Mcafee reinstalls files after uninstall

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  1. Posts : 10
    Windows 10
       #1

    Mcafee reinstalls files after uninstall


    Hi,

    Yesterday, I used Revo Uninstaller to remove McAfee. I used the advanced mode to get all the deeply embedded pieces of it. But today, when I check the Task Manager, I saw a bunch of McAfee programs running in the background. It doesn't appear that they're taking up any resources, but I am disturbed that this program would reinstall parts of itself, and I want to get rid of them.

    I found them under Programs>Common Files, but when I try to delete them, it says I don't have access. I am the administrator and have made sure that I have administrator privileges, but still these files won't let me delete them. At this point, I'd say McAfee is a virus in itself! Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Mcafee reinstalls files after uninstall-screenshot-2016-05-28-07.34.25.jpg  
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  2. Posts : 134,237
    Windows 11 Pro (x64) 23H2 Build 22631.3296
       #2

    @PattyS
    Try Hitting your Windows key +R then type msconfig , then go to your Services Tab, and Turn off any service that is linked to McAfee. Then Reboot your computer, and try to delete those files again.
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  3. Posts : 39,789
    Win 7 32, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1 64 Pro, Win 10 64 Education Edition, Win 11 Pro
       #3

    PattyS said:
    At this point, I'd say McAfee is a virus in itself!
    Yeah, there's people out there that share your thoughts. It's got roots that's for sure.

    You might want to try running the McAfee uninstall tool to see if it can clean anything left over. You can find it here.

    Uninstallers (removal tools) for common Windows antivirus softwareESET Knowledgebase

    I had it on my PC also (came with the system) & I was picking pieces of it out of the works 2 months after supposedly getting rid of it.
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  4. Posts : 10
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #4

    OldMike65 said:
    @PattyS
    Try Hitting your Windows key +R then type msconfig , then go to your Services Tab, and Turn off any service that is linked to McAfee. Then Reboot your computer, and try to delete those files again.
    Hi OldMike,

    Thank you for your help. I tried your suggestion, and McAfee will not let me uncheck those boxes. I mean, I uncheck them, but they don't stay unchecked.
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  5. Posts : 10
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Borg 386 said:
    You might want to try running the McAfee uninstall tool to see if it can clean anything left over. You can find it here.

    Uninstallers (removal tools) for common Windows antivirus softwareESET Knowledgebase
    Hi Borg,

    I downloaded ESET AV Remover. It did not find the remaining files of McAfee, but it did a great job of uninstalling the AVG files. I wanted to get rid of that, but it did not show up on Revo Uninstaller. The ESET website does have instructions on how to manually remove files by starting in SafeMode. I'll try that next, and let you know. Thanks!

    Update:
    I tried the manual uninstall as instructed on the ESET page, but McAfee still doesn't allow me permission. On to the next suggestion! McAfee is most definitely a virus
    Last edited by PattyS; 29 May 2016 at 09:15.
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  6. Posts : 134,237
    Windows 11 Pro (x64) 23H2 Build 22631.3296
       #6

    Here is a link for removing McAfee , using McAfee's own removal tool if you still have a problem.
    http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/down...-removal-tool/
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 2,834
    Windows 11 Home (x64) Version 21H1 (build 19043.1202)
       #7

    Also try this if you have not already done so
    Click Start
    Then scroll to
    File Explorer
    Then scroll down to
    Your C drive.
    Scroll down to
    Then Programs Files
    Also one marked x86
    In both look for McAfee Folders
    If There are any then right click and delete them as that is where you will find bits of McAfee left overs
    Then run Ccleaner
    Then go to Ccleaner uninstaller and see if that comes up with anything to do with McAfee
    That is what I had to do on one of my laptops to get rid of it
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 10
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #8

    [QUOTE=hTconeM9user;684778]
    Start the file Explorer
    Then your Cdrive.
    Then Programs
    Both normal and one marked x86
    In both look for McAfee Folders
    If There are any then right click and delete them as that is where you will find bits of McAfee left overs
    Then run Ccleaner
    /QUOTE]

    Thank you for taking the time to respond! Unfortunately, I tried that, but it says I don't have permission to perform this action. I have a few other things to try, and I will post the solution I find...if I find one :)
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  9. Posts : 5,452
    windows 10 Pro ver 21H2 build 19044.1348
       #9

    Patty,
    If you come across files denying you the permission to delete, use this tutorial
    How to Add 'Take Ownership' to Context Menu in Windows 10
    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3...dows-10-a.html

    Start with step 2, skip step 3 and 4, continue to step 5, 6, 7 and 8.

    Once installed, go back to the file you cannot delete > right click at it > click take Ownership > wait for the flashing black screens to finish > now, try to delete the file again.

    By the way, McAfee Removal Tool is really the one you should use first. It is written specifically for that purpose.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
       #10

    Hi there

    We call McAfee Mc Awful. Why any consumer would use this POS is beyond my (admittedly peanut sized) brain to even begin to fathom. That POS is usually installed by corporates -- totally different needs and scenarious to what domestic / home computer users need.

    I can't help you with your current problem -- but what I would suggest in future is to take a CLEAN backup image of your OS BEFORE installing any AV software so if it doesn't work after an install just restore previous backup. Things like FREE MACRIUM work just fine --keep OS separate from your data though (Data is things like email, photos, office docs, video, music etc).

    I'd suggest a CLEAN W10 re-install -- and before adding any AV software (other than Windows defender) take a Backup image FIRST.

    My own view is that W10 doesn't really need extra AV software other than the built in Windows defender but of course each to their own on that one. Danger is more likely to come from scams rather than any viruses these days -- in any case most "Hackers" have moved on to attacking Mobile Phones as that's where the money is -- old fashioned viruses are actually so "Last Century" -- different threats these days.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


 

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