Avast or Malwarebytes is slowing down my computer?

11 years ago

This week I started using a different computer, win 7. Last night I downloaded Avast and Malwarebytes and it seems that my computer is a bit slower. While poking around in security settings I saw where it said that running more than 1 antivirus or spyware can make it slow. It was running with Norton also. I was going to turn off Norton but couldn't figure out how to do that. Or even if I should.

Any advice? Would you guys think that those programs interfere with each other? Maybe I only -thought- my computer was running slower.

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Comments (17)

mikie_gw
11 years ago
I would uninstall both the malwarebytes and Avast.. then go find myself a Norton uninstall tool. Get rid of Norton before reinstalling Avast or some other anti-virus. Smoothest one on the system is windows own Microsoft Security Essentials.

You cant run with both Norton and Avast at same time.. disaster will come one day.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
Right you can not run two full time antivirus programs at the same time. You should have fully removed the Norton before ever attempting to install another antivirus program. Norton can be difficult to remove so I also recommend using a removal tool or program.
If your malwarebytes is the free version then it won't make a difference since it is not running full time it only runs when you choose to start it and do a scan. If it is the paid version then it is running full time and you will need to at the very least turn it off till you have the antivirus situation settled.
If you want Avast then once Norton is fully removed you can install it. Here is a link to Corrines blog where she has listed the removal tools for most popular antivirus tools. Use these.

Antivirus Product Removal Tools

another free program that will help with removal
free AppRemover

Please report back once you have fully removed Norton and Avast then done the reinstall and let us know how it is doing.
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moonie_57 (8 NC)
Original Author
11 years ago
Oh, why oh why did I not come here first? LOL

Will I need to use a tool to remove Avast and Malwarebytes?
Could I just keep Norton and not worry about installing Avast? Really, I don't want to screw up this computer. DH would kill me if I messed up this one, too.
DA_Mccoy
11 years ago
RC is correct about two AVs. As to MBAM:

Uninstall MBAM until you have your concern remedied. Then reinstall the new v1.70.0.1100. When you do the reinstall be sure to decline any trial offers. It sounds to me that you may have purchased the commercial version of MBAM and have it configured to realtime, or you opted-in to the trial version when offered during installation and that is configured to realtime.

Just stick with the basic "Free" version.

MBAM should always be kept current as to defintions, but ony configured to be on-demand.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
just take it one step at a time, I provided you all the tools you need. look at the links. use the avast removal tool, then use the norton removal tool or use the app removal program to remove both.
As for malwarebytes you have not answered if you have the free version or the paid version, if free I wouldn't remove it if paid I would disable/turn off while doing the antivirus removal.
once you have the new antivirus installed be sure to turn mbam back on.

You will not ruin the computer just take your time and pay attention to each step.
corrine_mvp
11 years ago
No offense, damccoy, but I disagree regarding MBAM Pro. The real-time protection offered by MBAM is excellent. It has blocked numerous dangerous links in search results. A very simplistic comparison is available here: http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/
moonie_57 (8 NC)
Original Author
11 years ago
Yes, both Avast and Malwarebytes were the free versions.

I have, at this time, removed Avast but using Raven's link, I got an OOPS link for the Norton removal tool. After that, I went to the other app removal link but it was very vague on information for me to continue with tonight. THEN, I went back and was able to access the Norton link. It was confusing to me... Norton SystemWorks? Norton Security? Norton 360? Norton this and that! Have WinFAx? Have PCanywhere?

It's too late and I'm too confused right now. LOL
Thanks people. I will give it another shot tomorrow.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
It is very easy to use app remover, but here is the link with the directions.

Here is a link that might be useful: link
DA_Mccoy
11 years ago
No offense taken.

I never recommend realtime applications other than a single AV. Without this limitation a user could inundate there system with applications running in the background which would demand resources and possibly conflict with one another.

For all the postive service they could provide the potential negativity is there too. A user has to accept some responsibility for awareness, and protection such as frequent scheduled scans.

Just two schools of thought.

DA
moonie_57 (8 NC)
Original Author
11 years ago
Ok, my mind is a bit refreshed today. LOL

So I have both Norton Internet Security AND Norton Online Backup. Will I want to remove them both?

You know, I was having trouble for a long time with my other computer and I had downloaded both Avast and Malwarebytes. Maybe that was the problem. But lets not tell anyone, ok? :)
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
yes remove both. No avast and malwarebytes are fine together especially since you have the free version of malwarebytes it only runs when you tell it to run the scan.
moonie_57 (8 NC)
Original Author
11 years ago
I meant that I had downloaded both without removing other AV on the other computer and thought that maybe that was why I was having problems.

Thanks raven. I'm moving onwards. :)
moonie_57 (8 NC)
Original Author
11 years ago
HOpefully I am squared away now. Thanks all!
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
Oh yes if you had two active antivirus programs running that can cause serious conflicts, you always want to have all antivirus programs removed before another is installed. You can download the second one and have it ready for install but remove the first one prior to install of the second.
Malwarebytes is an antimalware program and since you have the free version it's strictly on demand. Turn it on, update it, do scan, then close.
moonie_57 (8 NC)
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for your help. You guys can't truly know what a service you offer to those of us without your expertise!
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
good work! glad to help.
DA_Mccoy
11 years ago
Moonie,

You also owe yourself a pat on the back. You already had yourself going in the right direction when you posted. The forum members just gave you some guidance, and you did all the work.

Good for you.

DA

This post was edited by damccoy on Thu, Jan 3, 13 at 20:03

Avast or Malwarebytes is slowing down my computer?

Comments (17)

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