>>>>>>- missing or corrupt VFP runtime files
>>>>>>- improper security privileges to the above
>>>>>>- bad hardware drivers (especially video)
>>>>
>>>>what version of Symantic do you have? In the system tray, can you just right-click it -> chose "Disable Auto-Protect." ??
>>>
>>>The version is 10.1.5.5000 The Disable option is not active for this user.
>>
>>Perhaps there is a windows service you can disable?
>
>What do you mean? What Windows Service?

start / control panel / administrative tools / services

see if there is one in there that looks like symantic. If there is try to stop it - although it sounds like that machine is locked down pretty good.