Hardware & Technical ED Losing Focus? Got Norton Security?

Posted so other folks don't have to spend a bunch of time trying to figure this one out - Moderators, please move at will!

If your ED (well, actually your PC in general) recently started to lose focus (the active screen suddenly started changing) and/or the computer wakes from sleep without visible reason... check to see if your Norton Security recently ran an update. If so, if probably installed a new task in the task scheduler "Symantec Antimalware Protection Mitigation Helper." The software is intended to check if a computer has updated to Windows 10 so it can tell you to update Norton to a version that works with the new OS.

Problem is, it's set to trigger every 30 minutes after login, and steals focus. So you'll be flying along, in the middle of a dogfight, or perhaps just emerging from hyper/witchspace... and suddenly you're not actually in control any more...

The solution is pretty simple (especially if, like me, you don't plan to update to Windows 10 until the bugs are worked out, drivers are updated, and ED is known to work with it): Open task scheduler, look in the library for a folder "Remediation," right click on the "Symantec Antimalware Protection Mitigation Helper" task and select properties, then the "Triggers" tab. Edit the trigger so it begins "At log on" but unselect the "repeat task every X" option.

I wouldn't advise completely deleting the task - it is necessary if you ever update. But certainly only having it run when you boot would be appropriate. Especially as rebooting and logging in is part of the update process...
 
You could of course uninstall the abomination that is Norton, malware probably uses less system resources ! Norton used to be good back in the day, then it turned into a bloated mess that crippled your PC.... Maybe it's improved of late, i've no intention of trying it to find out.....
 
Best practice is to uninstall software that steals focus.

I understand that even in Windows 10, MS lacks a working focus stealing prevention.
 
the wity truthfull comments that are about Norton that made me laugh
llike you wont need a virus if you have Norton!
 
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Norton has a very expensive heavy behind. Install Comodo firewall and use the USB-ware standalone malware scanners from Comodo and malwareBytes once a week. Stop visiting weird, pointless or nature websites. Most browsers warn you before loading a corrupt website. When something slipped through and wants to make a connection to the outside world then the outgoing firewall halts it. Scan downloads manually if needed.

Also, consider installing Windows 10 FULL instead of just the upgrade from a previous version. When this upgrade fully works then it would be the first working MS upgrade ever. Everyone doing the upgrades right now are crash test dummies. When it comes to an OS, do it full only. Reconsider doing a Windows 10 upgrade in the first place when you have a Windows 7 or 8 fiscical DVD with key that you can install on all devices in your home. The Win 10 upgrade turns the glorious key into a 3x install only single hardware key. This means when your motherboard or CPU dies you will need to buy a new license for Windows and your old DVD key is erased.
 
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