melwaldron

Do I need to completely uninstall the current McAfee to install new security software?

McAfee was on my computer when i bought it - but now it wants me to download adn pay for update..

I read you have to be careful when uploading new security s-ware - must look on web to completely uninstall all components of last one - or here will be compatibility problems.. Is it safe to unstall current security option - then install another? Unsure How to uninstall even? Why wouldnt it just over write current anti-virus package?

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Answer

Le Boule

You should never have more than one security product installed on the PC providing active protection/scanning. This can cause performance issues, system instability and conflicts between programs, and can hinder the effectiveness all installed antivirus products. Even if you attempt to have more than one product installed, with one active and another disabled, the disabled product will likely still have active components and/or drivers installed that will conflict with any other installed product.

Pick your new AV product and then download the installation file.

Turn off (disable) McAfee and then uninstall it from Control Panel.

Then run the McAfee Removal Tool: http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS101331

Then install your new antimalware program.

The following links might be of interest:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-anti-virus-software.htm

http://www.av-comparatives.org/

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r25776413-2011-Anti-Virus-Poll

http://ask-leo.com/viruses_how_do_i_keep_myself_safe_from_viruses.html

Regards...

MVP Consumer Security 2014-2016
Windows Insider MVP 2016-2018