How to Remove Symantec

Removing any of the antivirus software made by Symantec, is a fairly routine and easy operation. However, make sure you have something to replace it with, as viruses are a real threat in today's Internet world.

Never try to remove any program by going to Windows Explorer, finding the file on the hard drive, and then deleting it. This doesn't usually work, because there are common files that a given program may share with others. The first and most frequently recommended way to remove a Symantec product, is through the Add/Remove program feature.

Go to Start, then select Settings, and there, click on Control Panel. In the panel, choose Add/Remove Programs. This screen will present you with a list of all programs installed on your hard drive. Highlight the Symantec program you want to delete, then click the Change/Remove button. This will remove all files off your computer, and will ask if you want to reboot in order to start using it again without the program.

Occasionally, this will not work. Only in this circumstance, should you go to their website at www.symantec.com and download a remove .exe file for the exact program you have. For example, you can't get rid of Norton AntiVirus 2005, with Rnav2003.exe.

Follow the directions for your program and version, and it should be deleted.