Uninstalling McAffee

Question

Everytime I attempt to uninstall McAffee security I am asked to enter a code/registration #.  I do not have one.  I called dell support who told me that they could resolve this issue for $99.  Does anybody know where I can find the registration # ?

Mary G · Answer

Try McAfee support chat.  http://us.mcafee.com/root/support.asp?id=ask_question

Lorac30 · Answer

Fellowship..

I'm not trying to be contrary to Mary's suggestion, but I have yet to have any success with my "chats" with McAfee. I've had their VirusScan and Firewall for a couple of years now. I don't know if you've tried any of the suggestions at the McAfee Forums, but it's certainly worth a try. (If I knew exactly which version's you have, I might be able to direct you to a more specific link)

In the meantime, this should bring you to a location, where you should be able to get instructions for uninstalling varied products of theirs. I don't know if you have a trial version, so I'm not sure why you're getting asked for the registration number. There should be ways of uninstalling it without having to pay for it! (I've never heard of this..but if it is the case.. shame on them)

Give this a try:

http://forums.mcafeehelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=554

Or look at your specific product and see if there's an uninstall procedure for it:

http://forums.mcafeehelp.com/index.php

If you don't have any success, post back with the exact product/s you have, to include the "Build #" and I'll try to help the best I can.

Carol

Dr. Lawrence Ho · Answer

Try manually updating McAfee and then try to remove it.

jim gross · Answer

Had two Dell PC's with corrupt Mcafee Internet Security Suite 2006 and by going to Safe Mode and then Add/Remove Programs I was able to remove Mcafee.     After rebooting I was able to go back and install Mcafee successfully.

Dr. Lawrence Ho · Answer

I had a problem with McAfee that wasn't fixed until I went to the update webpage.  It seems that their own popup blocker prevented updates and prevented the program form working.

IHeartInspirons · Answer

Uninstalling McAfee? OMFG, don't even get me started...

I had McAfee installed on my Inspiron 1100, uninstalled it without following the Dell-Website-provided directions to a 'T' (I skipped a step about changing ONE filename), and then I lost Java. Literally, it was there, recognized, on the system but nothing using it including Windows Upgrade (!), the Search utility, Dell Solution Center (!!) worked, AT ALL.

And McAfee was no friggin' help, either. Their web support is nonexistant, and their phone support didn't even have an option for my version of software, they just asssume in such imperial fashion that everyone who uses their software loves to pay more than the 50 bucks they ALREADY pay for new software. Finally, my machine works, after a little "regsvr32" action here and there and some registry tweaking.

&@Q# McAfee, they all deserve to die. I use SystemSuite 5 now, and it and its peripheral anti-virus and firewall applications work much smoother and interrupt my computer sessions less. I'm sticking with SystemSuite!

SystemSuite even fixed some background errors in my XP Pro caused by McAfee's uninstall that I didn't even know about. McAfee's uninstall, not done right, disabled my Windows firewall EVEN THOUGH XP SHOWED THAT IT WORKED FINE.

And I forget to mention, SystemSuite updates your virus definitions for free :D

bjb101 · Answer

Boy, after reading this poo poo (can't use the word cr?? on here for some stupid reason) about McAffee, I'm going to get rid of it as soon as I can and go with Norton again like I had on my Notepad computer. Or better yet, I'll look for free virus / spyware software and save money and headaches!

Lorac30 · Answer

bjb101..

I use McAfee's VirusScan & Firewall. I haven't had one problem with it. I could show you just as many "rants" about Norton. There will always be people complaining. I don't know why it is that I don't have any problems with the software I download, but I suspect it is because I "surf safely", update frequently and keep a clean OS. I wonder if the people that are complaining don't have other issues going on.

Everyone has different criteria, for what they believe to be the "best". Some people think, if it doesn't "hog resources", it's the best. Some think if they don't detect viruses, there must be something wrong. Other's feel if they detect too many, there may also be a problem. Some only care about customer support, without paying much attention to how the application functions. And the list goes on and on. In the end.. it's your choice. I wouldn't take one or two people's word for it. And especially not, when they "protest too much". (I would certainly question someone who says, "they all deserve to die"!)

There are some very good free AV software to be had. And.. some that are not free, which are also good. My point.. before you make a decision about any of them.. it wouldn't be a bad idea to get many opinions. And better yet, maybe get one from someone you know.

Just my 2¢..

Carol

bjb101 · Answer

Points well taken. Maybe I was directing my frustration with Sonic and not being able to format my cd-rws or at least not being able to find it. I don't know.

Where would someone find information about problems with McAfee's software and other software products? Maybe that's where I should start before I put it in writing.

Oh, btw, do you work for McAfee by any chance? :)

I use McAfee's VirusScan & Firewall. I haven't had one problem with it. I could show you just as many "rants" about Norton. There will always be people complaining. I don't know why it is that I don't have any problems with the software I download, but I suspect it is because I "surf safely", update frequently and keep a clean OS. I wonder if the people that are complaining don't have other issues going on.

Everyone has different criteria, for what they believe to be the "best". Some people think, if it doesn't "hog resources", it's the best. Some think if they don't detect viruses, there must be something wrong. Other's feel if they detect too many, there may also be a problem. Some only care about customer support, without paying much attention to how the application functions. And the list goes on and on. In the end.. it's your choice. I wouldn't take one or two people's word for it. And especially not, when they "protest too much". (I would certainly question someone who says, "they all deserve to die"!)

There are some very good free AV software to be had. And.. some that are not free, which are also good. My point.. before you make a decision about any of them.. it wouldn't be a bad idea to get many opinions. And better yet, maybe get one from someone you know.

Just my 2¢..

Carol

Lorac30 · Answer

bjb..

LOL :smileyvery-happy: I was going to add that I don't work for McAfee and forgot to. I question things like that myself. So I do understand you asking. I don't work for them, nor would I want to. I'd rather "play" with my own computer. Having said that.. the McAfee forums are filled with questions and answers. ( http://forums.mcafeehelp.com/index.php )

If I were having problems with software, I'd most likely google it. I'm sure you'll find something. Or .. there are "official website's" for certain softwares. As an example, Wilder's is the official website for Ewido, SpywareBlaster, etc. (You can also post your problems at this community forum, if you haven't done so yet)

And btw.. my Dell XP came bundled with Sonic. I had some problems in the beginning and didn't find Sonic much help. Maybe things have changed.. or maybe.. not..

Good luck..

Carol

Windows General

Uninstalling McAffee

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