I also don't remember if I need to disconnect my internet at any point in this proces? And if so, am I just unplugging from the router?

I will also need to do this on 3 computers - my desktop, my daughter's desktop and my ancient laptop in my office. So it might take me some time to do them all. I hope to start tomorrow on my desktop.

Also, any links for these programs - including current Avast version would be great.

Thanks.
Lynn.

I do still have a question about the McAfee removal tool. Will it remove everything? And if I still remove from add/remove programs, and use the removal tool, is that all I have to do? For some reason, I thought I remembered more steps in terms of going in and removing it from the deep recesses of my computer.

Lynn.

2. Use the MCPR tool, see this article: How to remove supported McAfee consumer products using the McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool (MCPR.exe). This will remove all McAfee remnants from your computer. (you must have Windows Vista, XP or 2000 SP4 to use this tool) reboot

3. Launch Windows Explorer and delete all McAfee files in "Program Files" but especially in "C:\Document and Settings\\Application Data" and "C:\Document and Settings\All Users\Application Data". You have to set Windows Explorer to show all hidden files and folders (Tools > Folder Options > View tab). Just delete the McAfee folders even if they are empty in all the "Application Data" folders. Can be more than one!
In Vista: C:\Program Files, C:\ProgramData and C:\Users\yourname\AppData\Roaming reboot
Download and run MCPR.exe

Register here
avast! antivirus Home Edition is FREE to use but it is necessary to register before the end of the initial 60 day trial period. Following the registration you will receive by e-mail a license key valid for a period of 1 year. After you have downloaded and installed the program, the license key must be inserted into it within 60 days. The registration process is very easy, and it will take you only a couple of minute
You will need to register each copy.

How to insert activation key

I do not use the green download button that goes to cnet I go on down and click on the first dark download button that says English avast 4 home that is directly from the site and will pop up the download immediately.

a good tutorial is here
How to Install, Configure, and Use Avast Antivirus

if you choose to set up the Avast screen saver scanner which I really like, that way it will be scanning your pc every time the screen saver comes on, I just scan that way and don't schedule any scans. the directions for how to do that are in the pdf file I posted above in user guide.

I hesitate to send you my instruction set because it may no longer apply. Software does get rewritten over the years and my information is several versions old.

I'm not sure how to go to misconfig - what are the steps to get to the right screen - and disable

Will I know what the security center part is when I see it?

I don't know what "launch Windows Explorer" is. I know this is as basic as it gets, but I'm not sure what it means.

Thanks.
Lynn.

PS - about how much time should I allow for the complete changeover in one computer.

Thanks.
Lynn.

Start> run> type in msconfig> go to start tab> look for any items associated with McAfee they should have part of the name in them, disable them. reboot, when your pc starts up it will pop up a box alerting you changes have been made to the start menu simply click the box that says do not show this again and go on with it.

for scheduled task in task manager go to start> control panel> scheduled task> there look for any related to McAfee such as weekly scan schedule, delete them.

Also Lynn in the systray below the clock at the McAfee icon go through those and if you can find disable or turn off do that there also.

Now I have to do it on my daughter's computer and my laptop at work. At least now I know how.

Thanks again.
Lynn.

My computer person, aka The Spouse, (She does the buying and paying and maintaining but does not use my computer.) - anyway - The Spouse was doing taxes and noticed that McAfee had billed the credit card but I was not using the service.

So she just went to uninstall or some such and it appears to have disappeared in a couple of seconds.

What might be still lurking around that uninstall did not remove?

Also, I've never seen McAfee automatically bill for a subsciption renewal without your consent. I suspect one of you clicked on a button somewhere - like in an email to you from McAfee, or in an update notice as the program approached the anniversary date - and that you agreed to renew your subscription, and probably had to enter your credit card info for the subscription.

Lastly, reassure me that you are running some other kind of antivirus software on your computer.

What antivirus program did you install on the pc when you removed McAfee and is it running properly?

Now I just wanted to mention to you to make sure you ask McAfee to cancel your subscription contract because my payment was being taken automatically and the bank couldn't just stop the payments, I've got to cancel the contract with McAfee myself so check yours out too. Otherwise you won't notice and they'll keep taking the payment.

I removed it from three computers - and some had it in scheduled tasks, some in msconfig, all had it in add/remove programs, all had something removed by the McAfee removal tool, and 2 of the 3 still had some remaining when I checked through windows explorer. Do follow all those steps - or have your spouse do it.

Good point about the payment. In my case, it was free with AOL - and I never paid McAfee.

She said she is having trouble with the billing. McAfee emailed here that they were billing and she responded, don't I have removed your product and they billed anyway and so far she cannot get her money refunded.