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help required to uninstall & install security

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On my son's laptop has Mcafee as security but this is for a limited period and the period ends soon.(we got it from HSBC)He wants to replace Mcafee with AVG. Please can someone explain the sequence that he goes through to do this without putting his laptop at risk.
Also, he is getting all sorts of error messages and some programs, such as itunes, won't play. Has anyone any suggestions as to what may be the problem. His laptop is an Acer & it is running Vista
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Comments

  • fiddiwebb
    fiddiwebb Posts: 1,806 Forumite
    Follow the instructions on this link to uninstall McAfee......

    http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507

    I would personally avoid AVG and either go for Avira or Avast.

    Download CCleaner to clear up rubbish on your system.
    Download Malwarebytes to scan your system for malware.

    All these programmes are available free to download from filehippo.com
  • asininity
    asininity Posts: 1,615 Forumite
    Also install Superantispyware, Threatfire, and PCTool Firewall Plus.
  • nembot
    nembot Posts: 1,234 Forumite
    Hi,

    He can probably install AVG whilst Macfee is installed, although the risks are minimal for the few minutes it will take if Vista is fully updated.

    You could also disconnect from the net, uninstall and then install AVG, assuming he's referring to AVG Free Edition (link below).

    http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition

    The installation is relatively painless, has it's own installer that downloads the latest version - couple of mins on the average broadband connection.


    Some versions of itunes were a little dodgy, try downloading the lastest release - should update the existing installation during setup.

    http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
  • aliEnRIK
    aliEnRIK Posts: 17,741 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Do NOT attempt to install AVG with Mcafee installed. Mcafee can cause a ton of problems if its not removed properly (And I also second AVIRA or AVAST over AVG)
    :idea:
  • I third avoiding AVG.

    Avira / Avast are much better and get better reviews - Avira is still the one recommended by PC Pro I believe.

    Or Kaspersky if you have a Barclays account as you can get it for free :cool:
  • nembot
    nembot Posts: 1,234 Forumite
    The installation of any program including another AV has no effect whatsoever on the uninstall functionality of Macfee, to say it does shows a lack of understanding of the fundamentals of how programs are installed and uninstalled. The only possible issue would be if using the full version, it may prompt to say another prgram is writing to protected areas, however this would be the case for any program - not just another anti virus.

    Microsoft do not recommend using two different AV programs at the same time, due to both actively scanning files and the performance penalty it brings.

    For the short amount of time required in this case, it's a none issue.

    I'm a wintel admin supporting 2700 servers across 33 countries, with a considerable amount of epo experience with macfee (ironically enough) my knowledge is real, not internet myth.

    I'd go with any of the top three free AV's, none are head and shoulders abover the rest.

    Asking for help on internet forums, often brings conflicting advice :(

    Good luck!
  • asininity
    asininity Posts: 1,615 Forumite
    I'm sure thats why vendors like mcafee and norton have specific removal tools, to make sure all their components are fully uninstalled.
  • asininity wrote: »
    I'm sure thats why vendors like mcafee and norton have specific removal tools, to make sure all their components are fully uninstalled.


    McAfee Uninstall always leaves a trace & its wireless security overide is a !!!!!! to get rid of.
  • fitzroy
    fitzroy Posts: 334 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 23 September 2009 at 7:11AM
    McAfee Uninstall always leaves a trace & its wireless security overide is a !!!!!! to get rid of.

    What does that mean please?

    I too want to replace McAfee which came free with 02 broadband. Not that I know anything at all about security just that I've read so many posts here saying it's bad.

    Currently I don't have any other security - except perhaps Windows' own security:confused:
    fitzroy
  • aliEnRIK
    aliEnRIK Posts: 17,741 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    fitzroy wrote: »
    What does that mean please?

    I too want to replace McAfee which came free with 02 broadband. Not that I know anything at all about security just that I've read so many posts here saying it's bad.

    Currently I don't have any other security - except perhaps Windows' own security:confused:

    It simply means to use the MCAFEE REMOVAL TOOL ~
    http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507
    :idea:
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