big problem: i was scanning my laptop with norton antivirus and then my computer suddenly shutdown,   and now norton's autoprotect is off and will not go back on!!  

i use windows xp home edition, someone plz help!!!re-boot and hold down the f8 key.......chose the last good config............or use the safe mode option and scan........i would if i where you disable system restore....and then scan...........and i hate norton anti-virus.......it screws up pcs......imhao.......Chaser:

U might also WANT to try booting to Safe Mode with Networking support and use your Web browser to go to one of these sites and do a free, online virus scan:

http://www.google.com/search?biw=999&hl=en&q=free+online+virus+scan&btnG=Google+Search

Let us know how it goes.
DocWhen this happened to me I had to uninstall Norton in Safe Mode and then re-install from the desktop.

I now use AVG...i tried scanning in safe mode, and my pc shut down while scanning again, i then did that free scan from the internet, same result .
  Any more ideas??does this happen on main adapter//or battery.....check power options......control PANEL......is should read always on and  never  in box....does it.....

there is a trojan doing the rounds which disabled anti-virus programs.......my laptop is on main adapter...
i THINK i can renenable norton autoprotece, but i still can't get rid of the virus or worm or whatever that is SHUTTING down norton and my other virus scanners If you have more than one anti-virus scanner on a system there will be conflicts so just use one of them.

You can always try an on-line scan.