I Cannot Connect to the Internet After Installing Norton Internet Security

Norton Internet Security is designed to protect you from the hazards of the Web by setting up a firewall on your computer--a barrier through which unapproved or dangerous connections cannot be made. This firewall can sometimes be over-rigorous; if you find yourself unable to connect to the Internet at all after installing Internet Security, take some steps that are designed to resolve the problem.

Instructions

1. Start Norton Internet Security. In the "Network Protection" pane, click the "Smart Firewall" status indicator to turn it off and select "Permanently" from the drop-down menu in the dialog box that appears. Press "OK" and then restart your computer.

2. Try to access a safe Web site, like Google or Symantec. If it works, proceed to Step 3 to reset your firewall; if it doesn't, proceed to Step 4 to reinstall Internet Security completely.

3. Start Norton Internet Security and click the "Configure" button next to "Advanced Settings" under "Smart Firewall." Click "Reset," then "Yes," "Apply," "OK" and reactivate the firewall by clicking the indicator. Test your connection again; if it works, you're done. If it doesn't, proceed to Step 4.

4. Note your current Norton product key. If you downloaded Internet Security from your service provider, you needn't worry about this step. If you installed it from a CD, the key should be printed on the back of the CD sleeve; if you purchased it as a download, it should be included in the confirmation email from Symantec.

5. Use a computer with a functioning Internet connection to download the Norton Removal Tool (see Resources).

6. Copy the Removal Tool to some kind of media--a CD, a USB drive or anything that doesn't require an Internet connection--and put it on the computer you're fixing.

7. Run the Removal Tool by double-clicking the EXE file and follow the on-screen instructions. Afterwards, you will be prompted to restart your computer. After restarting, a Web page should appear with instructions on how to reinstall Internet Security (either from a disc or from a download). Reinstalling it should not recreate the problem, but if it does, uninstall again and consider other options for a firewall.

References

• Symantec: I Cannot Connect to the Internet After I Install Norton Internet Security 2011

Resources

• Symantec: Norton Removal Tool