Fix Pifsvc.exe Errors

The pifsvc.exe process belongs to Norton LiveConnect, which is a part of the Norton LiveUpdate feature. This executable file may be found in the C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\PIF\{B8E1DD85-8582-4c61-B58F-2F227FCA9A08}\PIFSvc.exe folder. In Windows XP, the file can be found in the following byte sizes:  517,768, 583,048, and 169,608 bytes.

Pifsvc.exe is used to deliver large updates and patches for Norton Products. There is some controversy regarding this file as it is downloaded with little to no warning. Many users also assumed the process to be an adware.  The question also arises as to what is the need for LiveConnect as it performs the same tasks as LiveUpdate.

Symantec denies the allegation of LiveConnect being an adware. They say this feature is an adjunct to LiveUpdate which is not “robust enough.” Also, LiveConnect is required because the program allows users to update to new products, upgrades and download major patches and program updates.

Users who choose not to install LiveConnect may lose access to Symantec updates that LiveUpdate cannot manage. LiveConnect directs users to go to the Symantec website and download these updates manually. This is the reason why if you choose to uninstall the service, you will receive no instructions on downloading these updates.

PIFSvc.exe Application Error

If you have Norton LiveConnect installed, you might receive the following error message:

"The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000022) Click on OK to terminate the application."

The error may also report ccApp.exe, osCheck.exe and PIFSvc.exe files as problem areas. Additionally, you may encounter problems in launching your Norton product.

How to Fix the Error

The following are some of the solutions that you can use to resolve the issue:

Solution 1: Process the msvcr71.dll and msvcr71.dll files

1. Log on to your PC as an Administrator.
2. Click Start and go to Run.
3. Type cmd and press Enter.
4. At command prompt, type cd \windows\system32.and press Enter.
5. Next, type cacls msvcp71. msvcr71.dll dll /e /g builtin\users:r and then press Enter. The following message will be displayed: File processed c:\windows\system32\msvcp71.dll
   
6. Type cacls msvcr71.dll /e /g builtin\users:r. and then press Enter. The following message will be displayed: File processed c:\windows\system32\

Solution 2: Check user rights in Windows Vista

If you are using Windows Vista, check the rights on the user account you are logged on to your PC with. Norton cannot run on a limited account in Vista. If this is the case, provide the account with Admin rights and the problem should go away.

Solution 3: Uninstall and then Reinstall Norton

The issue may occur due to corrupt or damage Norton file. To resolve this, do the following:

1. Uninstall all Norton programs from your computer.
2. Then use the Norton Removal Tool to clean up any remnants. You may also use an efficient program removal tool, such as Perfect Uninstaller to completely remove Norton from your PC.
3. Reinstall Norton.
4. Make sure that you have the latest updates installed.

Solution 4: Enable Norton to Run with Different Credentials

1. Log in to your Administrator account.
2. Right-click the Norton Internet Security icon.
3. Select Properties.
4. Under the shortcut tab, click Advanced.
5. Select the Allow to run with different credentials checkbox.
6. Put the NIS shortcut into the limited account C:\Documents and Settings\Start Menu\Programs\Startup folder
7. This will make the file execute when you log in using a limited user account.
8. A box will pop up asking you which account will run Norton Internet Security.
9. Select your Admin account and enter your password.

Norton Internet Security will now run.

If the problem still persists, it is best that you uninstall Norton, clean up the traces using a reliable registry tool, such as RegGenie and then install a different antivirus and anti-spyware program. Antivirus Plus and StopZilla are antivirus and anti-spyware programs respectively that work well out of the box. Users do not need to go through hoops to get these programs to work. They provide top notch protection without acting as bloatware.