Uninstall Tools for Major Antivirus Products

Question

We continue to see repeated posts about problems with cleanly uninstalling various AVs. Certain AVs (no names! *cough*) are more problematic than others. When the standard method of uninstalling via Add or Remove Programs fails, it is sometimes necessary to run vendor-specific uninstall tools to clean up the debris.   These tools are not meant as replacements for the standard uninstall technique- many are meant only as a last resort. Some will remove all products (not just the AV) from a given vendor, so it is important to know in advance how to proceed, and how to deal with vendor specific problems that might arise.   The best approach to uninstalling your AV I have seen, and a list of the backup uninstall tools currently available from the major AVs, are  presented here: http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=190176#p190176 As the author, Bill Castner (MS-MVP) says: 'Changing your antivirus is a non-trivial thing to do'. Better to plan in advance. If these instructions have been linked to previously, I apologize. In any event, they are worth repeating, and bookmarking.

joe53 · Answer

One of the problems Dale, is that these tools tend to change frequently, as new AV versions are released.   Knowing aumha, I'm betting they will keep those links fairly current.

dalem29 · Answer

As always Joe...thanks much. This page will directly in my Favorites Security Products folder for future reference...which someday soon I am going to have to organize as it is getting quite large. I am sure these Install/Ininstall problems can become more prevalent as these AV and spyware programs get more sophisticated and powerful.

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