Guide: How to completely Uninstall All Antivirus Softwares

ONT209

Level 1
Thread author
Verified
Feb 2, 2013
23
The procedure to uninstall any Antivirus almost completely from your PC is described below:

Softwares/Tools Required

1) First download the appropriate uninstall tool for Antivirus to be uninstalled from here "http://malwaretips.com/Thread-Official-Uninstall-Tools-for-Antivirus-Softwares"
2) Download CCleaner from http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download
3) Download Argente Utilities from here http://argentesoftware.blogspot.com/
4) Download Runscanner from here http://www.runscanner.net/download.aspx

Registry Backup: It is recommended to take the backup of registry before starting the procedure.

For Novice or Average Users

1) Download and run the Uninstall Tool in Normal Mode.
2) If it fails or having problem, then run the Uninstall Tool in Safe Mode
3) Restart your PC when it is done.
4) For Quick Cleaning: Download and execute CCleaner and clean from “Cleaner” and “Registry” options.
5) For Thorough Cleaning: Download and execute Argente Utilities and clean from "Registry Cleaner" , "Disk Cleaner" and "Privacy Cleaner".
6) Again restart your PC.

Don't forget to configure the CCleaner and Argente Utilities properly.

For Advanced or Skilled Users Only

Sometimes even performing above steps, some Drivers/Files related to Antivirus softwares still present in the system and to remove them, do the following

1) Do all above steps for Novice Users.
2) Execute Runscanner, select Expert Mode and click Scan Computer button. Then filter and select the results from “Files not found” and "Unsigned Files” from the below options

Malware Hunting --> Unrated Items and Loaded Modules

and

Extra Stuff ---> All Autostart Items

3) Also manually search by Antivirus name in all above said options.
4) And then fix them from the option “Item Fixer” and close the software.
5) Then for safe side manually search by Antivirus name in System Drive and Registry and Windows Device Manager and delete the entries/items/drivers.
6) Restart your PC.

Important Note:

1) Kindly note that the procedure for Advanced Users is only for skilled computer users and which have sound technical knowledge about computers. It is highly un-recommended for Novice or Average Users.

2) First try above procedure in Windows Normal Mode, if it fails then try the same in Windows Safe Mode.

Hopefully almost all the leftovers of the previously installed Antivirus (along with most of its remnants and leftovers) will be removed by this procedure.
 
P

Plexx

ONT209 said:
The procedure to uninstall any Antivirus almost completely from your PC is described below:

Softwares/Tools Required

1) First download the appropriate uninstall tool for Antivirus to be uninstalled from here "http://malwaretips.com/Thread-Official-Uninstall-Tools-for-Antivirus-Softwares"
2) Download CCleaner from http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download
3) Download Argente Utilities from here http://argentesoftware.blogspot.com/
4) Download Runscanner from here http://www.runscanner.net/download.aspx

Registry Backup: It is recommended to take the backup of registry before starting the procedure.

For Novice or Average Users

1) Download and run the Uninstall Tool in Normal Mode.
2) If it fails or having problem, then run the Uninstall Tool in Safe Mode
3) Restart your PC when it is done.
4) For Quick Cleaning: Download and execute CCleaner and clean from “Cleaner” and “Registry” options.
5) For Thorough Cleaning: Download and execute Argente Utilities and clean from "Registry Cleaner" , "Disk Cleaner" and "Privacy Cleaner".
6) Again restart your PC.

You could simply get by as an Novice, Average or even Advanced user by using one of the following uninstallers (which will automatically create a restore point (both) and a Registry Backup (Revo): Revo Uninstaller and Iobit Uninstaller.

Revo free works fine for x86 architecture while on x64 architecture, it will not detect/remove stuff in program files. For x64 architecture full support, Revo Uninstaller Pro is needed. Iobit will do the job for on both architectures.

If after using them, you could still use CCleaner to check registry and that should be sufficient.

Using those uninstallers also eliminates the needs to delete the folders that are left behind.

You also to mention some applications leave empty folders behind.
 

ONT209

Level 1
Thread author
Verified
Feb 2, 2013
23
As far as I know Revo or IoBit Uninstallers are not recommended for uninstalling Antivirus Softwares, however if you want to use un-official tool, you can use "Appremover" from here http://www.appremover.com/ . Kindly rectify me, if I am wrong.
 
P

Plexx

ONT209 said:
As far as I know Revo or IoBit Uninstallers are not recommended for uninstalling Antivirus Softwares, however if you want to use un-official tool, you can use "Appremover" from here http://www.appremover.com/ . Kindly rectify me, if I am wrong.

In fact, most recommended is using windows built in remover first. Only when there is trouble to use the solution's remover. Some examples: avast, eset, avg.

The uninstallers I listed use similar technology but also remove leftovers. you will basically get same results as using the solution own remover, give or take ghost drivers etc.

Remember: this thread is viewed by everyone which include tons of guests redirected from search engines.
 

Exterminator

Community Manager
Verified
Staff Member
Well-known
Oct 23, 2012
12,527
I have used both Revo & IObit uninstallers for a long time to uninstall a lot of Security Software without a problem.They both create restore points and are both excellent at removing traces left behind and both use the softwares built in uninstall process.
 

rebel4life

Level 9
Verified
Sep 30, 2012
667
try out Comodo Program Manager guys i use it to uninstall software works great and fast
 

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