Use the removal tool for the version which is on your neices computer...Once you know what version is on the new laptop, go to the Norton/Symantec site and get the uninstall tool for it...

After following Gene's accurate on-point advice, you could also consider a CCleaner registry tool follow up. It is not too often I recommend going into the registry, but following an AV removal is one of them. When reviewing the CC report focus your attention to only the entries you are sure are Norton/Symantec related. No guessing allowed, and be sure to use the offered backup option.

DA

ok thanks....

currently the best way to fully remove it is to use this free tool called app remover does it all for you quick and easy, it is what we recommend on the help forums.
Using AppRemover

no need to try to find the appropriate removal tool any longer. I have used it several times now and am quite impressed.

thanks Raven

Do you know which AV you will be installing after you remove Norton?

There is a sequence to uninstalling and reinstalling.

1st: Download App Remover (but don't run it just yet). If you don't know the exact version of Norton, that is the best way to go. App Remover will also remove the residual entries in the registry so no registry cleaner is needed.

2nd: Download the AV of choice to the desktop. But, don't install it just yet either.

3rd: Run App Remover to remove Norton.

4th: Install the AV of choice that was downloaded to the desktop.

That way you don't have to search online totally Unprotected to find the download for the new AV.

MS Security Essentials. She has used other computers, but never had her own and I think that one will be easy for her. I will also install Malwarebytes, Superanti-spyware.

I think there will be a problems regarding family members like there was when I helped my sis with hers. Every one in the family has a PC and they all think "this" should be changed. Another comes along and thinks "that" should be changed. They also download games and other stuff on everyone else PC. I will talk to her about it.

vala55,

May I ask how old your niece is? Is she old enough to say "NO" when someone decides a change needs to be made.

The way I control my 14 year old daughters computer is I created an acct. for me with Administrative rights then password protected it so she can access that acct. to change anything(just don't forget the password). That way no one can install or uninstall anything except me. Then I created her a limited/standard acct. for her. She can not change anything and is limited to what can be downloaded.

You have to make sure that Windows Updates is set for automatic though, unless you visit her often to make sure the updates are being installed.

I like the idea of Microsoft Security Essentials. Very simplistic program for the not so educated computer user yet very untroublesome for the expert user who just doesn't want to be bothered.

I created an acct. for me with Administrative rights then password protected it so she can access that acct.

That's supposed to be:

so she can NOT access that acct.

My bad. (blush) Ooops!

YEP I agree that is exactly what I was about to post but bbbluz beat me to it. I would set up a guest account for anyone other than her to use which would preclude any one installing anything other than her. And lock down her admin account and do NOT give out the password.

Be sure to put spywareblaster on it too and show her how to update it weekly that one is very easy since no scans just update it and hit enable all protection and it is doing it's job.
Download SpywareBlaster 4.4 Installer

Adding WOT to the browsers would be a very good idea too.
Here is a really good place to get a lot of that stuff because it does not have any of those addons that you do not want like toolbars it loads just the program you want.
Ninite.com

to clear out any other junk that comes on a new pc I like
PC Decrapifier.

My niece is almost 50 and she said in no uncertain terms, no one will touch it. We found one model that was being replaced with a new model and got it for $399. I think her daughter might look it over just to see what kind it is, but she has uncommonly good sense. Her nieces and nephews are the problem, because they do things their way and that is the right way. They wanted her to buy protection, free stuff is not good enough. She took my word that is was fine.

Setting up this PC was harder than usual, I think it was because I had someone looking over my shoulder, but some the things were very different. I forgot spyware blaster, will do it the next time we meet. I did the other stuff except for CC, I didn't want her to get into the registry. I have a list explanations and instructions on my PC and will print one off for her.

She didn't want a password to turn on her PC and I agreed with her since she is the only one who will use it. When I did that one day the PC would not accept my pass word. HP would not help me either.

Oh shoot. I was thinking much younger. LOL!

Not providing Ccleaner may have been a good idea. There is another program that cleans out temp files just fine. It is called TFC by OldTimer.

@ raven: You have to be fast on the draw around here! LOL!

Here is a link that might be useful: TFC - Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer

Knowing my nieces age tells you how ancient I am. LOL

My first thought was, Man! I hope I have my senses about me the way you do when my niece(s) are 50.

thank you..........I will 75 in January and feel very fortunate.