How to remove a progam which has uninstalled incorrectly?

[mx_tifoso]

Background info: I use the free Avast antivirus which only lasts a few months before needing to remove and replace since you can't "update" with it installed, as it's supposed to be a trial.

My problem is that it recently expired and there was an error during the uninstallation process, rendering my laptop defenseless because with it still in place I can't get a fresh version. I've checked on the net for "how-to's' but without results. The instructions given have not helped.

Does anyone have any experience with "errors during uninstallation" and is willing to give me advice or solutions? I would be very grateful.

[manchild]

Well, go to Program Files, find Avast folder and delete all files.

Than, go to search, type Avast as keyword and let it search in all folders including system and hidden.

Everything you find named Avast - delete it.

Than ofcourse you sould use CCleanrer's registry, scan for issues and fix those relating to Avast

Finally, RUN - type "regedit", after each Avast reg. entry is deleted hit F3 to continue search till the end. This can last but if you can't uninstall it as it is supposed to be, you'll have to clean PC manually.

[mx_tifoso]

Well, go to Program Files, find Avast folder and delete all files.

....

That's where it tells me that there was an error during uninstallation.

[Dragonfly]

Why don't you use the free (not demo) version? It has enough functionality and updates the virus database daily.

The best way to remove the package IMO is to reinstall it and then run the removal process again. Manual deletion of files will leave the registry entries not cleared.

[mx_tifoso]

^^ Sorry I meant to say that you can't install a new free demo with the expired one still on your computer. Of course updates function while the trial is still active.

And I can't install a new free demo with the expired one still in place, for reasons already explained. That's if I understood you correctly.

[Richard]

+1 manchild

Do a backup first!

Go to "my computer", click on c:drive, then "Progam files", then delete the relevant folder

Then use CCleaner to delete all traces of the program from your registry.

[DaveKillens]

The Avast website has a page and program dedicated to just this problem.

How can I uninstall avast!?

How can I uninstall avast!?
Solution

You can uninstall avast! just as any other software - using ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS in Control Panel. If any problem appears, use the avast! uninstall utility.

The exact way:

Click on START button.
Select SETTINGS -> CONTROL PANEL (or simply CONTROL PANEL - it depends on your Windows version) -> ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS.
From the list of installed applications select avast! Antivirus and click on CHANGE/REMOVE button.
avast! setup starts. Select UNINSTALL and click on NEXT.
Computer restart will be needed after avast! uninstallation.

http://support.avast.com/index.php?_m=k ... 1&nav=0,60

http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility

[Mysticf1]

All you need todo is apply for a new FREE licence.

http://www.avast.com/en-au/registration ... ivirus.php

[manchild]

I think I got what's happening with your PC.

You're trying to uninstall active antivirus. That's what's causing the problem.

First shut Avast down, wait at least 10 seconds till it shuts down completely, than Ctrl+Alt+Del to popup Windows Task Menager - check if any Avast process is still active. End them if they are.

Then go to Control Panel, Add remove programs, and remove Avast.

[jon-mullen]

On a side note, I can't say enough good things about the condition McAfee has kept my computer in without it being obtrusive like Norton and older versions of McAfee. Just drop the $35 on it, you'll make it up in programs and videos you'll be able to download without nuking your computer.

[mx_tifoso]

Yup buying a legit program is definitely the way to go. I mean, $35 is nothing, but for some reason I'd rather keep them in my account or spend them on something else. We'll see though, since I've been using free trials for years now and I've never had a problem.

I still haven't got around to getting rid of this troublesome avast program, but thanks for all of the replies.

[autogyro]

What operating system?
All virus programs are intrusive because they auto run at every opertunity, it is part of their purpose.
AVG Free I find much better than most and I update every day on boot and online.
If you use it be careful not to click on the pay version.
Free download at mirror sites.
To stop programs from loading run msconfig and search for all versions of the software you wish to uninstal and set to off.
If you still have problems reboot in safe mode as less things run in this configuration. Control Alt Delete will not stop pgms in reg or on reboot.
Norton is instaled on many licensed machines and you need to download the uninstal program from Norton to be sure you kill all of it. Rubbish program that saps memory.
I run operating systems on a number of different hard drives and simply change the drive depending on what I am doing. I use USB hardrives for back up which I do on data resulting from work at regular intervals. I dont bother backing up programs other than the uninstaled exe files treated as data. If the computer fraps up instaled programs are usualy compromised anyway. Dont need any speed up or registry checkers because I run clean and do my own code.

[mx_tifoso]

Windows 7.

I have downloaded the free AVG program and it seems a lot more complete and in depth than avast. Let's hope for equal or better results.

[wesley123]

No offence, but i had the worst experiences with AVG of all tried, after switching and using a new anti virus it found like 12 trojans, wich AVG never found. Now i use Avira and it is sweeeeet, it uses far less resources then others and when it finds something it immeidately warns the user.

Also Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a must, it is a great scanner to just scan for malware, it actually helped me more then all those anti virusses where MBAM could remove the malware the anti virus couldnt

[Carlos]

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