Advice Request How do I remove these folders after uninstalling Kaspersky Free?

[brambedkar59]

There is a bug in the uninstallation process of Kaspersky Free and Uninstall tool is no help (even when running in safe mode, probably because it doesn't support the newer versions after 2021).


These folders are still present inside windows:

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Kaspersky.ShellEx_1.0.0.1_x64__xxx38dcbex2km
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\AppRepository\Packages\Kaspersky.ShellEx_1.0.0.1_x64__xxx38dcbex2km

I can't delete them manually even in safe mode and uninstaller doesn't delete them either. How do I clean install Kaspersky Free?

Context: I had a missing context scan options while using Kaspersky Free 2023 (v21.14.5.462), clean install was suggested but it appears it's not uninstalling properly.

 

[Marko :)]

What error do you get when you try to delete those folders manually?

 

[brambedkar59]

What error do you get when you try to delete those folders manually?

Edit: Should I try folder unlocker to delete files manually?

 

[Nautilus]

Just install Iobit unlocker :

IObit Unlocker, de oplossing voor bestanden of mappen die niet verwijderd kunnen worden. Los problemen in Windows 8, 7, Vista, XP, 10 op - IObit

IObit Unlocker lost problemen van mappen en bestanden die niet verwijderd kunnen worden op 8, 7, Vista, XP, etc. Voorkom foutmeldingen met IObit Unlocker

www.iobit.com

check option forced mode on the left side of the ulocker gui and then select the unlock and delete option. hope this works for you

did you allready tried the official kaspersky uninstaller tool?

youi can scan your system even further with Everything from voidtools , for leftover files and program folders , to ensure that all files are gone.

 

[Marko :)]

You may try LockHunter. It's free and there is a portable version, so you don't have to install it.

 

[brambedkar59]

did you allready tried the official kaspersky uninstaller tool?

Yes.

You may try LockHunter. It's free and there is a portable version, so you don't have to install it.

I try to avoid deleting program files manually, but I guess I have to do it now.

 

[Marko :)]

I try to avoid deleting program files manually, but I guess I have to do it now.

Me too, but sometimes it's necessary. Whenever I have issues with uninstallation, I always check Program files folder, then %appdata% (all three folders Roaming, Local and LocalLow), and last, %programdata%. After that, I search registry for leftover keys using search function, but before deleting them, I always make backup. And the last step is running Autoruns to see if uninstalled software left some services/drivers. If it did, I delete those too.

I've been using this method for years, whenever classic uninstallation failed, and it never cause me any issues.

 

[Brahman]

If everything fails, you can use a linux live usb to delete the folders ( open the folder in shell, sudo rm -rf "folder path")

 

[brambedkar59]

You may try LockHunter. It's free and there is a portable version, so you don't have to install it.

LockHunter deleted all files, but one folder still remains. Can't delete it for some reason, it's not locked.

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\AppRepository\Packages\Kaspersky.ShellEx_1.0.0.3_x64__xxx38dcbex2km

Edit: nvm ran LockHunter once more and it deleted the folder this time with another restart.

 

[Brahman]

since you have uninstalled Kaspersky, delete the Kaspersky entry too in Windows Security Center.

 

[brambedkar59]

since you have uninstalled Kaspersky, delete the Kaspersky entry too in Windows Security Center.

Thanks, forgot about that one (even had it bookmarked from earlier). Removed Kaspersky from Security center as well.

 

[brambedkar59]

Deleted some registry entry for Kaspersky as well. After doing all that the original issue "Missing Context Menu scan" still remains

Update: Fixed after a reboot. Thanks @Marko :) @Brahman and others

 

[Marko :)]

Deleted some registry entry for Kaspersky as well. After doing all that the original issue "Missing Context Menu scan" still remains

Update: Fixed after a reboot. Thanks @Marko :) @Brahman and others

Yes, context menu entries are actually located in the registry. Every time some software adds something to context menu, it really just added it using registry where it created a some key(s). That's why is always a good idea for advanced users to check the registry after uninstallation. Or, just use uninstaller like Revo which will do a job for you.

Glad I could help!

 

[nickstar1]

curious to ask what didn't you like about kaspersky? and what product are you going to?

 

[ForgottenSeer 100397]

HiBit Uninstaller shows Kaspersky ShellEx in the Windows Apps Uninstaller.

 

[brambedkar59]

curious to ask what didn't you like about kaspersky?

That it leaves so many files/folder/registry after uninstalling. Their forum is useless, their uninstaller is useless (it doesn't support latest free version). No way to disable notifications for "news".

and what product are you going to?

Still using Kaspersky free. Was only trying to clean install it because context menu scan option was missing.