Calling all computer experts!!

bluzman · 12-18-06, 10:57

Let me preface this by saying Im a complete moron when it comes to computers. Its a small miracle that Im able to get on here and post this.
Here is my problem, I have nortons antivirus and my subscription ran out. It asked me if I wanted to renew it, I said yes and followed the instructions. I opted for the more expensive upgrade. I downloaded everything like I was supposed to amd it keeps telling me that I need to renew it. I tried the technical assistance icon to no avail. Getting any help from Nortons is almost impossible. If any one can help that would be great. Just try and explain it in laymans terms.

Thanks in advance.... Gregg

GregCavi · 12-18-06, 11:02

I feel for ya, I went through the same Norton B.S. a half a year ago on my parents computer, and eventually ended up demanding the money back. After hours upon hours with the helpless customer service, which btw they wanted to charge us for, I just called it quits. I now run Avast anti-virus, and best of all it's free.

Greg

jsatek · 12-18-06, 11:14

Do a search on the Symantec (Norton) website for this issue. I am sure you are not the first to get this message, they may be a fix.

bluzman · 12-18-06, 11:42

Thanks guys!!

yakky · 12-18-06, 11:51

1.Call the credit card company, ask for your money back.

2.Uninstall Norton

3.Download and install avast. Its free and is ranked higher than norton in most comparisons.

paul34 · 12-18-06, 12:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakky

1.Call the credit card company, ask for your money back.

2.Uninstall Norton

3.Download and install avast. Its free and is ranked higher than norton in most comparisons.

ding ding ding, we have a winner

You first step should be to get your money back. Then uninstall the pure trash that is Norton and McAfee products! Too many users get scammed into using their worthless products, sorry to hear you have become a victim

But you are not without hope, my friend. You can get Avast! Antivirus as yakky suggested, or use my personal (free) favorite, AVG Free Edition.

AVG Free Advisor: Free anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-malware tools

These work much better than their expensive, junk alternatives, and aren't so wasteful on your computer's resources

I'd also recommend a good anti-spyware program and scan regularly to keep your computer in healthy shape. I think Microsoft has one, called "Windows Defender."

It's good to have a second anti-spyware program. I personally use "Spybot search and destroy." It's free, and you can find it with a simple Google search. Very good programs.

Let us know if you have any more questions!

bluzman · 12-18-06, 12:31

Wow. Thanks everyone for the quick responses!!

Yal · 12-18-06, 12:42

And if you need a firewall. Get comodos free firewall. Comodogroup

jasonmac · 12-18-06, 01:02

I second the AVG and Spybot S&D route, that's what I use on all my PCs at home. I used to run a third program as well, Ad-Aware, which can catch things Spybot doesn't.

If you do end up using Spybot, I recommend installing the TeaTimer module (it'll ask you when you install Spybot); it raises a confirmation when Windows registry changes occur. This can be helpful to avoid spyware and malware installations added to your system, significantly decreasing performance.

Sergei · 12-18-06, 02:36

Same thing happened to me. I told the NOrton rep "you're fired". I installed AVG and have been happy (it's free and great). Another great free one is NOD32. And don't just use one spyware program - I use 3. Spybot, Ad-Aware and Windows defender - all are free. Unfortunately there isn't one spyware program that gets rid of all spyware - the three in combination do a good job of scrubbing.

klnyc · 12-18-06, 02:44

+1 NOD32

BlackElantraGT · 12-18-06, 03:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonmac

I second the AVG and Spybot S&D route, that's what I use on all my PCs at home. I used to run a third program as well, Ad-Aware, which can catch things Spybot doesn't.

If you do end up using Spybot, I recommend installing the TeaTimer module (it'll ask you when you install Spybot); it raises a confirmation when Windows registry changes occur. This can be helpful to avoid spyware and malware installations added to your system, significantly decreasing performance.

Everyone's given some awesome advice. I would never use any Norton or McAffee programs not because they are expensive, but their programs are way too bloated and can be a big system resource hog.

I also use the same programs as jasonmac. AVG for antivirus, Spybot, Ad-aware, along with SpywareBlaster. All are free and don't use up too much of your resources compared to Norton. With all the programs I mentioned working together, it's done a wonderful job at protecting the computer. Amazing for something that's free.