Norton Removal Tool

How To Use The Norton Removal Tool

When it comes time to uninstall a Norton product, traces are left behind. The reason the application doesn't completely uninstall through the usual methods is to prepare your system for new Norton installations. The only problem with this is there are often conflicts when trying to uninstall new versions or non-Norton anti-virus products.

Norton is fully aware of this problem and has created an easy to use tool to handle the complete removal of any Norton 2003 or later products. They also remove all Norton 360 and Norton SystemWorks 12.0 applications from the system as well.

Another reason to use the Norton Removal Tool is if the installation didn't complete or failed. This often happens due to computer processing errors, an incomplete download or having an older version of Norton still on the system. Any damaged installations due to viruses or upgrade problems can be removed as well.

No matter where the Norton product was purchased, the Norton Removal Tool will still work. Norton does recommend backing up the databases for ACT! and WinFAX before using the tool as it may remove data from these applications.

Cost

The Norton Removal Tool is completely free. There is also no need to prove whether there is a NortonLifeLock product installed or not. The tool is available for download from the Norton website.

How To Use

Make a note of the product key. Norton from a service provider may not have a product key. This will be necessary for reinstalling Norton, if desired.

On the Norton Removal Tool main page, select the product or scenario which bests fits. Follow any steps for backing up the product key and preparing the computer for the tool.

Next, scroll to the bottom of the selected page and press the download button for the Norton Removal Tool. The download takes less than five minutes for almost every connection and less than a minute for high speed connections.

Once downloaded, execute the file. Depending on the product, follow the on screen instructions for removing the desired Norton product. The process takes several minutes worth of actual user interaction. The actual removal process, handled by the Norton Removal Tool may take as long as 10 minutes. During this time, the computer will be restarted, possibly more than once. This is normal and should not be interfered with.

Prevent Problems

To prevent any problems while using the Norton Removal Tool, be sure to close all Norton products and any other anti-virus software. Close any open files and programs. These may conflict with the tool. If using a laptop, keep the computer connected to a power source to prevent losing power during the process. This could damage the Norton product beyond the removal tool's abilities to remove.

Remove The Tool

Once Norton is completely removed, the tool itself can be uninstalled by going through the Add/Remove Programs section of the computer. It uninstalls completely with no traces left behind. Unless the user plans to use the tool again, Norton recommends uninstalling it to free up disk space and prevent any unnecessary files on the computer.

 

Links:
Norton Removal Tool

 

 

« Back to the Norton Resource Center