Problem with Norton

[BigJim]

Tonight I checked for updates for my Norton firewall, AV and spam software. Seeing there was none, I checked for Windows updates, installed a minor thingy and restarted. I then do the file cleaner and defrag, followed by a full system scan with Norton AV 2004. Four files of spyware are detected. (How the hell did the bastards get past my firewall?) The program deletes two of them, but won't delete the other two. Why? According to the online threat assessment check there is also a port listed as "unused winows block" that is open, instead of being closed or stealthed.

I can't get rid of the two files and I can't seem to do anything helpful at all really. (Now THERE'S a surprise!) Does anyone know what I can do or what I SHOULD be doing?

 

[Slant]

I'm surprised Norton AV would pick up spyware, it usually concentrates on viral programs not scumware. What's it detecting? A firewall won't necessarily stop spyware anyway, it comes in packaged with other programs or web installers, not usually by communication through ports.

You shouldn't need to bother checking for updates manually - doesn't it do it automatically? Mine used to check every couple of hours and download things automatically.

 

[BigJim]

I'm surprised Norton AV would pick up spyware, it usually concentrates on viral programs not scumware. What's it detecting? A firewall won't necessarily stop spyware anyway, it comes in packaged with other programs or web installers, not usually by communication through ports.

You shouldn't need to bother checking for updates manually - doesn't it do it automatically? Mine used to check every couple of hours and download things automatically.

Yes, it does check manually. However it's picking up the same two files very time I scan now (I scan every couple of days) because I don't know how to get rid of the bastards. Probably more importantly I don't know how to close or stealth the open port. Any answers anyone? Help a thick-as-a-brick limey in distress. 😀