www.majorgeeks.com/Norton_Removal_Tool_SymNRT_d4749.html

    Make sure you save the Tool to your desktop and then run it from that location.

    Only other suggestions is to have a friend download the file to disk for you then try running it on your system.

    Hope this works.

  • Valentina

    Hi Ron,
    Thank you very much for your answer.
    Unfortunately it still doesn’t work. When I download the tool; it says: “The version of Norton Removal Tool that you are using is expired. Please click the following link for help. http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/sharedtech.nsf/docid/2006050909471013 ”
    And on that page it says something like my time is wrong.
    What should I do?
    Thank you for answering,
    Valentina

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Valentina,

    Click on the Time down at the lower right side of the taskbar – what date does it show? If the date is incorrect, your on board battery may need to be changed.

    If the date is wrong, set the correct date and time.

    If you are still having problems, drop over to the forums at Lockergnome. Sign up then post your problem in the Software section.

    http://help.lockergnome.com

  • http://norton sharon johnson

    down loaded the removal tool worked great, should i leave the tool installed or delete it after it had done it’s job?

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Sharon,
    Once it has completed it’s mission, you can remove it from your system.

    And thank you for taking the time to post your comment. I’m glad it worked for you. :-)

  • Blair

    I have read all the comments above and used the removal tool and then reloaded Norton Anti-Virus 2007, but still keep getting error message Ox0000030E8 – like Robert – and advice that auto protect has an error. I really don’t want to keep removing then reloading, so any other suggestions?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Robert and Blair,

    Try using this Auto Fix tool from Symantec’s website and see if it works. Also there is a manual option as well.
    Let me know if either of these work or not, so that I can pass this info along.

    http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/support/index_ts.jsp

    Also of note: And this is strange. Doing a Google for Norton Anti-Viru 2007 error message 0x0000030E8 only comes up with both of your messages posted here in comments. I find it hard to believe that you two are the only ones in the entire world having this problem. :-)

    Again, let me know how the above works or doesn’t work.

    May I also suggest posting your problem at:

    http://www.help.lockergnome.com
    All the best, Ron

  • http://PC1Stop David Rice

    I’ve developed a protocol for removing Norton/Symantec from your computer.

    Check it out here

    http://pc1stop.com/PCHealth.html#norton

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello David,

    Thanks for sharing your information with us. I’m sure this will help someone to effectively remove Norton from their computer systems.

    Thanks again, Ron

  • Endless

    Norton 2007 rewal is having problems all the way..

    I have just renewed 3 computers off which non of them completes installation without an error

    Using NRT does not help either coz it runs and restart bu you see n change after that, you still get error messages instead.

    If there is anyone who can help with a good coz it cannot be perfet procedure to follow when renewing Norton, I will apreciate it.

    Besides installing and reinstalling as the error messages would say…please bring something different that will help us folks

    Sure
    Endless

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Endless,

    YIPES ! 3 systems. Just curious, is this a renewal from the Symantec site, or did you purchase new media? This may be helpful for someone who may post a solution.

  • Danie boy

    I’ve tried norton removal tool, but still didn’t work when i was try to install norton 2006.
    please give me your answer
    thank you

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Dannie Boy,

    David Rice provided this website which is specific to removing Norton.
    http://pc1stop.com/PCHealth.html#norton

    Hope this helps, Ron

  • Danie boy

    ok i try Mr. Ron
    if not succesful, i will ask again
    thanks

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Danie Boy,
    Let us know.
    Thanks, Ron

  • http://www.gmail.com nag

    i want to remove my norton 2006 from my system

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Nag,
    You should be able to do that just by following the directions posted here. Also please read the comments as well.

  • Jon

    I have the same problem as valentina, i try to use the removal tool and it tells me the removal tool has expired. It says to change my date to the correct date but it is correct….help

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Jon,
    May I suggest posting your problem on the LG forum as well.

    http://www.help.lockergnome.com

    Ron

  • http://nohtv.com Max

    I enjoy your blog. I want friends to your site and let us change references, my site – http://nohtv.com , send an email to max@asax.info

  • http://www.hotmail.com masood

    i can’t remove limewire from my computer it says it has a virus problem.

  • sherwin dubren

    After stripping my folders and registry of all references
    to WinFax, Norton, and Symantec, I tried running the
    Norton Removal Tool. That program tells me I have to
    first remove Symantec Winfax Professional program first
    using the Add/Remove utility. Since WinFax is not on
    that list, I am stuck. Is there really some reference
    to WinFax I am missing, or is the Removal Tool faulty?

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi sherwin,
    You may wish to try CCleaner and see if it will clean the registry further to remove all of the Symantec gunk.

    http://www.ccleaner.com/

    If you still have problems, may I suggest try the LG forum for assistance.

    http://help.lockergnome.com

  • chris Beach

    The Ox0000030E8 error message can be fixed by going into- settings-then -scan incoming emails- and turn it off permanently. Then also -scan outgoing email-turn off permanently. this will allow your emails to work.But………….I would completely remove all Norton stuff/files etc and install AVAST free off the net. good luck!

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi chris,
    Thanks for the info.
    Ron

  • Roygbiv

    Yea Avast free version is problably one of the most simple AV’s out there, but it gets the job done 100%, boot time scan works flawless and easy to access, but i used this tool bout half a year ago, works great if done right

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Roygbiv,
    Thanks for the comment. Avast is a very good AV product.
    Ron

  • Mark

    I’m trying to remove NAV 2007 from my system. I’ve downloaded the Symantec link, though when I try to run it, nothing happens. I try to go to Add/Remove program, and when I click remove, it freezes the window and won’t let me do anything except close down the window. When I try to delete the program files, I get an error “Cannot delete, Access Denied. Make sure the disk is not full or write protected and that the file is not currently in use.” Any help on this one would be MUCH appreciated.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Mark,
    Have you tried running the removal tool while in Safemode? If not, give it a try. Press the F8 key before boot should bring up a text screen with the Safemode option.

    If you are still having problems may I suggest posting the problem on the LG forum.
    http://www.help.lockergnome.com

    Ron

  • Steve Coppolino

    I just want to confirm the process for removing my Norton SystemWorks software. It has never been made clear whether you need to uninstall the software via Add/Remove programs first before running the Norton Removal Tool software OR do you never use Add/Remove and just use the Tool. Thanks.

    Steve

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Steve,
    The tool ws original designed to be used when add/remove programs failed to uninstall Norton. Hope this answers your question.
    Ron

  • Steve Coppolino

    Oh. Forgot to ask. Will this tool remove Norton System Works 2006 and/or 2007? Thanks.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Steve,
    Here is the link to the Symantec site which explains which products it works for:
    http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

    Hope this helps some, Ron

  • Randy

    When I go to the removal tool it asks for the product code. I likely
    purchased the upgrade to Symantec on-line in 2003 or 2004 and have no idea or software available to re-install and de-install.

    About ready to format. Can you help?? Thx.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Randy,
    Bad news. According to the Symantec site, if you don’t have your product code or install files or CD, they recommend an upgrade, which makes no sense at all.

    Maybe someone else might have a clue how o locate the product key for Norton. I don’t use it personally.

    Ron

  • tejpal

    required symantec removal tool for 2002,2003 please guide&send

    thnks

  • http://www.tphta.com TPHTA

    I just had a machine with the same problem. Turned out the time was set about 6 months in the future.

    Deleted cache.
    Used MSCONFIG and disabled all norton products from starting in services and startup.
    Used REGEDIT and removed HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SymNRT\LTM

    Works now.

    Paul
    http://www.tphta.com

  • Gil K

    Here is a list of all available Symantec manual uninstall tools
    http://www.kreslavsky.com/category/symantec

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Thanks Gil K – great site.

  • Enrichment Center

    3 years ago (before I took over), this small non-profit installed norton systemworks on all 3 of the computers. I’ve had norton and hated it, so I tried to uninstall it in order to install other security. The IT guy they had install it did not leave a disk or any product key, so that method of uninstalling was not going to work. I successfully removed it from 2 of the 3 computers using the control panel. However, the main computer absolutely refused to give it up– throwing up error messages and dialogue boxes to block my attempts. I’ve tried going into the program files to delete all symantec/norton crap, but most will not let me.

    It’s good to know I’m not the only person with the “symantec will not go away” problem. I had to make a choice between a full system wipe, and buying a new computer to replace the evil one.

    As a business person, I have to wonder what possible benefit symantec would receive from alienating so many who will simply learn the lesson (and share it with others)– stay away from the product.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    I haven’t a clue nor an answer.

  • http://www.myspace.com/valbonage_bob Shelly

    Umm I’m having trouble actually downloading it..
    Whenever I click the download button it comes up with a page that says:

    “Index of ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe/”

    Thats the URL at the top of the page that popped up also..
    How do I actually get the tool to download..
    Please help D:

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Shelly,
    Try this link:

    http://majorgeeks.com/Norton_Removal_Tool_SymNRT_d4749.html

    I hope this helps, Ron

  • http://www.appremover.com george

    you guys should check out http://www.appremover.com

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Thanks George for the suggestion.

  • jacksen

    i have symantec AV 2004 and when i tried to remove it on control panel,it didnt work at all.help me remove this AV,cause i want to install new AV.pls help me.when i tried to find uninstaller for this AV,i cannot find it,and when i tried to update it always failed.please help me

  • jacksen

    this symantec AV make my pc run so slow,interupt all file and make my pc go worng and so lagg,plss anyone help me.but when tried to scan for virus nothing hav found.plssssssss.A.S.A.P

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    jacksen,
    Download this to totally remove Symantec A/V

    http://majorgeeks.com/Norton_Removal_Tool_SymNRT_d4749.html

  • Nabi

    “Norton Removal Tool has expired.”
    I have the same problem as valentina and jon, i try to use the removal tool and it tells me the removal tool has expired.
    i changed date from BIOS and it work fine.
    thank u all

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Thanks Nabi for the information.

  • http://www.opswat.com tom mullen

    there is a free, generic AV uninstall tool called AppRemover.
    The list of supported AVs is at
    http://www.appremover.com/supported.html

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Tom,
    Thank you.

  • Scott Emerick

    Stay away from both Symantec and McAfee.

  • Predrag

    Hi,

    I removed Norton Internet security 2009 regular via Control panel.

    Restarted computer, then tried to install NOD32 anti virus. During install NOD32 reported that I have Symantec product installed. Used Norton removal tool. Restarted computer. Tried again to install NOD32, same error.

    Any ideas?

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Predrag,
    Try a registry cleaner like CCleaner.

    http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/

  • Phil T

    This looks like a good way to get Norton off your PC. It’s a little involved, but seems thorough.

    http://removenorton.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-dont-mean-to-knock-symantec-here-but.html