Symfs.kext error message: How to resolve

MacFixIt reader Grace Scott recently described the following:

"I keep getting the message System/library/extensions/symfs.kest has been installed improperly, also that I should reinstall it.  How do I go about doing this?"

The file symfs.kext is a kernel extension installed by some Symantec software (SystemWorks and Norton AntiVirus). There are two potential solutions to the problem:

• Update to the latest version of SystemWorks and/or Norton AntiVirus. Symantec indicates that it has resolved the causes of some error messages involving symfs.kext in current releases.
• Uninstall Norton AntiVirus/SystemWorks, and/or delete the symfs.kext file. You can first try  using the "Symantec Uninstaller" application located in the /Applications/Symantec Solutions/ directory. If that fails to resolve the issue, try deleting the file symfs.kext from /System/Library/Extensions/. This can be accomplished by simply logging in as an administrator, navigating to /System/Library/Extensions/, then dragging the symfs.kext file to the trash and entering your administrator password. Restart after attempting either of these procedures, and check for persistence of the issue.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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