Hi Folks
I have a Dell laptop here from which I'm struggling to remove Avast Free.
I downloaded and ran the Avast Removal tool which tells me I've succesfully removed Avast.
However, if I do a search I find numerous Avast files still on the C: - 36 files in the C:\Windows\WinSxS folder.
Can I just delete these or ignore them?
Hi, basic rule: never manually delete from that folder - there are tools to do that.
If you search for e.g.
What is the WinSxS folder
or
How do I clean the WinSxS folder
you will find some useful results. E.g.
WinSxS Folder in Windows 10/8/7 explained
The best option is to try uninstalling in the safe mode and there are various tools present online that you can download to do the job effectively. Some also offer few days of free trial. So, you can make use of these tools.
The first thing to consider is whether Avast remnants are interfering with operation of Windows Defender or whatever antivirus you're using now. It may not be possible to get rid of everything Avast safely short of a clean install. I had problems on a PC with AVG (now owned by Avast). When I uninstalled AVG even with the special uninstall software I downloaded from their site, there was still enough of it left to cause problems for Defender. I tried everything I could think of or learn on line, but nothing worked for long. An eventual clean install of Windows and all my programs solved the problem when nothing else would. My suggestion would be to just ignore any Avast files you can't get rid of unless they are causing problems.
I just used this, nothing left that is causing any problems Avast Uninstall Utility | Download aswClear for Avast Removal
Oh well, I got rid of everything except for the entries in the WinSxS folder. The Avast uninstall utility didn't really work as installing another AV complained of having to remove Avast first (which it didn't). The job was for a client who didn't want to spend money (other than my charge).
For something such as AV & malware I fail to understand why you wouldn't buy protection. Her next complaint will be the regular popup encouragements to buy the full product.
Perhaps I'm getting too cynical in my old age - the majority of PC users I meet have little or no idea how to use them. In the last month I've had to explain copy, cut & paste to 3 people. It seems that as long as they can get on Facebook they have no interest in 'all that technical stuff'. And then they use it for online banking & purchase!
Thanks anyway, all seems to be working fine now.
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