Norton Internet Security disables Windows Update and Windows Restore

Question

Having bought a new Dell 8400 with Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2004, I ran into problems in early February when I found that I couldn't install any new software on the computer.  The problem was NIS2004.  After working my way through Symantac's support, I finally proved that NIS was the problem by completely reformating the hard drive and reinstalling Windows XP Professional and NIS2004 from the disks supplied by Dell.   NIS2004 wasn't just disabling the installation of new software, it was also preventing access to Microsoft's Updates including critical security updates and also prevening system restore working.   As it was a completely clean installation of Windows with just two extra device drivers (one from NVIDIA and one from Thomson for my broadband modem) there can be no doubt that this is a problem with NIS2004.  NIS2004 would only allow Windows Update to operate when NIS's security feature was turned off.  For completeness, both device drivers are from reputable companies and worked fine on my old dell that I replaced.   I finally 'solved' the problem by buying a copy of Norton Anti-Virus 2005 and using Microsoft's firewall.   Neither Dell nor Symantic are at all interested in refunding my money for selling me a defective product.   Has anyone else had similar problems and bad service from Dell and Symantec?   While I can understand Dell selling software from thrid paries that is defective, I cannot accept them not refunding my money when the product is shown to be defective.

aviator686 · Answer

I have been using Norton Products for the past five years and have never had a problem with any of the programs although I have read that the 2004 version was causing problems. I was using NSW and NIS 2003 and upgraded to the 2005 versions a few weeks ago. I have no problem getting Windows updates and a few days ago had to use System restore to solve a problem. I was able to restore to an earlier date with NIS running in the background. Just my 2 cents.
Dell dimension 4550 2.66
768mb ram
60gb HD
SB Live
NSW 2005
NIS 2005
Win XP SP2

Jason98036 · Answer

@John Gilby wrote:

Has anyone else had similar problems and bad service from Dell and Symantec?

When I first installed NIS 2004, I had some minor issues that were resolved by manually running "LiveUpdate" about half a dozen times. No problems since, and I've upgraded to NIS 2005, no major problems on it either.

VBdotNet · Answer

@John Gilby wrote:

Has anyone else had similar problems and bad service from Dell and Symantec?

This is a Symantec page that I put together concerning NSW 20004 and NPF 2004, and SP2.

If you were to reinstall XP, then perform the Windows Update as described at the bottom of this page, and then reinstall NIS 2004 - following the LiveUpdate information on my Symantec page - I think you would be all set.

Note: If you reinstall the OS, I recommend installing or uninstalling any of the optional Windows Components that you want - before doing the Windows Update for the first time.

Windows General

Norton Internet Security disables Windows Update and Windows Restore

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