Uninstalling ESET software...

taid · 07 Mar 2020

I recently installed ESET anti-malware products and subsequently had problems uninstalling them. This apparently is a well-documented scenario and there are numerous references to it on the internet. I got an email from ESET to say that my NOD trial was up which I subsequently answered to the effect that I had some concerns over their software giving problems and I was advised to call their Customer Support. The lady was very helpful and explained how I could remove all traces of the software using the ESET uninstalling tool:-

[KB2289] Uninstall ESET manually using the ESET uninstaller tool

The instructions look rather confusing to me and am wondering whether someone on here could offer some advice. In the instructions backing up the 'network adapter settings' is straight-forward, however the instructions also advises saving the 'network interface card' settings, presumably these are a different set of settings?

ESET did offer to remove the remnants of their products for me but I'm loth to give them access to my machine. The software they install to enable remote access apparently is IS Light:-

Remote Support Disclaimer | ESET

I'd be grateful for any advice which might give me the confidence to have a go at deleting these traces of ESET myself...

Anibor · 07 Mar 2020

In your case, I would accept their offer to uninstall the program. If you have critical personal info not encrypted, copy it to another medium and delete it temporarily.

idgat · 07 Mar 2020

taid said:

... and subsequently had problems uninstalling them.

Common problem with a lot of anti-virus/malware software. They really like to hang onto your device, somehow.

Good uninstaller software Geek Uninstaller (freeware)

Once complete, then run
- ccleaner
and/or
- WiseDiskCleaner (run the 1st three tabs, left to right. Use default settings, leave boxes that are unchecked, unchecked )
- WiseRegistryCleaner (only use Registry Cleaner & with default settings. Don't use System Tuneup, that is for Experts, you really have to know what you are doing)

About the best you're going to do without manually searching installation(s) and registry for leftovers.

Fabler2 · 07 Mar 2020

The way I would go is first download geek uninstaller Geek Uninstaller - the best FREE uninstaller .

Disable Eset - youtube video here YouTube

Run Geek then find Eset in its list and right click and select uninstall. Geek will run Eset's own uninstaller first and when that completes and asks for a reboot select NO. Geek will then continue to search for folders and registry listings for Eset to remove. Once completed only then reboot. Once back to the desktop you should find Defender back in control.