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A lot of brand new computers and laptops come with pre-installed anti-virus programs such as Norton and McAfee anti-virus software. Unfortunately for some of us who like and enjoy using freebies, these pre-installed programs are only trial versions that will usually last for nothing more than a year. While many people wait for 12 months before attempting to uninstall these programs, others just try to remove them immediately after purchasing the laptop or computer device. However, removing trial anti-virus from your computer is not always as straight forward as it seems.
This article was inspired by an experience I had recently with uninstalling McAfee anti-virus from a (Vista OS) laptop computer. Initially I followed the usual procedure of removing unwanted programs from a PC by using the Add or Remove Programs function through the computer’s Control Panel. I also went a step further by checking the Program Files folder in the C:/ drive for any unwanted remnants of McAfee. However, while it appeared as if the anti-virus had been totally removed, I was still puzzled because it was not possible to install a new (yes, free) anti-virus program. This meant that the computer could still find traces of McAfee possibly in the system registry. So here is what I did.
Final Solution
The final solution to this problem was to download and run the McAfee Removal Tool in my last attempt to remove or delete every traces of McAfee anti-virus that was left on the computer and guess what? It worked! You can follow the instructions below if you find yourself in a similar situation:
- Download the MCPR removal tool on your computer
- Save file and run as administrator
- Restart computer
The above steps completed removed McAfee from my computer however more advanced tools might be needed if there are deeper problems associated with your computer registry. I am also interested in finding out what other methods or techniques have been used to remove pre-installed anti-virus software from computers (MAC or PC).
Talking Point
Which anti-virus software do you recommend and why?