Need Help with Computer Problem

**Doug** · 03-09-2006, 03:49 PM

My mom just bought the updated Norton Antivirus for her computer. She also got the Norton Go Back software. When she installed the Go Back software is messed the computer up really bad. I think it really messed up the registry. Has this happened to anyone here and can I fix it without reformatting?

**deronsizemore** · 03-09-2006, 04:10 PM

If it's Windows XP there is a system restore function that allows you to change the settings back to an earlier time.

Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore.

Try that before reformatting. That should work.

**Mike Empuria** · 03-09-2006, 04:35 PM

Good advice from Deron. To add further, when you installed Norton, XP would have automatically added a restore point so you should be able to go back to just before that install.

**r2d2** · 03-09-2006, 04:47 PM

Hopefully that will cure the problem Norton has caused, to prevent it happening again, don't let Norton anywhere near you or your Mum's computer!

**Chris** · 03-09-2006, 04:54 PM

First step, uninstall everything Norton (crappy software that blocks even benign internet ads).

Then go the free route.

AVG Anti Virus
Zone Alarm Firewall
and any number of free spyware blockers.

I once installed AVG on a Norton system and it found dozens of files Norton missed.

As for these system restore things, they're not a good idea.

The idea is that if your system is compromised you can back up and it'll be fixed. However in doing so you can bring dead viruses back to life.

**Mike Empuria** · 03-09-2006, 04:56 PM

@Chris: Would you put AVG above McAfee?

**Doug** · 03-09-2006, 05:21 PM

I agree about Norton not being any good. I told her against it but she didn't want to listen to me. You won't find it on my computer. I'll give the system restore a try and see if that works.

**Doug** · 03-09-2006, 05:32 PM

System restore did not work. I'll keep trying some things and checking back here if anybody here has any more ideas of what could fix it.

**Blue Cat Buxton** · 03-10-2006, 05:06 AM

It is amazing the 'love' for its product Norton is able to drum up but they have almost been able to position themselves as the only option to general consumers (at least in the UK) Even when presented with the AVG route, people still feel they can trust a product that comes in a bos, more.

It is slightly ironic that the Go Back software is billed as 'Gives you the power to undo PC problems. Protect your valuable data from system crashes or user errors.' - They should give an option of going back before go back

**Doug** · 03-11-2006, 10:56 AM

I noticed in the directions that it says sometimes windows will not work after go back is installed. It tells you how to fix this but naturally it does not work. It would have been so much easier if my mom would have listened to me and not bought norton in the first place.

**cyanide** · 03-11-2006, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by Doug

It would have been so much easier if my mom would have listened to me and not bought norton in the first place.

I could say that about clients too

Agreed, Norton =

**Doug** · 03-11-2006, 12:39 PM

Well, the outlook isn't good. It looks like I'm not going to be able to fix it short of reformating which may be out of the question because she doesn't know what she did with the windows xp disk. I'm just as bad as I don't know where mine is either though. Just some advice to anybody who ever considers buying Norton Go Back... DON'T DO IT. It looks like it is time to send the computer in. I hate for my mom to have to do that because I can usually fix most of the problems with computers but this one has me stumpped.

**Mullen** · 03-11-2006, 09:57 PM

I ditched Norton a long time ago when my subscription run out. Since then I have used free anti-virus software and haven't looked back.

**Doug** · 03-13-2006, 12:56 AM

I reformatted. Now the screen resolution won't go above 640X480. If anyone knows how to fix this it would be helpful. I'm sure I'll find out how to eventually but I'd rather just have someone tell me if they know how to fix it.

**cyanide** · 03-13-2006, 01:16 AM

Originally Posted by Doug

I reformatted. Now the screen resolution won't go above 640X480. If anyone knows how to fix this it would be helpful. I'm sure I'll find out how to eventually but I'd rather just have someone tell me if they know how to fix it.

Most likely this has something to do with your video card.
Did you install the cd/driver for it? Or better yet, maybe download a more recent one from the manufacturers website