When I try to use "Live update" on Norton Virus I am told "communucation error" and it stops. Spybot will not even start. Microsoft Update gives an error, "not found". I am using Windows XP on a desktop.

Sounds like you have a lot of system resources tying up your computer and something inside your TCP/IP stack may be corrupted. I suggest you start cleaning out your system, look here - Keepin' it Clean - Helljack6.com (http://helljack6.com/clean.html) for a detailed way of doing it. Then see if the problem still exists. If it does, Click on Start, Run, type CMD in the run box and click on OK. At the command prompt, type the following commands and hit enter after each one.

Netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt

Netsh winsock reset all

Netsh interface reset

Ipconfig /flushdns

If you believe it's related to spyware, which it could be, see the following two pages:

Using Spybot - Helljack6.com (http://helljack6.com/spybot.html)

Using Malwarebytes - Helljack6.com (http://helljack6.com/bytes.html)

Use both of the suggested programs while in Safe Mode with Networking to get the maximum cleaning effect.

You gave me a lot of info. My PC runs faster, but I still can't download updates.

geneb909

you gave me a lot of info. my pc runs faster, but I still can't download updates.

geneb909

If after all the previous steps above were followed and you're still unable to connect to Norton Live Update, then I suggest you uninstall your norton product and re-install it as your issue is specific software related and it sounds like your Live Update feature within the software has become damaged or corrupted.

OK, now I can access norton, but still cannot access windows update. It keeps giving me a Google start screen.

OK, now I can access norton, but still cannot access windows update. It keeps giving me a Google start screen.

Found solution in "Network connections"
Properties
Internet protocol---general tab
Choose "obrtain DNS server address automatically"
OK

Get a friend to access the below URL on a virus free computer, and download the exe. File. Then simply copy the file onto your infected computer and run the exe. On your PC, and your W32 Downadup virus will be destroyed, and you can then access Norton etc. The downadup virus blocks certain URLs from being accessed such as Norton / Symantec etc.

http://www.symantec.com/norton/theme.jsp?themeid=conficker_worm

I hope this helps.

Get a friend to access the below URL on a virus free computer, and download the exe. File. Then simply copy the file onto your infected computer and run the exe. On your PC, and your W32 Downadup virus will be destroyed, and you can then access Norton etc. The downadup virus blocks certain URLs from being accessed such as Norton / Symantec etc.

http://www.symantec.com/norton/theme.jsp?themeid=conficker_worm

I hope this helps.

For the direct link go to:

http://www.symantec.com/content/en/us/global/removal_tool/threat_writeups/D.exe