You may want to try a Windows REPAIR before a reinstall.  That is an option that has worked for me twice and not worked a time or two.  But very worthwhile to try.

You certainly could manually delete all the McAfee files but that won't remove any entries in the registry for their software. You might be better off doing a System Restore to a date before you attempted the McAfee installation. That should remove the registry entries, the McAfee software, plus any other software installed after that date, but shouldn't damage any of your personal files. You might want to back up your files before the Restore, just to be safe.

Click Start>Help & Support
Click "Undo changes..."
Follow the prompts and pick a date prior to the partial McAfee installation.

If that works ok, then manually set a new Restore Point.

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 08-08-2005 06:40 PM

I`m assuming that the other problems you listed are a result of this conflict between Norton and McAfee.

So, after stopping Mcafee with Task Manager, go to

Win Explorer/Search and search the whole computer for McAfee.  Just put McAfee in the search box and delete all references to it that are found.

Norton does and I believe the McAfee websites tell you how to do a manual uninstall through the registry.  If all else fails check it out.  I have done this with Norton following a failed uninstall that never could complete. Worked like a charm.

similar problem I think- installed xp-home over ME, wanted clean slate, pretty sure I opted for clean install with format hard drive, however when search c: on my computer, old programs still present, most in Program Files folder, some will run if select via my computer, however not recognized by xp via Start- All Programs and importantly not by add-remove programs so those that don't run, cannot remove so reinstall usually won't work correctly, as if there is a separate partition but does not seem to be when click properties in my computer for c:, could this be why cannot get synaptics touch pad to work correctly even with download the new driver for xp, and would you reccommed back up data and try again with clean reinstall of xp? Do I need to do a manual format via DOS or other means to make sure is clean reinstall? Can I back up c: to son's desktop over home network and retrieve programs as necessary?

If you're willing to wipe everything out and start over including formatting and partitioning you can be assured of a clean slate.  If you have XP upgrade and not the full product you cannot do this though.  You must have the full XP product to install to a blank hard disk.  You will also need the Dell drivers disk and of course all the program disks.  This should be a last resort though if your programs are working reasonably well.  If you're still under warranty (and possibly if you're not) Dell will walk you through the reinstall process.  Sorry, but I can't help you with the touch pad issue.  It seems to me it should work following an XP upgrade if the product is XP compatible.  I would call the Synaptics tech support to see if they have any advice.   I don't believe you can download the programs to your son, but the data, yes. Programs typically need to be installed fresh.  Good luck.

 

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@europa303 wrote:

If you're willing to wipe everything out and start over including formatting and partitioning you can be assured of a clean slate.  If you have XP upgrade and not the full product you cannot do this though.  You must have the full XP product to install to a blank hard disk.  You will also need the Dell drivers disk and of course all the program disks.  This should be a last resort though if your programs are working reasonably well.  If you're still under warranty (and possibly if you're not) Dell will walk you through the reinstall process.  Sorry, but I can't help you with the touch pad issue.  It seems to me it should work following an XP upgrade if the product is XP compatible.  I would call the Synaptics tech support to see if they have any advice.   I don't believe you can download the programs to your son, but the data, yes. Programs typically need to be installed fresh.  Good luck.

You are incorrect re: using the Upgrade CD to do a CLEAN install.  It does NOT matter which XP you have, UPGRADE or FULL.  Both have EXACTLY THE SAME FUNCTIONALITY.  The ONLY DIFFERENCE is that the upgrade CD checks for your prior OS CD (not the presence on the hard drive) to validate the install.  Both products allow a CLEAN install. 

Drivers may not function properly if a clean install was not done.