removing norton and installing avast

General Topics
1

Hello all,

Finally, I have received my new laptop, with Norton Internet Security 2006 installed
(btw not the lastest version !), for which I am reaching the end of my trial free period.

So I want to uninstall Norton and replace it with a free version of Avast.

Now, I have downloaded the Norton_removal_tool and also the setupfre 4.7.1098.0
Avast install file.

At this point, do I need to keep my Internet access to continue and complete the Avast
install process (can I unplug my Internet cable) ?

Even if it is recommanded in the installation notes to remove any other antivirus product
before installing Avast, does this apply particularly for Norton (in case if for some reason
the I would need to temporarily return to Norton) ?

(Sorry for my questions, but I prefer to be sure of what I am doing here …)

Thanks in advance.

2

The best way is to disconnect from the internet then uninstall Norton from the Add/Remove section of Windows
Then run the uninstall tool
Reboot
Run Setupeng (Avast)
Then go online and update Avast by right clicking the icon and selecting Programme update

3

Not removing Norton before installing avast! is a sure fire recipe for disaster.
Since you’ve downloaded the files you need to remove Norton and install avast!.
online access isn’t needed while you remove Norton - Reboot - and then install avast!
Once avast has been installed, I suggest you go back on line to make sure that avast! is able to update.

4

Never try to install avast with Norton already installed…

  1. Remove NAV through Add/Remove programs from Control Panel. Boot.
  2. Use Norton Removal Tool for Windows 2000/XP/Vista. Boot.
  3. Install avast! and boot.
5

Many thanks for all the aswers I received, that let me remove Norton and install Avast :slight_smile:

One more question : there are still some Symantec folders/files and maybe some hidden
objets on my laptop, even after running the Norton uninstall tool. I remember, when I did
the same Norton to Avast replacement sequence about one year ago on my PC, I was
suggested to use the Hitjackthis tool.

Can somebody recall me the exact procedure, with the last 2.0.0.2 version of Hitjackthis,
in order to completely wipe away any remaining tracks of Norton ?

(Sorry, really I don’t use this tool often, but I know it might be dangerous if misusing it …)

Many thanks again.

6

I think remaining folders (if you’re sure they belong to Symantec) can be removed using Windows Explorer (not need for HijackThis). Maybe you could test a Registry Cleaner.