How to remove com.symantec.ms.systemextension? Norton script removed all but this file.

Start over from Scratch

Use Erase All Content and Settings

Suggest Only Migrating the User Account and nothing more.

Migrating everything back will probably Re-Introduce the existing  issue at the time TM Backup was made 

Namely, Norton and Clean My Mac

stevens785 wrote:

Thanks, so I guess it is my only option?

I don't know what I can tell you other than regurgitating what I've already said.

You have two options. One takes a few minutes, requires use of Terminal and recovery mode. I can't discuss that option here in the forums. And I wouldn't do so even if I could. I can't see your computer and I don't know what you would ultimately type in Terminal, even if I told you what to type, character-by-character, in the Terminal. It is quite common for people to not understand how those low-level tools work. They copy and paste things from the internet with catastrophic results.

Maybe you'll get lucky. Maybe someone else will come along, post the instructions, the instructions will be correct, a moderator misses it, and you successfully go through all the steps. I can happen and has happened. But if something goes wrong, it won't be my fault.

The other option is to erase your hard drive and reinstall the operating system. Make sure to avoid restoring or reinstalling the same software.

This isn't a case where you could spend hours or days tracking down the software to remove. You've used a "clean up" tool. Now, the system extension is permanently installed. Permanent means forever.

This is the inevitable result of using a "clean up" or "app zapper" tool. I regularly warn people against using those tools for this specific reason. Every time I issue that warning, there will be 3 or 4 other people recommending some "app zapper" tool. Every. Single. Time.

No longer possible. Once you use a "clean up" or "app zapper" to attempt to uninstall a system extensions, you instead bake system extension into the operating system permanently. Now it will run 24/7, completely out of control.

There is a secret, dangerous method using Terminal and Recovery mode to remove the system extension. We can't mention that method here in the forum.

Otherwise, you'll need to erase the hard drive and reinstall the operating system. When you restore from backup, you can restore user files and user accounts. But you can't restore any apps, software, system settings, or "other files".

You need to uninstall Norton, CleanMyMac, and all other third party apps that claim to clean, protect, manage, boost performance, etc.

Post an etrecheck report so we can see what else you installed that may be negatively impacting your Mac.

stevens785 wrote:

Thank you, is it a terminal script?

That's only part of it.

I hate to erase and restart unless it is absolutely necessary.

Don't we all. That's why people should avoid "clean up" and "app zapper" tools.

Even if you were able the use the Terminal and Recovery Mode to remove the Norton extension

The damages to the User Account Folder ( Home Folder ) is already done by >>

This will include CleanMyMac

Specific to CleanMyMac aka “ BrickMyMac “ as the aka name denotes

To put the CleanMyMac in context and the damages it may have or has already done.

This application can or will Muck Up your User Account ( Home Folder ) of this machine.

Then in that specific context - it has Mucked Up the Operating  System 

One can spend hours or days tracking down all the Bit and Pieces and still not get everything removed