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Usually, yes—but only after confirming that Norton has been fully removed and that the folder contains leftover logs or text files rather than an executable. The commonly reported path, C:UsersPublicSymantecSymSilent, was identified in a Windows 7 case as a small Norton/Symantec remnant after uninstall; the files were reported to total about 1 KB, so deleting them offers virtually no performance benefit. That evidence is community-based, not an official Norton description of every SymSilent installation. See the original Windows 7 report.
What the SymSilent folder is
“SymSilent” is associated with older Norton/Symantec software, but its exact function is not adequately documented in current Norton support material. Two historical locations are reported:
C:UsersPublicSymantecSymSilentC:Program Files (x86)SymSilent
The first location commonly appears as a remnant after Norton is uninstalled. The second has appeared in older software inventories and cleanup reports. Historical references include TechSpot and BleepingComputer. A folder name alone does not prove that every file there is genuine or harmless.
Should you delete it?
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Norton was uninstalled and the folder contains only log or text files | Deleting it is generally low-risk, or you can leave it because it is tiny. |
| Norton is installed and working | Leave the folder alone; use Norton’s normal uninstall or repair process instead. |
| Norton uninstall failed or many Norton directories/services remain | Use Norton’s official remover rather than deleting folders individually. |
SymSilent.exe or another executable is present |
Check its signature and scan it before deleting or running it. |
| Windows says a file is in use or access is denied | Restart and use the supported Norton removal route if the problem persists. |
| The folder returns after deletion | Look for an installed, scheduled, or restored Symantec component instead of repeatedly deleting it. |
Historical malware-removal reports include detections involving C:UsersPublicSymantecSymSilentSymSilent.exe, as well as files under C:Program Files (x86)SymSilent. Those reports do not show that every SymSilent file is malware, but they do mean that an executable deserves verification. See the reports at WindowsBBS and BleepingComputer.
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How to remove a harmless leftover folder
Use these steps only when Norton is no longer installed or needed and inspection shows ordinary log/text files.
- Open Control Panel, choose Programs and Features, and check whether Norton, Norton Internet Security, Norton AntiVirus, or another Symantec product is still listed.
- Restart Windows 7 to clear common file locks.
- Open
C:UsersPublicSymantec, right-clickSymSilent, choose Properties, and review the file names, type, and size. - If the contents are only leftover
.log,.txt, or similar text files, right-click the folder and select Delete. Approve the administrator prompt if Windows displays one. - Restart again if Windows reports that a file was in use. Empty the Recycle Bin only after confirming that Norton is no longer required or that the remaining installation still works.
Do not delete registry entries merely because they mention Norton or Symantec. Removing a few stale entries rarely provides a practical benefit and can create new problems.
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If Norton is still installed
Do not manually remove SymSilent first. Uninstall Norton through Windows:
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Norton documents this route and recommends its remover when the standard uninstall fails: Norton uninstall instructions.
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When to use Norton’s official remover
Use the current Norton 360 Remover if uninstall hangs, errors, leaves components after a restart, or you need a clean reinstall. Depending on the product generation, the tool offers:
- Remove only, which removes the existing installation.
- Remove and reinstall, which removes it and installs the current Norton device-security application.
- A Safe Mode procedure if the tool encounters errors.
Older Norton versions may show Advanced Options → Remove Only in the older Remove and Reinstall tool. Labels vary by release, so follow the wording shown by your version; Norton’s older guidance is at this support page. Removing the application does not automatically cancel a Norton subscription.
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How to check a SymSilent executable
- Right-click the executable and choose Properties.
- Open Digital Signatures and check the signer and signature status.
- Confirm the complete file path; an unexpected location is a warning sign.
- Scan the file and the computer with your installed security software.
- If Norton has quarantined or flagged it, do not restore or run it simply because its name resembles an old Norton component.
A valid digital signature supports authenticity but is not an absolute guarantee. Do not upload sensitive files to random online scanners. If you see browser redirects, unknown startup items, disabled security software, or repeated reinfection, disconnect from sensitive activity, run a full scan, quarantine detections, restart if instructed, and seek specialist malware-removal help if symptoms continue.
Windows 7 is the larger security problem
Microsoft ended Windows 7 support on January 14, 2020. Unsupported Windows versions no longer receive normal security updates; Microsoft recommends moving to a supported Windows release or replacing hardware that cannot run Windows 11. Read Microsoft’s lifecycle guidance.
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Norton also distinguishes Windows 7 Service Pack 0 from SP1. Beginning May 22, 2024, Norton stopped supporting Windows 7 SP0; products may continue receiving virus-definition updates on those systems without newer software updates or security fixes. Check your service-pack level before planning a Norton reinstall: Norton’s Windows 7 lifecycle notice.
Quick Recap
Quick decision checklist
- Uninstalled Norton + log-only folder: delete it if you want, but expect no meaningful speed improvement.
- Working Norton installation: do not delete the folder manually.
- Failed uninstall: run Norton’s official remover.
- Executable, alert, or suspicious behavior: scan first; treat cleanup and malware removal as separate tasks.
- Folder recreated: investigate remaining software or scheduled components.
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