PC taking forever to start after installing Norton.

Hi,
Thanks for any suggestions. I renewed my subscription to Norton Internet security this past week. I now have Norton Interent security 2007. Since installing it its taking my computer about 5 minutes to load up, where it took less then a minute before. Also there is an error message when shutting it down. The error message goes off the screen too quickly for me to read it all but from what I can get out of it its saying that because of memory it cannot write these files?

I have more then enough memory to run this program and my pc fits the other requirements to run it as far as the processor speed etc.

I checked my start up msconfig and removed what I thought was Ok to remove as far as the status of the battery back up etc, but nothing has made any difference so far. Im not sure at this point what else I can remove from the system start up, or what to do as far as the error message at the end.

I am running windows XP with a DSL connection on a Dell Desk top. I have installed 512 total in memory sticks. On the pie I have 14.6 GB in blue and 37.2 GB in pink "free space".

I have already tried running virus and spy ware scan and have NO virus threats or ad ware. I have defrag and deleted all temp files, so at this point I dont know what else do to.. I did contact Norton but so far the emails they have sent me have provided me with No information more then what I have already done.

Any thoughts?
Jill

 

I wrote to the CEO of Symantec, about two weeks ago noting that Norton has become so cumbersome that even my corporate clients are beginning to drop it. Sorry but 5 minutes is not unusual for the whole cycle. What components of Norton do you have loaded? And what is the time to the logon (welcome) screen?


Studio T

 

Hi Studio,
Im sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I have all of what came with the Internet security program installed, the anti virus, spy ware, and firewall etc. I timed it and from the time I turn on my computer its 4 minutes to the sign on screen. Before installing it, it was less then a minute. The last version of Norton Internet Security I had installed was causing me No trouble at all with the firewall active etc.

I still am getting the error message as well when I sign off but it flashes on the screen just as the computer is signing off so I cant read it. All in all it seems as though my whole computer is dragging and Im just not happy with this at all.

I hate to throw the money away as it cost over 60 dollars to download this and for them to save the download for me for a year so I dont know what to do at this point.

Any suggestions on another anti virus program if it comes to this.

Thanks again,
Jill

 

No reply yet, I'm afraid.

Does it work when it finally cranks up? Perhaps you will have to live with it until next renewal.

My Win2k pc with Norton takes 180 seconds to logon screen and a further 183 seconds to the desktop. But it works fine and hasn't had a virus since 2002.

StudioT

 

Hi Studio,
Once it cranks up for the most part its working ok but not at the speed it was before. Im noticing most of the lag time is in-between programs. My PC meets the requirements but its 6 years old so im afraid this maybe an over load on it. I could be wrong though.

Jill

 

Dump it Jill!!!!It's a pain in the b*m...It infiltrates everything just like a virus.
Get yourself "Avast"
peppercorn

 

Hi Peppercorn,
I just put in a request for a refund. I have always used Norton and trust it but the product is just too big for my machine. I will go check out Avast.. Thanks for the suggestion.

Jill

 

Dosent Norton include, antispyware, antivirus and firewall?

If so you will not just need avast! (which is an antivirus)

You will need a firewall and spyware program. Thankfully there is some great free software also on here for that. And even though you will be running 3 programs it will still be faster than Norton! It really is that bad!

Heres a link to the free software on Major Geeks:-
http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20

May I reccomend ZoneAlarm as a firewall, I beleive its excelent 10 out of 10.

 

Yes If the new version is too heavy for your pc, send it back for a refund as
'unfit for purpose'.

Unless your surfing is particularly hairy, you don't need more than the Windows firewall. Also you may well already have a hardware firewall in your modem/router, it's worth a check. Many ISPs (eg BT and AOL) now provide upfront protection and filtering as well.

That leaves anti virus and anti spyware and rootkits. AVG and AVAST are both good anti virus. I only recommend the paid for Xoftspy for antispy - it's not expensive. Finally if you don't log on to the net with an administrator account, rootkits can't take hold.

Studio T

 

I switched from Norton to Trend Micro about three years ago. I started shopping around after the MS certified guy (our neighbor) couldn't configure Norton 2004 so I could get on line, I wound up going back to 2003 until expiration. At the time the few articles I read ranked Trend Micro over Norton or McAfee. I buy the disk now instead of purchasing on line, saving me the trouble of a download. Currently a license for Trend Micro PC-cillin 2007 is good for up to three machines, and we are a multi computer household. It can be had for under $50 retail. The first update comes without registration so it can come in handy anywhere. Features include File Monitor, Network Virus Monitor, Incoming & Outgoing Email Monitor, Web Email Monitor, Chat Monitor, Spyware Protection, Suspicious Software Alarm System, Personal Firewall, Personal Wireless Network Monitor, Spam Email Filter, Web Site Filter, Protection Against Phishing Fraud, and Data Theft Prevention. Of course on a 1.3 GHZ processor with 512 RAM we have 6 of the 14 enabled, on the others 10. I guess that is the trouble with Security Suites, they need to cover too many bases, and in doing so take on a life of their own. I read on line somewhere, probably www.tweakhound.com, that it is better to use one tool for one job, instead of trying to use an all-in-one to do everything. Like having a General Practitioner for your doctor, but a cardiologist for your heart, a specialist for a specific area.
Sorry I ramble, I don't work for Trend Micro or anything, but it was nice to get my computer back, and spend more time enjoying it and less time learning how to utilize and configure the Security Suite.
Bug

 

Hi everyone,
I now am running AVAST and so far very very happy I traded Norton in. My computer has life again, its truly like night and day.

I also am using Ad-ware SE and windows XP fire wall so I think I should be alright. If you dont feel this is enough please let me know.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions..

Jill

 

Windows firewall is useless. Download one of the free ones off here like Zonealarm or one of the others reccomended above and disable windows firewall. Other than that you sound protected I think.

 

That's a mite strong. ICF/WF may be all Jill needs and ZA can be fine but can be trouble too.

Hi, Jill
Check out your whole protection package, including your modem/router and ISP like I said.

Also look at

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=125470

for advice on windows account security.


Studio T

 

Sorry, was just repeating what i have read and been told. I stand corrected.

 

Hi Jill.. You are protected fine at the moment....The more (Differing types) protectware you have the more likelihood of incompatibility/conflicts
Stay with what you have for now if you don't have any problems.
If things change...Look again
peppercorn

 

Hi Peppercorn,
Thank you for confirming that! I did give Zone Alarm a try but after 3 days I un-installed it. It kept locking me out of the Internet as my isp doesn't remain the same. So I returned here tonight to see what else I could do. I think I will do just as you said and keep things as they are at the moment.

Thanks again to everyone all of you have been very helpful and I truly appreciated all your input.

Jill