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Antivirus: Windows: Troubleshooting

How do I completely uninstall Symantec AntiVirus?

Problem: The solution to many problems with Symantec AntiVirus is to completely uninstall Symantec AntiVirus, then re-install. You can use these instructions to completely uninstall Symantec AntiVirus.

Solution: In order to completely uninstall Symantec AntiVirus and all related components you need to follow these instructions.
Note: This procedure will remove all Symantec products, not just Symantec AntiVirus.

  1. Click on Start | Settings | Control Panel
  2. In the control panel double-click on Add / Remove Programs
  3. Look through the list of installed programs for any item that says either "Norton" or "Symantec" or "LiveUpdate". (for example "Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition" or "Norton AntiVirus 2000")
  4. For each "Norton", "Symantec", or "LiveUpdate" item, select the item and click Add / Remove. Follow the instructions, and click Yes or Yes to all when prompted.
    When you are done there should be no items in the list that say "Norton", "Symantec", or "LiveUpdate".
  5. Click OK to close the Add / Remove Programs window.
  6. Reboot your computer if it hasn't already automatically rebooted.
  7. Delete the c:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus (or c:\Program Files\Norton) folder.
  8. Delete the c:\Program Files\Symantec folder.
  9. Delete the c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared folder.

If uninstalling Symantec AntiVirus using Add / Remove Programs does not work, you can use the directions on Symantec's uninstalling website to manually remove all elements of Symantec Antivirus from your computer.

Once you are finished with these instructions, you can download and re-install Symantec AntiVirus. Downloads are limited to Cornell students, faculty, staff and affiliates.

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