BleepingComputer.com: Norton Autofix Tool-- When To Use It

Despite having NIS 2007, a number of trojans and malware got through. This made me wonder whether my security software was operating as it should be. I remembered reading about Norton AutoFix, and that running it would tell me if the components of the Norton program were working as they should be. I tried to download and run it, but was unable to do so. So, I chatted on-line with a Norton Tech person in India. She insisted that if there were a problem with NIS, that the Norton symbol in the tray bar would have a red cross through it. I told her that it did not, that it always indicated that NIS was working properly, but that I did not know if I could trust that that was true since Norton was failing to detect what other scanners were catching. I told her about the AutoFix tool and asked her to run it for me remotely, since I couldn't do it. She insisted repeatedly that that tool would not test whether my software was compromised-- that if it were, the software program itself would indicate this with the red "X" mark. I don't know what to believe now. Can anyone tell me if the AutoFix tool would be of help to me, or should I just trust that all is well as long as Norton indicates that it is. Thanks to anyone who can clarify this for me.

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AutoFix Tool

However, when trying to download it, I received an error so it may be that the tool was pulled by Symantec and no longer available or that I cannot proceed because I am not using any Norton products.

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No single product is 100% foolproof and can detect and remove all threats at any given time. The security community is in a constant state of change as new malware infections appear. Each vendor has its own definition of what constitutes spyware and scanning your computer using different criteria will yield different results. The fact that each program has its own definition files means that some malware may be picked up by one that could be missed by another. Thus, a multi-layered defense using several anti-spyware products (including an effective firewall) to supplement your anti-virus provides the most complete protection.

This post has been edited by quietman7: 01 October 2007 - 08:37 AM

I neglected to mention that I have a number of tools to prevent infection besides NIS. They are: SpyWare Blaster, Spyware Doctor v5, Webroot Spy Sweeper, Sophos Anti-Root Kit. However, I was only using NIS when the nasty critters invaded. I am pretty confident I will not get infected now. However, what I worry about is whether NIS was compromised during the attack. For example, recently, when I tried to do a BitDefender on-line scan, I noticed that NIS disappeared from the task bar, and perhaps was shut down. I unistalled and re-installed NIS after the system had been infected, just in case. When I tried to enter my key, it would not let me-- it only permitted 3 letters per entry box, when 4 are required. So, I uninstalled and reinstalled it again. That time I was able to do so. Everything looks good, but if there was a way to independently verify that, it would be nice. I thought that Norton Autofix could do that. It sounds like you are agreeing that I don't need to do so. If that is the case, I will trust all is well. Thank you.

Your welcome.

I tried to download the tool from quietman's link but there seems to be a problem from my end.

I'm getting this message:

We cannot test your computer unless your computer has:
Internet Explorer Version 5.5 or later
Security settings that allow ActiveX controls and JavaScript
Windows 98/2000/Me/XP operating system
250-MHz processor or higher
32 MB of memory or more

I think I meet all the criteria above except for the second one, cause I'm not sure how my security settings are configured. Tried googling it though and got this alternative source for <a rel="follow" href="hxxp://www.pcperformancetools.com/symantec-program-errors.htm">symantec autofix tool</a>. Just thought of sharing for those who got stuck like me.

This post has been edited by elise025: 12 November 2010 - 09:28 AM
Reason for edit: Deactivated link ~ Elise

Welcome to BC hanyacottman

Please be aware that you replied to a topic which is over 3 years old. The information I provided was based on Symantec resources available at that time and may not pertain to current users of Norton products.

Since then Symantec has changed many of their url links so they are redirected elsewhere or no longer valid. Further, Symanted has released information about AutoFix Support Tool ActiveX Control Vulnerabilities

This article was last modified on 09/28/2006:

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AutoFix Tool security compliance

The link you provided recommends users to use RegCure as a solution instead of Symantec's AutoFix Tool.

Bleeping Computer DOES NOT recommend the use of registry cleaners/optimizers for several reasons:

Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications that can damage the registry by using aggressive cleaning routines and cause your computer to become unbootable.

The Windows registry is a central repository (database) for storing configuration data, user settings and machine-dependent settings, and options for the operating system. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users, and preferences. Whenever a user makes changes to settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in this repository. The registry is a crucial component because it is where Windows "remembers" all this information, how it works together, how Windows boots the system and what files it uses when it does. The registry is also a vulnerable subsystem, in that relatively small changes done incorrectly can render the system inoperable. For a more detailed explanation, read Understanding The Registry.

Not all registry cleaners are created equal. There are a number of them available but they do not all work entirely the same way. Each vendor uses different criteria as to what constitutes a "bad entry". One cleaner may find entries on your system that will not cause problems when removed, another may not find the same entries, and still another may want to remove entries required for a program to work.

Not all registry cleaners create a backup of the registry before making changes. If the changes prevent the system from booting up, then there is no backup available to restore it in order to regain functionality. A backup of the registry is essential BEFORE making any changes to the registry.

Improperly removing registry entries can hamper malware disinfection and make the removal process more difficult if your computer becomes infected. For example, removing malware related registry entries before the infection is properly identified can contribute to system instability and even make the malware undetectable to removal tools.

The usefulness of cleaning the registry is highly overrated and can be dangerous. In most cases, using a cleaner to remove obsolete, invalid, and erroneous entries does not affect system performance but it can result in "unpredictable results".

Unless you have a particular problem that requires a registry edit to correct it, I would suggest you leave the registry alone. Using registry cleaning tools unnecessarily or incorrectly could lead to disastrous effects on your operating system such as preventing it from ever starting again. For routine use, the benefits to your computer are negligible while the potential risks are great.

• Ed Bott's Webog: Why I don’t use registry cleaners
  
• Do I need a Registry Cleaner?
  
• Registry Cleaners and System Tweaking Tools

Norton Auto-Fix tool fixes your Symantec products related problems (like Norton anti-virus auto-protect not running on start up etc.) It is only for people who have Symantec products installed.

From http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/security/Content/2008.04.02a.html (from May 2008)

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Since it uses ActiveX controls, it should be run inside Internet Explorer only. This article from Symantec tells how to fix a problem using AutoFix tool in Step 4.

This post has been edited by Romeo29: 14 November 2010 - 01:36 AM