Windows 10: How do I completely remove every bit of Norton antivirus?

My wife's new Acer laptop Windows 10 came with Norton antivirus preinstalled. I want to remove every last vestige of this bloated ransomware but whatever I try there's always something left behind. For the record, I have downloaded and used Norton's own Remove and Reinstall tool which does not remove it. After the first attempt, at every reboot a huge 'Reinstall Norton NOW!!!!' splash screen appeared. I got rid of that by removing a couple of folders that Norton's own removal tool failed to remove. I then went through the registry, deleting everything referring to Norton. That made things be

:)

 

Windows Antivirus enabled Norton Antivirus disabled?

Assuming you've got Norton installed...

Two suggestions to try.

• Uninstall Norton, reboot, run the Norton Removal Tool, reboot and then reinstall Norton. See List
  of anti-malware product removal tools
• If that doesn’t disable Windows Defender, see How to Turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows 10

I use Malwarebytes Free (also have Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit) with Windows Defender and there are no conflicts.

But you may want to seek advice from Norton about using Malwarebytes products concurrently with Norton programs

Regards...

 

Problem with computer booting and norton antivirus

One of the dangers of aborting such an installation is having a handicapped system. The best advice I can give short of format and reinstall (which I often suggest although I try not to) is to see if you have a restore point from before installing Norton Antivirus.

Also, any Norton CD (or ISO *Stick Out Tongue ) with Norton AntiVirus is booteable, so you can scan your drives with the latest virus definitions avalable since the manufacture of said CD (or ISO).

 

Good Antivirus + Firewall

I would never put anything Norton on my computer.

Nod32 is arguably the best antivirus. AVG is likely not as good, but it's free and at least pretty good.

Firewalls, I'd put Comodo and whatever "Tiny Personal Firewall" is named nowadays on your short list. I think Kerio might have sold it now and it's named something else. Otherwise, just put Comodo on your short list. I think the current version's ease of use has taken a step backwards, seems a bit counter-intuitive when trying to do certain things with it, but overall it does a good job and the price is right.