Help needed please before I start download

[kayla_d]

Im running on windows ME.  I also have Nortons system works the verision is not upgradable and not supported by symtech.

I need to know do I uninstall Nortons before installing Avast.
I have also read that uninstalling Nortons present some issues it does not install everything the only thing I can find about uninstalling Nortons is this link someone had in a thread in another forum 
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=22931.from0#new

The Norton Removal Tool uninstalls all Norton 2007/2006/2005/2004/2003 products from your computer. Before you continue, make sure that you have the installation CDs or downloaded installation files for any Norton products that you want to reinstall. Also, if you use ACT! or WinFAX, back up those databases and uninstall those products manually.

My Nortons product is 2002 and how do I know if I have winfax...so that tool is not for my Norton product.
I wish Avast would send out CD's for the free version..for us old ladies who are afraid of runing our computers

[Lisandro]

I need to know do I uninstall Nortons before installing Avast.

1) Remove NAV through Add/Remove programs from Control Panel. Boot.
2) Use Symantec removal tool following the three steps defined in the SymNRT tool info.
3) Boot.
4) Install avast! Boot.
5) See what you get.

Full SymNRT info:
1. Download and save these three files to the Windows desktop:
   a) ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/linked_files/tsgen/MSIFIX.bat
   b) ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/linked_files/tsgen/SymNRT.exe
   c) ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/linked_files/tsgen/SYMMSICLEANUP.reg

2. Run the three files that you just downloaded
   a) On the Windows desktop, double-click the MSIFIX icon.
      Click Run.
      A black window may appear very briefly.
   b) On the Windows desktop, double-click the SymNRT icon.
      Click Run.
      Click Next.
      Click I accept the License Agreement, and click Next.
      Type the letters and numbers that you see in the white box, and then click Next.
      Click Yes or OK at each prompt.
      You may need to click more than once. Your computer may be restarted for you more than once.
      You may be asked to repeat some steps after the computer restarts.
   c) On the Windows desktop, double-click the SYMMSICLEANUP icon.
      Click Run, and then click Yes.
      Click OK.

3. Boot.

[Spiritsongs]

   Hi Gayla :

     After running the Norton Removal Tool, it would be wise
     to use your computer's "Find" feature, selecting "All files
     and folders" and using the term "Symantec" and later
    "Norton" and "Delete" all appropiate Items. This would be
     an additional "step" to ensure that Norton is OFF your
     computer, so that any remnants would NOT "conflict"
     with the newly installed Avast .
     Did you realize that Microsoft will issue no more Updates
     for your Operating System !? As time goes by, it will
     become increasing vulnerable to all the bad "stuff"
     coming through the phone lines; perhaps time for a
      "New" Operating System !?

[kayla_d]

Yes I realize that ME is an old program.  This computer is the best one we have owned no problems whats so ever and lots of free space I hate to replace it. 
I know the time is coming sigh...

What program would you suggest we upgrade to as we dont IM file share or download music. Is XP our best and only choice?

[tls]

You might want to check this link for removal of older Symantec/Norton programs:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001092114452606?Open&docid=2003051309213306&nsf=nav.nsf&view=es_full

I also found removing anything left behind using Spiritsongs' additional steps very helpful.  My mother's computer, with WinMe, was having many problems with apparently random "freezing" of different applications and disappearing icons until I followed those steps.  (I had removed Norton Internet Security 2004 from her computer, which now has avast!  Home installed.) 

[TazUk]

Is XP our best and only choice?

If you want to stick with Windows then Yes. It comes in three varieties, for your uses Windows XP Home would be sufficient