Can't activate Norton SystemWorks 2005

Question

My Dim.8200 came loaded with a trial version.  I uninstalled and attempted to install a retail version of the latest Norton SystemWorks 2005 Suite.   It installs successfully.    However...   When I go to register and activate it tells me there is a problem with my activiation key on the CD and to contact Norton Customer Svc.  They say it is a valid key and should work that the problem may me with the Dell software that came with the machine.   This seems odd to me since all Norton software was uninstalled prior to installing the newest version.  I have uninstalled and reinstalled twice with the same results.   Any help would be appreciated.   Thanks, have a great day!

Mary G · Answer

Try the Symantec self help tools at their support site. You need to uninstall the trial edition of Live Update separately from Norton SW & any other remnants of the trial edition manually-- like folders and files, then reboot before installing the new version.

d.g.g · Answer

That's the first thing I did.  I'm thinking something is hiding in the registry.  I'm switching to McAfee, this is way more bother than it should be.  I installed, uninstalled three times and it still won't activate.  Norton's website is about useless as far as help on this activation issue.  All they can tell me is the activation code is valid and it should work, duh!

boppo · Answer

maybe this will help.

The document provided below tells you how to activate your product. For more information, please refer the document provided below:

Title: "Activating your Norton 2004 program"

Document ID: 2003012712115646

>Web URL:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/custserv.nsf/docid/2003012712115646?Open&src=con_ols_nam

If you are still unable to activate your product through internet, I suggest that you please try activating through phone.

Please refer to the following document from our Online Knowledge Base that will assist you to activate your product when you cannot or choose not to activate using your Web browser:

Title: 'Activating your product by telephone'

Document ID: 2003081413271346

>Web URL:

http://service1.symantec.com/Support/custserv.nsf/docid/2003081413271346?Open&src=con_ols_nam

d.g.g · Answer

Been there. It takes a half-hour to get through to customer service. Last time they told me the activation code was invalid. I made a trip back to Costco, swapped my "invalid code" retail box for another and tried the reinstall (after uninstalling for the second time). This time when I went to register it again said the code was invalid. I went on Norton's website attempted to find a FAQ or some indication of what the problem was. No luck. I left an email with the problem/error message and the activation code on it. A day later somebody not from the U.S. emailed back telling me the activation code was valid (oh really!) and for me to send the error message and he would send it to customer support.

My gut feeling after spending all this time is that something in the original Dell OEM trial version is not uninstalling (and I uninstalled everything listed in my programs directory that referred to Norton including update files, etc. etc.) and is causing problems with a Norton 2005 suite installation. I'm sure if I had gone to Norton and purchased their subscription service updates this activation problem would not have occurred.

Bottom line, Ebay, $18 and McAfee Security Suite is in the mail.

Costco will refund the Norton software although they really are not too keen on taking back software that has been opened.

Thanks to all for suggestions and comments. I owe you a beer!

Have a great day!

Windows General

Can't activate Norton SystemWorks 2005

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