Problems Removing Avast! Antivirus
- Removing anti-virus software from your computer is sometimes necessary.computer image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com
Anti-virus programs are an important part of computer security. At some point, you may wish to change your anti-virus program; in order to do this, you will need to remove the old program before installing a new one. Most anti-virus programs contain an integrated method for removing the software; however, sometimes this will fail to work properly. If this happens, you must use another method. Windows operating systems have a utility for removing installed software, which will allow you to un-install Avast Antivirus. - Avast Antivirus contains an integral removal tool for uninstalling the software. If this fails, it may be necessary to remove it using Windows. In order to perform this operation, you will need to have full access to the computer including administrator privileges; if the computer in question is your home PC, you will not need any special passwords or other confirmation. If you are not the network or computer administrator for the PC in question, you will need permission from the administrator in the form of a password or confirmation.
- In Windows XP, click the "Start" button to open the Start menu. Click "Control Panel." Double-click the "Add/Remove Programs" icon. This will open the utility and create a list of all software installed on your computer. Find Avast Antivirus on the list. Click it to highlight it and then click the "Remove" button. When asked if you wish to remove the program and its components, click "Yes." On the next window, click "Uninstall" or "Remove." If asked for a password or administrator confirmation, provide it.
- On Windows Vista and Windows 7, the process is very similar. Click "Start" to open the Start menu, then click "Control Panel." Click "Programs," then click "Programs and Features." This will create a list of all installed software. Find the Avast Antivirus program and click it. Then click "Uninstall." If asked for a password or administrator confirmation, provide it.
