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Evil Norton

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  • C Offline
    C Offline
    Chris Maunder
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    I remember when Peter Norton was a legend among legends, and Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit. I'm just setting up a new desktop (an Acer) and am cleaning out the bloatware that seems to have metastasised throughout the machine. I'm up to Norton anti-virus and on the uninstall screen is a checkbox (pre-checked) at the end of the "Are you sure you want to uninstall" dialog that looks exactly like a "I agree to the terms of use" checkbox. Except it isn't. It says "Get layered protection by allowing Norton Security Scan to be activated and periodically scan your computer for viruses, spyware malware and other threats". So on the "I want to uninstall Norton Security" dialog is a pre-checked dim grey checkbox specifically asking you to allow them to install a Norton security product. :|

    cheers Chris Maunder

    OriginalGriffO D R M J 13 Replies Last reply
    0
    • C Chris Maunder

      I remember when Peter Norton was a legend among legends, and Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit. I'm just setting up a new desktop (an Acer) and am cleaning out the bloatware that seems to have metastasised throughout the machine. I'm up to Norton anti-virus and on the uninstall screen is a checkbox (pre-checked) at the end of the "Are you sure you want to uninstall" dialog that looks exactly like a "I agree to the terms of use" checkbox. Except it isn't. It says "Get layered protection by allowing Norton Security Scan to be activated and periodically scan your computer for viruses, spyware malware and other threats". So on the "I want to uninstall Norton Security" dialog is a pre-checked dim grey checkbox specifically asking you to allow them to install a Norton security product. :|

      cheers Chris Maunder

      OriginalGriffO Offline
      OriginalGriffO Offline
      OriginalGriff
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      Chris Maunder wrote:

      Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit.

      Oh yes!

      Chris Maunder wrote:

      cleaning out the bloatware

      FORMAT C:

      It's the only way to be sure... :sigh:

      Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay... AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!

      "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
      "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

      R C L 3 Replies Last reply
      0
      • C Chris Maunder

        I remember when Peter Norton was a legend among legends, and Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit. I'm just setting up a new desktop (an Acer) and am cleaning out the bloatware that seems to have metastasised throughout the machine. I'm up to Norton anti-virus and on the uninstall screen is a checkbox (pre-checked) at the end of the "Are you sure you want to uninstall" dialog that looks exactly like a "I agree to the terms of use" checkbox. Except it isn't. It says "Get layered protection by allowing Norton Security Scan to be activated and periodically scan your computer for viruses, spyware malware and other threats". So on the "I want to uninstall Norton Security" dialog is a pre-checked dim grey checkbox specifically asking you to allow them to install a Norton security product. :|

        cheers Chris Maunder

        D Offline
        D Offline
        Daniel Pfeffer
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        1. Make a backup of the entire disk 2. Clean install your O/S of choice and any desired applications (including the backup utility) 3. Restore any data required from the backup 4. Profit! :)

        If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack. --Winston Churchill

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

          Chris Maunder wrote:

          Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit.

          Oh yes!

          Chris Maunder wrote:

          cleaning out the bloatware

          FORMAT C:

          It's the only way to be sure... :sigh:

          Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay... AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!

          R Offline
          R Offline
          Rage
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          OriginalGriff wrote:

          FORMAT C:

          I juste tried it, and interestingly, it also remove windows.

          Do not escape reality : improve reality !

          OriginalGriffO M 2 Replies Last reply
          0
          • C Chris Maunder

            I remember when Peter Norton was a legend among legends, and Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit. I'm just setting up a new desktop (an Acer) and am cleaning out the bloatware that seems to have metastasised throughout the machine. I'm up to Norton anti-virus and on the uninstall screen is a checkbox (pre-checked) at the end of the "Are you sure you want to uninstall" dialog that looks exactly like a "I agree to the terms of use" checkbox. Except it isn't. It says "Get layered protection by allowing Norton Security Scan to be activated and periodically scan your computer for viruses, spyware malware and other threats". So on the "I want to uninstall Norton Security" dialog is a pre-checked dim grey checkbox specifically asking you to allow them to install a Norton security product. :|

            cheers Chris Maunder

            R Offline
            R Offline
            realJSOP
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            I always buy a copy of windows to install onto a new laptop. Their pre-installed windows is usually polluted with crap that doesn't work all the way. I understand the reason they (the laptop manufacturers) do it, but they should also provide a restore point that allows you to eliminate the crap-ware in one fell swoop instead of forcing you to either a) delete each crap-ware package one at a time, or b) force you to do it the way I do it - with an unfettered copy of Windows (which takes a LOT less time).

            ".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
            -----
            You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
            -----
            When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013

            R M 2 Replies Last reply
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            • R Rage

              OriginalGriff wrote:

              FORMAT C:

              I juste tried it, and interestingly, it also remove windows.

              Do not escape reality : improve reality !

              OriginalGriffO Offline
              OriginalGriffO Offline
              OriginalGriff
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              Does that count as another virus gone, or more bloatware? :laugh: There are times when I think Win10 is a form of ransomware...

              Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay... AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!

              "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
              "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

              enhzflepE 1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • R Rage

                OriginalGriff wrote:

                FORMAT C:

                I juste tried it, and interestingly, it also remove windows.

                Do not escape reality : improve reality !

                M Offline
                M Offline
                megaadam
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                Sounds like a win-win to me!

                ... such stuff as dreams are made on

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                  Chris Maunder wrote:

                  Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit.

                  Oh yes!

                  Chris Maunder wrote:

                  cleaning out the bloatware

                  FORMAT C:

                  It's the only way to be sure... :sigh:

                  Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay... AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!

                  C Offline
                  C Offline
                  Chris Maunder
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  OriginalGriff wrote:

                  FORMAT C:

                  I know, I know, and this will come back to bite me, I'm sure. I need the machine up and running yesterday, though, so I'm taking a chance. :~

                  cheers Chris Maunder

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • R realJSOP

                    I always buy a copy of windows to install onto a new laptop. Their pre-installed windows is usually polluted with crap that doesn't work all the way. I understand the reason they (the laptop manufacturers) do it, but they should also provide a restore point that allows you to eliminate the crap-ware in one fell swoop instead of forcing you to either a) delete each crap-ware package one at a time, or b) force you to do it the way I do it - with an unfettered copy of Windows (which takes a LOT less time).

                    ".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
                    -----
                    You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
                    -----
                    When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013

                    R Offline
                    R Offline
                    Ron Anders
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    Somewhere Mr. Norton is tied up and duct taped with only the muffled "Let me go! - who are you people" audible from him.

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                      Chris Maunder wrote:

                      Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit.

                      Oh yes!

                      Chris Maunder wrote:

                      cleaning out the bloatware

                      FORMAT C:

                      It's the only way to be sure... :sigh:

                      Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay... AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!

                      L Offline
                      L Offline
                      Lost User
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      My preferred choice: Boot from Windows PE bootable flash drive Run diskpart enter "list disk" to get the systems disk number (#) enter "select disk #" enter "clean" //Warning: this erases absolutely everything from disk. Be very afraid if you misuse this command. It has no warning popups and no mercy. Next you must initialize and tell the disk what type it is: enter "convert MBR" (Or GPT if you want a GPT disk.) Next you create the partitions you will need. Normally at least two or up to 5 for a UEFI mode. Format partitions as required. Do a clean Windows install. For more info on preparing partitions, especially for UEFI mode, see my Tip/Trick on that subject. There is also a lot of related info in my article on the Ransom Virus.

                      Get me coffee and no one gets hurt!

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • C Chris Maunder

                        I remember when Peter Norton was a legend among legends, and Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit. I'm just setting up a new desktop (an Acer) and am cleaning out the bloatware that seems to have metastasised throughout the machine. I'm up to Norton anti-virus and on the uninstall screen is a checkbox (pre-checked) at the end of the "Are you sure you want to uninstall" dialog that looks exactly like a "I agree to the terms of use" checkbox. Except it isn't. It says "Get layered protection by allowing Norton Security Scan to be activated and periodically scan your computer for viruses, spyware malware and other threats". So on the "I want to uninstall Norton Security" dialog is a pre-checked dim grey checkbox specifically asking you to allow them to install a Norton security product. :|

                        cheers Chris Maunder

                        M Offline
                        M Offline
                        madwilliamflint
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        Norton was gold back in the day. The Peter Norton assembly language book and "programmers reference" were just awesome. Seems like nothings that damn good anymore.

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                          Does that count as another virus gone, or more bloatware? :laugh: There are times when I think Win10 is a form of ransomware...

                          Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay... AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!

                          enhzflepE Offline
                          enhzflepE Offline
                          enhzflep
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          Another Trojan removed, methinks. WINE is becoming good enough these days, that I can't imagine a situation in which my own money will ever pay for another copy of Windows again. When usage stats were automatically sent and the ability to forgo updates was removed, they jumped the shark. Removing Aero and also the visual cues a 3d interface provide shows they let the young kids that didn't bother with history drive the ship. When I've gotta pay (for stuff I don't want) to play every day, they can just elephant right off. My network access is expensive (mobile broad-band). It's an added expense for the ability to use a product which delivers a diminished experience. A total no-brainer for me. Others naturally, get far better mileage since the horror-show change of direction started with Win8.

                          S 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • C Chris Maunder

                            I remember when Peter Norton was a legend among legends, and Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit. I'm just setting up a new desktop (an Acer) and am cleaning out the bloatware that seems to have metastasised throughout the machine. I'm up to Norton anti-virus and on the uninstall screen is a checkbox (pre-checked) at the end of the "Are you sure you want to uninstall" dialog that looks exactly like a "I agree to the terms of use" checkbox. Except it isn't. It says "Get layered protection by allowing Norton Security Scan to be activated and periodically scan your computer for viruses, spyware malware and other threats". So on the "I want to uninstall Norton Security" dialog is a pre-checked dim grey checkbox specifically asking you to allow them to install a Norton security product. :|

                            cheers Chris Maunder

                            J Offline
                            J Offline
                            Jeremy Falcon
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            Chris Maunder wrote:

                            It says "Get layered protection

                            You know, when the rest of the world says this... it means something totally different.

                            Jeremy Falcon

                            G C 2 Replies Last reply
                            0
                            • C Chris Maunder

                              I remember when Peter Norton was a legend among legends, and Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit. I'm just setting up a new desktop (an Acer) and am cleaning out the bloatware that seems to have metastasised throughout the machine. I'm up to Norton anti-virus and on the uninstall screen is a checkbox (pre-checked) at the end of the "Are you sure you want to uninstall" dialog that looks exactly like a "I agree to the terms of use" checkbox. Except it isn't. It says "Get layered protection by allowing Norton Security Scan to be activated and periodically scan your computer for viruses, spyware malware and other threats". So on the "I want to uninstall Norton Security" dialog is a pre-checked dim grey checkbox specifically asking you to allow them to install a Norton security product. :|

                              cheers Chris Maunder

                              P Offline
                              P Offline
                              Peter_in_2780
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              Some years ago (XP days?) I had a Norton infestation. They actually had one good and useful (free) product. A "remove everything Norton" tool. No idea if it's still there, but it might be worth a look. Cheers, Peter

                              Software rusts. Simon Stephenson, ca 1994. So does this signature. me, 2012

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • C Chris Maunder

                                I remember when Peter Norton was a legend among legends, and Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit. I'm just setting up a new desktop (an Acer) and am cleaning out the bloatware that seems to have metastasised throughout the machine. I'm up to Norton anti-virus and on the uninstall screen is a checkbox (pre-checked) at the end of the "Are you sure you want to uninstall" dialog that looks exactly like a "I agree to the terms of use" checkbox. Except it isn't. It says "Get layered protection by allowing Norton Security Scan to be activated and periodically scan your computer for viruses, spyware malware and other threats". So on the "I want to uninstall Norton Security" dialog is a pre-checked dim grey checkbox specifically asking you to allow them to install a Norton security product. :|

                                cheers Chris Maunder

                                C Offline
                                C Offline
                                cptScorcher
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                There was a time when Norton was good and loved by all. Norton Commander anyone? It could be removed simply with del *.* Ok there were some people that used xTree Gold but we don't talk about them.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • C Chris Maunder

                                  I remember when Peter Norton was a legend among legends, and Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit. I'm just setting up a new desktop (an Acer) and am cleaning out the bloatware that seems to have metastasised throughout the machine. I'm up to Norton anti-virus and on the uninstall screen is a checkbox (pre-checked) at the end of the "Are you sure you want to uninstall" dialog that looks exactly like a "I agree to the terms of use" checkbox. Except it isn't. It says "Get layered protection by allowing Norton Security Scan to be activated and periodically scan your computer for viruses, spyware malware and other threats". So on the "I want to uninstall Norton Security" dialog is a pre-checked dim grey checkbox specifically asking you to allow them to install a Norton security product. :|

                                  cheers Chris Maunder

                                  S Offline
                                  S Offline
                                  Slacker007
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  When I buy a new machine like this, I blow out everything and start fresh with a clean install of the OS, then take it from there. IMHO, you are wasting your time trying to delete from the machine what you don't want; some of which, will never leave. Just a thought. :thumbsup:

                                  C 1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • J Jeremy Falcon

                                    Chris Maunder wrote:

                                    It says "Get layered protection

                                    You know, when the rest of the world says this... it means something totally different.

                                    Jeremy Falcon

                                    G Offline
                                    G Offline
                                    Gary Wheeler
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #17

                                    For Chris it means he's going out for a long bike ride in -10°C temperatures.

                                    Software Zen: delete this;

                                    C 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • C Chris Maunder

                                      I remember when Peter Norton was a legend among legends, and Norton Utilities were a must-have in your toolkit. I'm just setting up a new desktop (an Acer) and am cleaning out the bloatware that seems to have metastasised throughout the machine. I'm up to Norton anti-virus and on the uninstall screen is a checkbox (pre-checked) at the end of the "Are you sure you want to uninstall" dialog that looks exactly like a "I agree to the terms of use" checkbox. Except it isn't. It says "Get layered protection by allowing Norton Security Scan to be activated and periodically scan your computer for viruses, spyware malware and other threats". So on the "I want to uninstall Norton Security" dialog is a pre-checked dim grey checkbox specifically asking you to allow them to install a Norton security product. :|

                                      cheers Chris Maunder

                                      N Offline
                                      N Offline
                                      Nish Nishant
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #18

                                      That was when he was an elite programmer/writer/teacher. Now he's a rich company owner, what did you expect? :-) Also, I bet he's not remotely involved in the software design/functionality - probably spends most of his time in his beach mansion on some fancy pacific island. :-D

                                      Nish Nishant Consultant Software Architect Ganymede Software Solutions LLC www.ganymedesoftwaresolutions.com

                                      C B 2 Replies Last reply
                                      0
                                      • enhzflepE enhzflep

                                        Another Trojan removed, methinks. WINE is becoming good enough these days, that I can't imagine a situation in which my own money will ever pay for another copy of Windows again. When usage stats were automatically sent and the ability to forgo updates was removed, they jumped the shark. Removing Aero and also the visual cues a 3d interface provide shows they let the young kids that didn't bother with history drive the ship. When I've gotta pay (for stuff I don't want) to play every day, they can just elephant right off. My network access is expensive (mobile broad-band). It's an added expense for the ability to use a product which delivers a diminished experience. A total no-brainer for me. Others naturally, get far better mileage since the horror-show change of direction started with Win8.

                                        S Offline
                                        S Offline
                                        StarNamer work
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #19

                                        enhzflep wrote:

                                        WINE is becoming good enough these days

                                        It has been for centuries! I personally enjoy few glasses of a nice Cabernet Shiraz... :)

                                        enhzflepE 1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • N Nish Nishant

                                          That was when he was an elite programmer/writer/teacher. Now he's a rich company owner, what did you expect? :-) Also, I bet he's not remotely involved in the software design/functionality - probably spends most of his time in his beach mansion on some fancy pacific island. :-D

                                          Nish Nishant Consultant Software Architect Ganymede Software Solutions LLC www.ganymedesoftwaresolutions.com

                                          C Offline
                                          C Offline
                                          Chris Maunder
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #20

                                          Peter hasn't been involved with Norton Utilities for aeons. Unfortunately.

                                          cheers Chris Maunder

                                          N 1 Reply Last reply
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