Deleted Kaspersky & Say No to Norton

[CountMike]

I hope you red about it because I forgot to mention it. With Revo you can also install a program to assure that it remembers every small detail of it and can uninstall it even more reliably. Also pay attention to "Hunter Mode", another useful thing. I have uninstalled literary thousands of programs, drivers etc. with it during last few yers and did not have a single problem that can be attributed to it.

 

[elbmek]

I am going to check it out in next few minutes. This is what Cnet tells me:

Revo Uninstaller adds some serious power to uninstalling programs, but not a lot of speed. It certainly runs circles around the default option in Windows. However, it's not the most convenient way to kick programs off of your hard drive. It tucks many of the best features behind a paywall, too.

Revo Uninstaller comes with the free trial, which lacks some of the high-end features of the pro version. Though it can delete some registry errors that usually come with deleting programs, it doesn't remove all of them. To do that, you need to upgrade or use a different program. Upgrading doesn't add any speed to this download, which is something it's sorely missing. It makes you wait until one program is finished to start uninstalling another. It's even more annoying since you have to go through each individual program's built-in uninstall process, too. Choosing programs to uninstall is easy and fast, though, thanks to the program's icon-oriented menu. There are plenty of options to tweak your uninstalls. You can choose from options that include a light uninstall or a deep cleaning that rips all traces of the program off of your hard drive. There's even a really neat "hunting" mode that lets you uninstall programs or kill tasks without fully loading the program.

Revo Uninstaller seems to be a very interesting mix of registry-cleaning and uninstall programs. Luckily, it does both of those actions well enough to earn a passing grade. If you really like the program, you might want to upgrade to the pro version. It's fairly priced and adds some essential features that aren't available in the free version.

Read more: Revo Uninstaller - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download.com Revo Uninstaller - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download.com


did a bit of searching and found 30 day trial version, so downloaded it ................
​

 

[whs]

Here i my AV scheme:

• Use Windows for Office work
• Install Linux Mint or Zorin in a VMware Player virtual partition and do all internet work from there.

You don't even need an AV program with this setup.

 

[Snapp]

Hello again,

Trying out Revo uninstaller, all the bloatware, and I must agree it gets right down to the nitty-gritty of the software you are uninstalling, I even checked through the registry for some of the pre-installed software, Nope, Nothing. I am trying the free and pro versions, and the pro is most likely the way I will go. I will keep you posted if I mess up or 8.1 crashes, because I haven't been careful using Revo.

 

[CountMike]

Hi Snapp. one small problem I noticed with Revo is that sometimes, if a folder where a program is being uninstalled from is left open, it does not delete that folder but leaves it empty. Just a minor annoyance so I did not pursue it further as I occasionally check and clean up drives anyway and empty folders take just few bits of space.

 

[Snapp]

Thanks for that info. I usually go through the registry, edit, look for the program, delete etc, after an uninstall. I will keep that in mind.

 

[Snapp]

VS Revo Uninstaller

Tried and tested Revo Pro, all OK. Yesterday I was configuring my printer, an old Epson R300 and my flatbed Canoscan scanner into my network. Printer works fine, from laptop and main pc, but not the scanner. Found out that flatbed scanners, well my particular one will now show on my network. This morning really used Revo and I must say, in advanced mode it works great! I was a bit apprehensive at deleting when 'SCAN' came on, but as yet all seems to be fine. Well worth paying for. Thanks guys for heading me in the right direction. Bloatware all gone now. Start up speed really quick now. btw, I use 'msert' at least 2-3 times/mnth.

Now to get those Homeplugs sorted.

 

[whs]

I use REVO since years. I never had a problem with the deletion of Reg entries or files in advanced mode. I think this is safe to do.

Problem is, for some programs it does not really delete everything.

 

[Snapp]

Many thanks whs, I will keep on using Revo and next time I will try the install side of it.

 

[whs]

You are welcome.

 

[veldthui]

When I bought my pc; the first thing I did was uninstall Norton, same for two laptops. Norton is VERY heavy software to use and is takes over such a large amount of the relevant system. Not only that but not many people know but it plants a spyware software hidden in the symantec folder which is NOT deleted on uninstall. but it can be manually deleted if you know its there. norton then continue to monitor your usage even when its not in the computer.

So you never actually used the software and are just going on all the old bullshit that was on the net huh! Sure the old versions were crap but then so is most software.
You need to provide proof and not just innuendo. I know if it was my software I would be suing you for defamation.

 

[Snapp]

Tut, tut, veldthui. Norton does leave behind "Spyware". It did on my new HP Laptop when I uninstalled it. I went through the registry with a fine tooth comb to get rid of it completely. I wished I had installed VS Revo earlier, that would have saved me a lot time.

As said before, by other Forum members, "Each to his Own!".

 

[Ex_Brit]

It's not spyware, it's merely remnants....their removal tool removes it.

 

[Snapp]

HI Ex_Brit,

You say that it is "not spyware". Any uninstalled programs that monitor your usage, to me, is Spyware. We will agree to disagree. All I know that VS Revo Uninstall saves me time and bother, especially on new PC's/Laptops, when you need/want to get rid of manufactures software + addons.

 

[Ex_Brit]

To you maybe it seems that way, but I doubt very much that is it's intention and I don't think it's good to spread false information. Just because something is sitting there it isn't necessarily spying on you. All software leaves bits behind and any reputable software maker has a removal tool for that purpose. If you had searched Symantec's website you would have found it. The trouble with 3rd party 'uninstallers' is that, in the hands of less experienced people, damage to the system can be caused because they can easily remove more than they are intended to. Veldthui has a point about the risk of defamation lawsuits from manufacturers accused falsely. I mean think about it. Symantec through their Norton line of products are in the business of protecting individuals and businesses and I think they would take great exception to being accused of doing the opposite apart from it being simply illogical that they would plant spyware on peoples' machines.

 

[CountMike]

A lot of programs leave mile long tails behind when not completely uninstalled, (Nero, Adobe products, Performance Test to name just a few). That behavior is instantly recognized when you try to install them again or higher version. I agree with Snapp that they are spyware since they stay and monitor things on MY computer, When I get rid of a program for whatever reason, that means I do not want them in any shape or way, and no part of them.
Could you imagine a postman bringing you a letter and than stays to live with you or at least leaves his kid ?
As "defamation suit " goes, companies that their software leaves parts of, should be sued for trespassing on our computers because uninstalling their software is clear sign that we do not want them on our property (and my computer is my property ) in any shape or form.
Having an utility to completely remove their products on some obscure place, somewhere, is no excuse at all. If they meant to do right thing, they should provide that program with the installation files if they are unable to write program so it would uninstall cleanly. If they don't do that, it's indication that they are intentionally leaving traces and to me, that means unwanted software with malicious intentions and that can be construed as mallware, pure and simple.

 

[Ex_Brit]

..and you can prove that they monitor? For that they would have to be constantly connecting with home base to check the database.....that might be spyware. Bits and pieces left behind doing nothing is not spyware, it's crap. Even if something does monitor, if it is doing it purely for sales purposes than it still isn't spyware, as you probably agreed to it doing just that in the terms of service you never read when installing it in the first place.

Spyware is something that actively scans all your machine for private information and forwards it to websites for malicious purposes. Accusing a reputable company of doing just that could land you in hot water.

In any case this is the sort of argument that never finds an ending, so at this point I will bow out. Good luck.

 

[Ex_Brit]

I came across this which might help some folks: (Always use the standard removal method via Control Panel first)

• AVAST! Removal Tool
- http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-uninstall-utility.html

• AVG Free Antivirus Removal Tool

-http://www.avg.com/ww-en/utilities

• Avira' Antivir Registry Cleaner Tool
- http://www.avira.com/en/support/antivir_removal_tool.html

• BitDefender Antivirus Removal Tool
:
Download the http://www.bitdefender.com/uninstall

First right-click on the red BitDefender icon near the system tray choose on Exit.

Wait a few seconds. Afterwards double-click on the BitDefender uninstall tool.

You will need to reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.

• BullGuard Antivirus Removal Tool

- Should the automatic uninstallation of BullGuard fail, you can use the special uninstallation tool - http://www.bullguard.com/support/product-guides/bullguard-internet-security-guid es/uninstall/4x.aspx

• Comodo AntiVirus Removal Tool

- Manual Steps to uninstall Comodo AntiVirus - http://forums.comodo.com/comodo_antiviruspyware_cavs/manual_steps_to_uninstall_c omodo_antivirus-t887.0.html

• ESET Antivirus Removal Tool
– http://training.eset.com/kb/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=29&page=articles&arti cleid=93

• Kaspersky Anti-virus Removal Tool
: ID Article: 1464 - http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208279463 

•McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool - Use on McAfee, AOL distributions of McAfee, CA distributions of McAfee etc. (except Anti-Theft - contact Technical Support) -
http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

• Microsoft OneCare Uninstall Cleanup Tool
(All versions; XP & Vista) - http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/c/b/4cb845e7-1076-437b-852a-7842a8ab13c 8/OneCareCleanUp.exe

• Norton/Symantec Removal Tool
https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/kb20080710133834EN_En dUserProfile_en_us

• Panda Antivirus Uninstall Tool
http://resources.downloads.pandasecurity.com/sop/UNINSTALLER.exe:

• PC Tools Antivirus Removal Tool

- http://www.pctools.com/forum/showpost.php?p=186034&postcount=10/

• TrendMicro Antivirus Removal Tool
- http://esupport.trendmicro.com/support/viewxml.do?ContentID=EN-1036064&id=EN-103 6064/

 

[CountMike]

..and you can prove that they monitor? For that they would have to be constantly connecting with home base to check the database.....that might be spyware. Bits and pieces left behind doing nothing is not spyware, it's crap. Even if something does monitor, if it is doing it purely for sales purposes than it still isn't spyware, as you probably agreed to it doing just that in the terms of service you never read when installing it in the first place.

Spyware is something that actively scans all your machine for private information and forwards it to websites for malicious purposes. Accusing a reputable company of doing just that could land you in hot water.

NO, it does not have to scan everything (one part is enough) and it does not have to send anything anywhere, it's enough to monitor something for it's own purposes but not for the benefit of the user. Keyloggers are an example of spyware that do not necessarily send data anywhere but can be accessed by appropriate program at later time.
The point of all of this is: "I do not want anything on my property that I did not authorize to be there" Everything that does not adhere to that premiss is unwanted and therefore mallware no matter what it's makers intentions are.

 

[Ex_Brit]

..and you can prove that they monitor? For that they would have to be constantly connecting with home base to check the database.....that might be spyware. Bits and pieces left behind doing nothing is not spyware, it's crap. Even if something does monitor, if it is doing it purely for sales purposes than it still isn't spyware, as you probably agreed to it doing just that in the terms of service you never read when installing it in the first place.

Spyware is something that actively scans all your machine for private information and forwards it to websites for malicious purposes. Accusing a reputable company of doing just that could land you in hot water.

NO, it does not have to scan everything (one part is enough) and it does not have to send anything anywhere, it's enough to monitor something for it's own purposes but not for the benefit of the user. Keyloggers are an example of spyware that do not necessarily send data anywhere but can be accessed by appropriate program at later time.
The point of all of this is: "I do not want anything on my property that I did not authorize to be there" Everything that does not adhere to that premiss is unwanted and therefore mallware no matter what it's makers intentions are.

We'll just have to beg to differ on this, sorry, as I have other duties to attend to. You most likely agreed to whatever it's purportedly doing when you installed it anyway....most people don't read those terms and I'm just as bad as most for that I must admit.