Norton Product FAQ - Norton Product

Frequently Asked Question about Norton Product

FAQ - Norton Products

Do Symantec products require Windows XP Service Pack 2 to Work?

Windows XP Service Pack 2 is a major security-focused operating system upgrade that includes an enhanced Windows firewall and a console (Windows Security Center) to monitor the state of your computer's security. Service Pack 2 is not an necessary packs for Symantec products. If your Symantec products run on Windows XP now, they do not require Service Pack 2 to continue working

How will installing Service Pack 2 affect the Symantec products I already have installed?

That depends on the Symantec products that you own:
Norton AntiVirus
Installing Service Pack 2 will not affect Norton AntiVirus. The Windows Security Center, which is a component of Windows XP Service Pack 2, will be aware that you have Norton AntiVirus installed, but it will not be able to determine its working status due to Symantec's tamper-protection technology.

Symantec has released an update which adds compatibility to the Windows Security Center so that it may report the status of your Symantec security software. This update is included in Norton AntiVirus 2005, and is available by LiveUpdate for Norton AntiVirus 2002/2003/2004. The update will install on Windows XP, but will not take effect unless you have the Windows Security Center installed.

Norton Firewall/Norton Internet Security
Installing Service Pack 2 will not affect Norton Personal Firewall or Norton Internet Security. The Windows Security Center, which is a component of Windows XP Service Pack 2, will be aware that you have Norton Personal Firewall or Norton Internet Security installed, but it will not be able to determine its working status due to Symantec's tamper-protection technology.

Symantec has released an update which adds compatibility to the Windows Security Center so that it may report the status of your Symantec security software. This update is included in Norton Personal Firewall 2005 or Norton Internet Security 2005, and is available by LiveUpdate for Norton Personal Firewall 2002/2003/2004 or Norton Internet Security 2002/2003/2004. The update will install on Windows XP, but will not take effect unless you have the Windows Security Center installed.

Norton SystemWorks
Installing Service Pack 2 will not affect Norton SystemWorks. The Windows Security Center, which is a component of Windows XP Service Pack 2, will be aware that you have Norton SystemWorks installed, but it will not be able to determine its working status due to Symantec's tamper-protection technology.

Symantec has released an update which adds compatibility to the Windows Security Center so that it may report the status of your Symantec security software. This update is included in Norton SystemWorks 2005 and is available by LiveUpdate for Norton SystemWorks 2002/2003/2004. The update will install on Windows XP, but will not take effect unless you have the Windows Security Center installed.

How do i know my computer is secure?

Installingand running Norton Internet Security or Norton Personal Firewall and Norton AntiVirus is a very good way to ensure your online security. To test the actual security of you computer, visit Symantec Security Check . This is a free service that checks your computer against a wide range of online threats and identifies your existing security needs.

Why does the Windows Security Center say that the status of my Norton security product is "unknown"?

Your Norton security products contain tamper protection features that prevent malicious code from determining their status. This tamper protection also prevents the Windows Security Center from determining the status of your Norton security products.

Symantec has released an update which adds compatibility to the Windows Security Center so that it may report the status of your Symantec security software. This update is included in Norton 2005 Security Products and is available by LiveUpdate for Norton 2004 Security Products. The update will install on Windows XP, but will not take effect unless you have the Windows Security Center installed.

Will Service Pack 2 cause problems with installing Symantec products?

It should not. However, you may see a Windows Security Alert when you first start your product if your product requires outbound connections. This happens with pcAnywhere. In that situation, the security alert gives you the option to "unblock" the application to allow it to work.

If I run both the Windows Firewall and Norton Personal Firewall at the same time, will I have more protection?

No. Norton Personal Firewall has enhanced security features and functionality beyond those provided by the Windows Firewall, including monitoring and controlling both inbound and outbound Internet activity. The Windows Firewall is designed to only monitor and control inbound network traffic, and does not provide outbound traffic protection, intrusion detection and response, or privacy controls -- all critical to securing your computer from outside attacks. Norton Personal Firewall controls all outgoing network traffic. It detects and alerts you to intrusion attempts and responds by automatically blocking all traffic from the attacker. Norton Personal Firewall protects your privacy by filtering confidential information (like phone numbers, credit card numbers, and bank account numbers) and by blocking cookies on a site-to-site basis.

What is program activation?

"Product activation" is a way to make sure that Symantec programs are legally licensed. Programs that are not activated stop working in 15 days.

How to activate my Norton Products?

When you install a Norton program from a CD, you are asked for your product key, which is found on the CD sleeve. This product key is sent to a Symantec server, and your program is activated.

When you install a Norton program that you bought at the Symantec Store, the product key is built into the program. This product key is sent to a Symantec server, and your program is activated.

Which Symantec products will be compatible with Windows Vista ?

A variety of Norton products will be compatible with the Windows Vista operating system. Symantec will release more information about compatibility and upgrades as the Windows Vista availability date approaches.

Which Symantec products will require an update to be compatible with Windows Vista?

All current (Norton 2006) and earlier Norton products will need to be upgraded to support the Windows Vista operating system.

How do I upgrade my Norton products to be compatible with Windows Vista?

Please check back here for additional product-specific and other information related to Windows Vista. We will be updating this site on a regular basis.

What security will I need with Microsoft Windows Vista?

Although the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system has an improved security foundation, Microsoft still recommends additional security. In addition to protection against operating system and application attacks, consider solutions that will help protect you against deception-based online threats such as Trojans and phishing attacks. A comprehensive solution like Norton Internet Security™ , with components such as a firewall and antivirus that work together to thwart attacks, provides exceptional levels of protection.