Remove ALL McAfee files

Question

I recently purchased a dell laptop (windows 10 )with a free trial of McAfee. I do not wish to use McAfee so I uninstalled the program via add/remove programs. I noted some McAfee files remained on my PC, therefore I also ran MCPR tool. The files are still there. if I search for McAfee on my laptop I am still finding files. How can I fully remove ALL traces of McAfee from my laptop? 

I reallu wish computers would would refrain from installing so much junk on their machines that are hard to remove. I want to use Windows defender only, and don't want unwanted files remaining in my system.

Thanks in advance. 😀

Answer 1

Hi,

It is possible that a fake antivirus is causing the issue.

To assist you, can you send us a screenshot of the remaining McAfee files from your computer?

Regards.

Answer 2

Hi there,

Thank you for your reply. I believe it is just left over files. Here are the pictures when I search my computer for mcafee. Someone at mcafee suggested I manually move all of these to the recycle bin, however I know previously people advise against doing this with left over files. Someone has suggested I use a program colled revo uninstaller to remove the remaining files. Would you advise this?

Thanks again.

Liz

Answer 3

Fact: McAfee (and Norton) applications are notorious for not uninstalling (or upgrading) cleanly.

Did you (a) uninstall the McAfee free-trialware AND THEN (b) download/run the McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool& reboot (c) BEFORE you started to rely on Windows Defender & Firewall to protect your computer AND BEFORE you installed or attempted to install any updates?

Answer 4

Hi there,

Thank you for your response. Yes I did all the above correctly. Although I do think Windows automatically switches to defender once McAfee is uninstalled.

Liz

Answer 5

Assuming Windows 10 64-bit...

Please answer each of the following [admittedly tedious] diagnostic questions in a correspondingly-numbered list in your very next reply, preferably without quoting this post:

1. When (approx. date) did you purchase the Dell computer?

2a. What Definitions versions are currently listed in Defender's Updatetab?

2b. What Definitions last updated date?

2c. What happens when you click on the UPDATE button on that tab?

3. What, if any, third-party anti-malware applications (i.e., not Windows Defender!) are installed?  What, if any, third-party firewall?
4. When (exact date, preferably) did you uninstall the McAfee free-trial? ...run the McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool?

5. Open File Explorer [WinKey+E] and tell us **C:\Program Files**McAfee <=this folder is still present?

6. How about **C:\ProgramData**McAfee <=this folder?

[The folders in your screenshots are somewhat-related to but really have nothing whatsoever to do with McAfee LiveSafe. The removal tool wouldn't have removed them. I wouldn't worry about 'em myself.]

7. What Win10 Version & Build is currently installed? See http://www.howtogeek.com/236195/how-to-find-out-which-build-and-version-of-windows-10-you-have/

8. Is Adobe Flash Player version 23.0.0.162 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER OR EDGE ONLY! => http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/ 
9. Is Firefox version 49.0.1 (or higher) and/or Google Chrome version 53.0.2785.116(or higher) or any other alternate browser installed?
10. Are you in the habit of using "Registry cleaners" (e.g., CCleaner's Registry Cleanercomponent; Registry Mechanic; System Mechanic; RegCure; RegClean Pro; Advanced SystemCare; Total System Care; Advanced System Optimizer; Comodo System Cleaner; Glary Utilities; Registry Booster; McAfee QuickClean; AVG Quick Clean; AVG PC TuneUp; Norton Registry Cleaner; Norton PC Tuneup; PCTools Optimiser; SpeedUpMyPC; FixMyPC; PC Doctor; TuneUp Utilities; WinMaximizer; WinSweeper; Wise Care 365; Wise Cleaner; etc.)?