So there I was buying this lotto ticket ...

Forums › Off topic › So there I was buying this lotto ticket ...

aikosmom

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#13050 19-Apr-2007 21:00

... and you'll never guess what happened? I won a million dollars! Yep, just like that!

OK, I hope I have your attention now. Sorry about the mil. Nah, didn't win nuthin'. kidding ;) ha, ha

I am desperate for help with a s/w prob. & am brand spanking new to this forum. So where .. oh where ... do I post my prob?

Hint: Norton

johnr

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#67790 19-Apr-2007 21:10

aikosmom: ... and you'll never guess what happened? I won a million dollars! Yep, just like that!

OK, I hope I have your attention now. Sorry about the mil. Nah, didn't win nuthin'. kidding ;) ha, ha

I am desperate for help with a s/w prob. & am brand spanking new to this forum. So where .. oh where ... do I post my prob?

Hint: Norton

If the hint is norton

check out www.avast.com

Free home edition

weblordpepe

460 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#67812 20-Apr-2007 04:41

And also Grisoft's AVG anti-virus free edition.

http://www.grisoft.com/free

Its good to know that there is a choice of free anti-virus programs available. People pay through the nose for commercial anti-virus stuff, with no major benefit over the freebie ones.

aikosmom

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#67813 20-Apr-2007 04:50

OMG!

At first I didn't see the reply from a Master Geek. I am so filled with geek love that I may take the day off. Hmmm. but then again I have this MAJOR problem.

Dear Master Geek, I am such a forum newbie, I'm not sure if you'll see my last post. So, at the risk of being redundant ... Norton's Uninstall Tool shut down my ISP connection. HELP! I'm trying to get rid of the sucker. I found an article online ... but it only worked to a point ... then directions were incorrect.

weblordpepe

460 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#67902 20-Apr-2007 18:51

Hmm thats an odd one.

I'd say ask your ISP but your ISP probably won't help you with Nortons or software on your computer. Thats usually by policy because the ISP doesnt want to be liable for breaking something on your computer.

What your ISP could help you with is your basic system settings. Setting up shortcuts to dial-up, email server settings and configuring your broadband/cable modem if you got one. That kinda stuff.

I'd recommend removing nortons totally by using the 'add or remove programs' applet in control panel (assuming you're on Windows) and call up your ISP to help connect your computer to the interwebnet.

...or you could install Linux :P

freitasm

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#67904 20-Apr-2007 19:18

You could use a Restore Point on your PC to go back to what you had with Norton before, check that everything is working and try uninstalling again from the Add/Remove Programs tool in the Control Panel - don't use Norton's remove tool.

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aikosmom

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#67907 20-Apr-2007 19:27

Dear Master Geek,

Here's the thing ... I've already done everything possible to remove this sucker. I did the "remove program" first. Then I searched for "norton" files & deleted them. Then I searched for "symantec" files & deleted some of them. Others refused to go away.

I was about to edit the registry ... and I said to myself "... what the h'--l are you doin'? You're just a geek wannabe. Better talk to a real geek before touching the registry." Actually, I had that conversation, but that was after I realized I had no idea how to "back up the registry."

Longer story, short ... I tried the "Norton Removal Tool." No luck.

Actually, this issue is all too common for people who have trouble with Norton. When I did a search, I found several people commiserating about this.

Short of reinstalling Windows ... is there anything else I can do. Should I follow the directions given to me on editing the registry to delete all symantec and/or norton entries?

What's a geek wannabe to do?

Now, if you're really a "master geek" you'll know the answer or can tell me where else to look. Are you a real Master Geek!!!??

This is a test.

H - E - L - P ! This is killin' me!!

Kate
p.s. Thanks for replying

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freitasm

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#67911 20-Apr-2007 19:37

Sometimes Norton can be really frustrating - and you can end up with no other option than reinstalling Windows.... Sorry...

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aikosmom

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#67912 20-Apr-2007 19:38

Dear Alpha Geek,

Whoa! Hold on a sec ... I gotta catch my breath ... and pick myself up off the floor.

The Alpha Geek is responding??? I am nearly speechless. (Sorry, us "writers" are never really speechless.)

Ok, I'm back to breathing on my own. Yes, I thought of the system restore. Originally, I had a Polyanna smile on my face ... or maybe it was more like the Cheshire cat. I thought, "piece of cake!" "I'll just go back to a happier time when my friend's pc never heard of the words 'uninstall Norton or gosh forbid, 'removal tool.'"

Yep, tried that. Didn't work. A search on the pc showed all the files on the date of my first attempt. The ISP connection was still shut down.

Tonight, after pulling out the rest of my hair, I thought, "hmm. maybe I should go back even further.'"

I also thought, "how bad could it be if I muck up the registry?" Heck, I remember when I tried twiddling the hex digits with PC Tool when MS-DOS was all there was."

So, Sir Alpha Geek, what's a wannabe to do?

I am a tad bit savvy ... which is why I can ask such intelligent questions??

Kate
p.s. Thanks for caring!
p.p.s. Super Geek??? Are you still there???

freitasm

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#67914 20-Apr-2007 19:40

Well, thanks... Really, this is the thing: if you tried System Restore (well done for trying it) and it didn't work, then I guess you will get nowhere else with attempts to remove this software.

Time to get a cup of joe and look for those restore discs...

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aikosmom

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#67917 20-Apr-2007 19:46

Dear Mr. Alpha,

I just don't feel right using your first name only. After all, you are da bomb! I am only a wannabe.

So ... I didn't configure this computer. I don't know if restore discs exist. I guess I'd have to create them. Can I do this on floppy's or do I have to burn a CD. Don't know if there's any good s/w on this pc.

Do you think I should try mucking with the registry? I do have instructions on what to do.

Kate
p.s. You are my new hero! Wow ... the Alpha Geek is writing to me!! I am sooo impressed.

freitasm

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#67918 20-Apr-2007 19:53

You will have to check with the person who built this PC for you. You will need the discs and a Windows Product Key, which you should have already (otherwise you could well be unknowningly using a pirated copy).

You can't create install discs, unless you have a program for this - some laptops from Toshiba, HP, Dell come with a "hidden" partition with the restore data there. Check the manuals to see if this applies.

In doubt, consult with the person or company where you bought this PC from.

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aikosmom

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#67923 20-Apr-2007 19:59

Dear Mauricio,

My computer has a mind of its own ... or could be a loose nut at the wheel. ;=]

Ok. So now you know the extent (or lack of) of my geek-ishness.

The pc is a compaq, a laptop, everything's legal. It was bought at a computer store. Should I tell my friend/client to take it in and let the tekkies work on it?

Thanks so much for all your comments.

Heck ... maybe you can dig into another of my problems. My VoIP phone refuses to ring!

Kate

freitasm

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#67924 20-Apr-2007 20:02

Yes, I think it's a good idea. If it's a Compaq it should have the hidden partition, and a program to write a recovery DVD. Also, the Windows Product Key will be on the bottom of the laptop, on a Microsoft sticker. A tech guy/girl would create the recovery DVD and use the number to reinstall the software to the factory standards.

Make sure to create a backup of your files before sending the laptop out, because everything will be deleted.

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aikosmom

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#67926 20-Apr-2007 20:09

I really can't thank you enough for your help.

I was at a loss of what to do next.

I've tried using forums before, but never got much help. This time was different.

You have restored my faith in geeks!

Let me know if you ever need help with writing or editing. That is my forte!

Kate
p.s. Any thoughts on solving the Vonage phone prob? They can't seem to fix it after many tries. It worked fine for 3-4 months. Then one day, it just went out completely. Came back, but now won't ring.