Norton Power Eraser
Norton Power Eraser is a free virus and malware removal utility. It helps to search out harmful files and applications that are missed by anti-virus programs.
- Easy-to-use remover of malware and virus programs
- One-click system scan
- Perform custom scans
- Quickly remove harmful files that other anti-virus programs miss
- Simple interface
- No download required-runs from a USB drive or from the Norton website
- Customization options
- Removes safe programs by mistake
- Users must contend with advertising for paid products
Using an anti-virus program to maintain security is a must. It's a sad fact that many of the most popular utilities are unable to detect some of the most harmful computer viruses. Norton Power Eraser digs deeper to find overlooked malware and virus programs. It targets the harmful files and removes them from the system. This security utility is available as a portable app. It does not have to be installed on a computer system to scan that system for infected files. The program can be saved to a USB drive or it can be launched from the Norton website. Users only have to run the file and are not required to download it. The interface for the program is very simple to use. It presents the user with just three choices: scan for risks, undo previous fix, and advanced options. Users will want to pay special attention to the advanced options button. This is where the program can be configured so that it does not remove safe programs by mistake. Unfortunately, the program will do this on occasion if users do not make settings changes. In the advanced options section users will also find options for a reputation scan, system scan, multi-boot scan, and unwanted application scan. Each of these scans has a different approach and will yield different results. Performing a quick scan from the main window will perform a basic scan of the system. A report will be delivered that lists potential problems. The user will then be given an opportunity to remove the programs Norton Power Eraser identifies as problematic. It would be wise for users to inspect the list of programs thoroughly before agreeing to their removal. Some users have reported harmless programs being included in the list. If a mistake is made, the software allows users to remove their previous fix. Like all Norton's free products, this one will serve up plenty of pitches for the company's paid solutions. This can become a tad annoying.