Microsoft Updates Conflict With Norton
- All Norton products released before 2006 need to be updated to be compatible with Windows Vista or Windows 7. Norton users who subscribe to virus protection services can update older versions of Norton for free through the Norton Download Center. You need to have your product activation code in order to use this service. Having the newest (and most compatible) version of the software ensures that Norton won't conflict with Microsoft Update.
- According to Norton, the Norton 360 antivirus software does not disable or prevent any features of Windows that are related to Windows Update. By default, the Norton firewall has exceptions for Internet Explorer processes, which is how Microsoft classifies Windows Update. Norton recommends manually running LiveUpdate for the antivirus software and trying to run Windows Update again, if problems persist.
- Dan-de-Mar, a third-party technical support advice page, has a 28-point checklist for ensuring the Windows Updates install smoothly. Included on this list: instructions to deactivate any antivirus software prior to running Windows Update.