Windows thinks McAfee is still installed.

[Poppa_Meth]

A friend of mine just got a Dell E510, which I had to clean all the junk software out of. The only thing giving me grief is McAfee Security Center 7 Trial. I uninstalled it via add/remove (despite instructions on the website there was only one listing, not a listing for each component). Then I ran the cleanup tools at McAfee's site and thought all was well. Unfortunately, I discovered Windows Security center still thinks the virus scan is active. I've manually deleted all files and registry entries for it I can find. Any input on what to do next is appreciated.

[lordsmurf]

Re-format and start over?

[RLT69]

I'm with lordsmurf on this one, punt.

I was able to uninstall McAfee Security Center Trial version on a Toshiba laptop. The laptop was purchased in the spring so it was a fairly recent version of McAfee, not sure if it was 7. Windows Security center didn't have a problem, other than being annoying and telling me that I had no anti-virus protection.

You should be able to go into Windows Security center and disable anti-virus notification. Assuming you have completely removed McAfee - I like to use RegCleaner in these circumstances. Don't forget to check the Task Manager, there still might be a service running. Since you uninstalled it, there shouldn't be.

If nothing works and you still have the trial software, you could try reinstalling it then uninstalling it. That might help.

[Poppa_Meth]

I've run regeistry cleaners. and manually scanned the registry to no good result. I'll have to contact McAfee on it. Dell of course didn't provide a reinstall CD, despite me having designated one when I set up the system. And even if they did, from what I've heard now the reinstall CDs put the system back just like when you got it, trialware and all. It evidently isn't a clean OEM of Windows anymore. Dell royally pissed me off with this one. I configured the system and put it on his wishlist so they could pull it right up when he called to get an his company discount on it. Despite having it all right in front of him they 1) Forgot to install the X-Fi card 2) Put a trial of Office SB when I specified no productivity suite in preperation for OpenOffice 3) installed McAfee when I designated no security subscription.

Good part is he got the X-Fi for free after raising some hell with them.

[RLT69]

Dell of course didn't provide a reinstall CD, despite me having designated one when I set up the system. And even if they did, from what I've heard now the reinstall CDs put the system back just like when you got it, trialware and all.

It looks like most manufacturers are doing that these days. Having a OS reinstall CD and separate drivers disc was one of the reasons I liked Dell. Because you could do a clean install. HP/Compaq upped the ante - on their PCs they don't include the restore CD, you have to make it yourself!

Despite having it all right in front of him they 1) Forgot to install the X-Fi card 2) Put a trial of Office SB when I specified no productivity suite in preperation for OpenOffice 3) installed McAfee when I designated no security subscription.

That's an interesting point. How much crap should you expect to come on your system. You told them upfront you don't wan anti virus software and you don't want a Productivity Suite yet they included the trial ware. That basically tells me Dell just provides stock laptops and only tweaks the things you buy, add hardware and install software.

[Nelson37]

McAfee probably won't help as it was a Dell install. Dell gets a discount on the software in return for handling ALL warranty issues and support. Other manufacturers operate the same way.

You should have used the McAfee uninstall rather than Add/Remove. At this point, re-install and remove with McAfee uninstall would be best option. You can download a new trial, as long as it is the same version, if Dell did not send you any disks.

I would do a charge back on the credit card because you did not receive the product you ordered. Let Dell send you a new PC with a UPS pickup for the old one. Do not lift a finger or spend one penny to get the PC back to them, that is their responsibility. By accepting their error you are validating their failure to provide the correct product. Essential to get the new PC first so you can re-package the old one in their shipping carton. Otherwise you may be liable for any damage incurred in shipping the old one back.

[Poppa_Meth]

According to Dell's tech pages, McAfee is suppose to provide support for this Dell installed version of the security suite. I found another website finally that had some instuctions for manually removing it via hijackthis and a .bat file. I'll have to try it next time I get a chance.

Returning it for a new one set up the correctly isn't really an option at this time since he's been in a mad rush for it after a long delay on Dell's part. I'd be tempted but since he got his X-Fi for free I'd say it balances out the hassle we went through. I've already got the system in good shape anyway other than this little McAfee deal. And hopefully I won't have any issues installing the X-fi. I know they are famous for various problems. As far as the OS CD is concerned, as soon as I get this completely straightened out, I'm running Acronis True Image on it and making my own restore disks.

[TBoneit]

One other thing to try is use the run command and type msconfig.

Then choose the services tab, click the box that says hide all Microsoft services and see if any McAfee services are listed. If so Uncheck them, click OK, and restart and see if it still shows McAfee protecting you. BTW HiJack This will let you remove BHOs (Browser Helper Objects) Once again anything marked as being from McAfee.

[Poppa_Meth]

I'll give that a try as well.