Removing a security program...need advice

[Marv1988]

Hi there,

I'm goimng to be removing the McAfee security program which came pre-installed on my mom's desktop computer, and will expire this weekend. I plan to replace it with the free version of MBAM, as well as MSE, and I have a couple of questions.

1)---Should I use McAfee's own removal tool to remove it, go through the computer's 'Control Panel', or use a third-party tool such as the highly regarded 'Revo Uninstaller' to remove McAfee from her computer?

2)---Would you add any other programs (free or paid) to the MBAM/MSE combo which would enhance her computer's security without being a 'resource hog' which would bog down the computer's speed, as Norton was known for until two years ago?

Question #2 would also apply to my computer, but with a twist; I have the free MBAM and the paid version of Prevx on my computer (but not MSE) because the free version of both MBAM & Prevx couldn't remove an infection from my computer 7 months ago, so I sprang for the $35.00 for a 1-year subscription to the paid version of Prevx, and it removed the infection.

I don't plan to renew Prevx when the subscription expires this summer, and do plan to install MSE at that time.

Can I install MSE right now on my computer to utilize with the paid Prevx and the free version of MBAM, or would compatibility issues arise if I used all three of them?

Thanks!

[daledoc1]

Hi there,

1)---Should I use McAfee's own removal tool to remove it, go through the computer's 'Control Panel', or use a third-party tool such as the highly regarded 'Revo Uninstaller' to remove McAfee from her computer?

Hi, Marv1988:

Yes, you should absolutely run the McAfee removal tool.

Here is the link:

http://service.mcafe...033&id=TS100507

As a McAfee survivor, I can attest that you might need to run it more than once (be sure to reboot each time).

Some folks also find they need to run it in safe mode (though I've not found that to be necessary).

You might want manually remove any last traces (empty folders, etc).

Personally, I don't think Revo should be needed, but I know lots of folks swear by it.

2)---Would you add any other programs (free or paid) to the MBAM/MSE combo which would enhance her computer's security without being a 'resource hog' which would bog down the computer's speed, as Norton was known for until two years ago?

Personally - as a home user unaffiliated with MBAM - I would stronly suggest the PRO version of MBAM.

The real-time protection module provides outstanding layered protection alongside MSE.

IMHO, it's always better to PREVENT an infection than to try to remove one.

Be sure to follow the steps in the FAQ to set up the reciprocal permissions/exclusions for MBAM and MSE, to optimize performance.

Instructions may be found in the FAQ - Section I.

I will leave your other questions to folks more expert than I.

HTH,

daledoc1