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Run the free Norton Power Eraser tool in Safe mode

Norton Power Eraser is a free tool that can be downloaded and run to remove threats from your computer. You can run this tool to scan for threats even if you have a Norton product, or any other security product. If you cannot start the computer in Normal mode, you can run this tool in Safe mode.

Norton Power Eraser is easy to download, and scans your computer quickly to detect the most aggressive computer viruses. You don't need to install this tool.

Norton Power Eraser uses aggressive methods to detect threats, and there is a risk that it can select some legitimate programs for removal. You should carefully review the scan results page before removing files.

STEP 1

Start the computer in Safe mode with Networking

  1. Exit all programs.

  2. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.

  3. Type in the following text, and then press Enter.

    msconfig

    If the User Account Control window appears, click Yes or Continue.

  4. In the System Configuration window, on the boot tab, check Safe boot and select Network.

    On Windows XP: In the System Configuration Utility window, on the BOOT.INI tab, check /SAFEBOOT.

  5. Click OK.

  6. When you are asked to restart the computer, click Restart.

    The computer restarts in safe mode with networking.

STEP 2

Download Norton Power Eraser and run a scan (on Windows 10/8/7)

  1. Download Norton Power Eraser.

  2. Press Ctrl + J key, to open the Downloads window in your browser, and double-click the NPE.exe file.

    If the User Account Control window prompts, click Yes or Continue.

  3. Read the license agreement and click Agree.

    If you have already accepted the license agreement, you will not be prompted again.

    Norton Power Eraser checks for and automatically downloads the new version if available.

  4. In the Norton Power Eraser window, select Full System Scan, and click Run Now.

  5. If you want to include the Rootkit scan, click Settings, and under Scan and Log Settings, toggle the option Include Rootkit scan (requires a computer restart) and click Apply.

  6. When you see a prompt to restart the computer, click Restart.

    Wait for the scan to complete. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Download Norton Power Eraser and run a scan (on Windows XP/Vista)
STEP 3

Restart the computer in Normal mode

  1. Exit all programs.

  2. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.

  3. Type in the following text, and then press Enter.

    msconfig

    If the User Account Control window appears, click Yes or Continue.

  4. In the System Configuration window, on the Boot tab, uncheck Safe boot.

    On Windows XP: In the System Configuration Utility window, on the BOOT.INI tab, uncheck /SAFEBOOT.

  5. Click OK.

  6. When you are asked to restart the computer, click Restart.

    The computer restarts in the normal mode which takes several minutes.

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DOCID: kb20100917002731EN
Operating System: Windows
Last modified: 03/05/2021