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Message: "Unexpected Browser error" or "Cannot connect to the Norton server"

Applicable for: Windows

To resolve this problem, check if there is a service interruption or outage. If the problem persists, restart your computer.

STEP 1

Check the Norton Service Status

To check if the problem you are experiencing is related to a known service interruption or outage, visit the Norton Services Status page. If you have issues with any of your Norton products when the service is down or experiencing problems, wait until the service is running before you try again.

If you are experiencing a problem unrelated to a service interruption or outage, read Norton Services Status help.

If the problem persists, go to step 2.

STEP 2

Restart your computer

  1. Exit all programs.
  2. Restart computer.
    If the problem persists, go to step 3.
STEP 3

Configure your default web browser

To set or change your default web browser, select your operating system:

Windows 11

  1. On your Windows desktop, go to Start > Settings > Apps.
  2. On the right pane, click Default apps.
  3. Search for the browser you want to use.
  4. In the "Make [browser] your default browser" prompt at the top of the window and click Set default.
  5. Activate your Norton product.

Windows 10

  1. On your Windows desktop, go to Start > Settings > Apps.
  2. On the left pane, click Default apps.
  3. Under Web browser, select the web browser that you want to set as default.
  4. Activate your Norton product.

Windows 8/7

  1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type in the following text, and then press Enter.
    control
  3. If the User Account Control window appears, click Continue.
  4. In the Control Panel window, next to View by, select Category from the drop-down list.
  5. In the Control Panel window, click Programs.
  6. Under Default Programs, click Set your default programs.
  7. In the Set your default programs window, under Programs, select your preferred browser and click Set this program as default.
  8. Click OK.

What if this din't work?

Download and run the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool

If you have Norton Family installed, uninstall it before you run the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool.

Uninstall Norton Family from your device

  1. Download the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool.
    Save the file to the Windows desktop. On some browsers, the file is automatically saved to its default location.
  2. To open the Downloads window in your browser, press the Ctrl + J key.
  3. Double-click the NRnR icon.
  4. Read the license agreement, and click Agree.
  5. Click Remove & Reinstall.
  6. You may see the Remove button if your Norton product is from your service provider.
  7. Click Continue or Remove.
  8. Click Restart Now.
    After the computer restarts, follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall your Norton product.
DocID: v113839121
Last modified: 08/19/2024

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