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In Windows, how do I safely upgrade to the latest Symantec Endpoint or AntiVirus software?

To best protect your Windows computer from viruses, use the latest version of protection software available for your computer. At Indiana University, both Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) and Symantec AntiVirus (SAV) Corporate Edition are available to students, faculty, and staff at no cost via IUware. Symantec Endpoint Protection is the newest Symantec AntiVirus product, combining technologies from the previous Symantec AntiVirus and the ability to protect via behavioral analysis, thus allowing Endpoint Protection to stop some threats without an actual virus signature.

Important note: When you upgrade your Symantec software, it is important that you follow the procedure outlined below. If you simply uninstall your current antivirus software and then reinstall the newest version while your computer is connected to the Internet, your computer will be vulnerable to a virus or other malicious attack while it is connected to the Internet without antivirus software. It can take mere seconds for your computer to become compromised while in such a state. Thus, UITS strongly recommends that you use the procedure below to update your antivirus software:

On this page:

Download the software from IUware

  1. Go to IUware.

  2. If the product you want is not on the main page, click the Security link on the left and choose the product of your choice.

  3. Important: Download the software only; do not yet install it.

    Log in with your IU Network ID credentials, click Download, and save the file to your computer.

Disable your network connection

For the next part of the upgrade process, disconnect your computer from the network. For the instructions below, if your computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, your active connection is the one labeled "Local Area Connection". If your computer is using a wireless connection, your active connection is the one labeled "Wireless Network Connection".

Windows 8

For the status of Symantec Endpoint on Windows 8 devices, see Known issues with Windows 8 at IU.

Windows 7

  1. From the Start menu, open Control Panel.

  2. From Category view, click Network and Internet, and then Network and Sharing Center. Alternatively, from the icons view, click Network and Sharing Center.

  3. On the left, click Change adapter settings.

  4. Right-click the icon for the active network connection, and choose Disable.

Vista

  1. From the Start menu, select Connect To.

  2. Click Open Network and Sharing Center.

  3. On the left, select Manage network connections.

  4. Right-click your active connection, and then select Disable.

Windows XP

  1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel, or Settings and then Control Panel.

  2. Double-click Network Connections. Right-click your active connection, and select Disable.

Uninstall any antivirus software (including previous versions of SAV)

Before installing the new Symantec product, you must remove any and all existing versions of antivirus software on your computer (i.e., any programs with the name of your antivirus software in them, such as Symantec/Norton, McAfee, etc.).

After removal, your computer will likely prompt you to restart; do so before continuing.

If you have any problems uninstalling the old antivirus software, contact the UITS Support Center before proceeding further and a consultant will assist you.

Install the new antivirus product and the latest virus definitions

  1. Open the folder where you saved the new antivirus product installation program. Double-click this file to begin the installation.

  2. When the installation is complete, you will be prompted to download the latest virus definitions. Re-enable your network connection (see directions below), and then follow the prompts to do so.

  3. Configure your software to schedule regular LiveUpdates and virus scans. Check the applications help files for instructions if needed.

Re-enable your network connection

Windows 7

  1. From the Start menu, open Control Panel.

  2. From Category view, click Network and Internet, and then Network and Sharing Center. Alternatively, from the icons view, click Network and Sharing Center.

  3. On the left, click Change adapter settings.

  4. Right-click the icon for the active network connection, and choose Enable.

Vista

  1. From the Start menu, select Connect To.

  2. Click Open Network and Sharing Center.

  3. From the left, select Manage network connections.

  4. Right-click your connection, and then select Enable.

Windows XP

  1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel, or Settings and then Control Panel.

  2. Double-click Network Connections. Right-click your connection, and then select Enable.