So called anti virus removal tools have been created to effectively remove traces of anti virus software from the computer system. They usually run a series of processes that delete files, Registry settings and other parameters or options that have been installed by the antivirus software during installation.

Below is a collection of anti virus software removal tools that have been created by the developers of the programs to aid their users if they encounter difficulties uninstalling it.

• AntiVir Registry Cleaner
• Avast Removal Tool
• AVG Remover
• Bitdefender Uninstallation Tool
• F-Secure Uninstallation Tool
• Kaspersky Removal Tool
• McAfee Consumer Products Removal
• Microsoft One Care Uninstall Cleanup Tool
• Norton Removal Tool
• Panda Anti Virus 2008 Uninstaller
• Symantec Corporate Products Clean Up Tool

Did we miss antivirus software uninstallation tools in the list? Let us know in the comments.

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The last time I used one was when I bought a new laptop which had all kinds of trialware installed. The McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool removes all 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 versions of McAfee consumer products including trial versions.

The tool works on all Windows NT systems including Windows XP and Windows Vista. The interesting aspect is that McAfee recommends to remove the product from the Remove Programs option in Windows before running the cleanup tool.

After removing the McAfee product from the Remove Programs option in Windows the McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool has to be used to remove any files, folders and Registry keys that have not been removed by the default Windows uninstallation process.

Windows Vista users have to start MCPR.exe as administrators by right-clicking the file and selecting Run As Administrator from the menu.

If the cleanup fails a Cleanup Unsuccessful notification appears that provides access to a detailed log file. A simple text document that can be analyzed or send to McAfee support for further details.

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A Dangerous Downloads warning means that the website is serving potentially dangerous software that contains viruses or spyware. Unsolicited Emails on the other hand refers to websites that either send unsolicited emails to users or sell user emails. Sites that are flagged as Browser Exploits will not appear in the search engines anymore.

The options provide a way to change the default Searchscan setting which warns the user from potentially dangerous websites to removing those websites from the search results list or disabling Searchscan altogether.

The warning message appears above all search results to warn the user that some of the websites in the results are potentially dangerous and are also appearing right beneath the title of the website using red text and an exclamation mark icon.

This could help protect users who do not care enough about the dangerous corners of the Internet. I’m not sure on the other hand about the effectiveness of the service. How often is the database updated, how are new sites added to the list ? Still, all in all, it’s good to see that search engines start to take responsibilities.

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I personally do not install software like this especially if it has Norton / Symantec or McAfee written on it. Still this might be useful for some and it is free after all. Here are the steps that you need to do: (Thanks to Raymond for finding another great offer)

Visit the Natwest website and click on the huge banner at the bottom saying Free PC Security, Protect your PC for 12 months with McAfee VirusScan Plus. This will lead you to a McAfee website that has a Register Now button. Click on that button and fill out the registration form.

McAfree VirusScan Plus 2008 Features

• Safe Search, Safe Surf. McAfee® SiteAdvisor™ adds ratings to websites to help you avoid online dangers.
• Home License Subscription Service. Automatically delivers the latest software features and threat updates and lets you easily manage security subscriptions for all your PCs.
• Stops Viruses. Blocks and removes viruses and even stops them before they even get to your PC.
• Stops Hackers. Protects and conceals your computer from hackers.
• Blocks Spyware. Blocks spyware before it installs on your computer and removes existing spyware.
• Improves PC Health. Cleans clutter off your computer so it stays healthy and secure.

It requires your name, email and a password. You might want to uncheck the options below the form so that you do not subscribe to those newsletters. Click on the I Agree button to proceed and in the next window on the Go To My Account button.

This should load the account window and you should see the McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 subscription in a table on that page. A download / install button is available in the same row, click that button to download the file DMSetup.exe and execute it when the download is finished.

You should be automatically logged into your account, if not the option is given in the tool. Just click on the Download button to download the real product which takes a while. Once the download is completed you click on Install to install the product.

The Register Now link is not working all the time. My first test through up an error message. Just try it again and it should work afte all.

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