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How do I get McAfee off my system ?

  • 6 replies
  • 7 have this problem
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  • Last reply by AliceWyman

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My OS is Vista Home Premium. I downloaded it when I was installing another program. I have tried to uninstall it, but it isn't even listed in the list of programs in the Control Panel. It is in Program Files. I have tried to delete the Program File. It will not delete. I have even tried to delete the Folders within the Program File but, that will not work either. I use Norton 360.

I also updated to Firefox 22 on the same day. I don't know if that is complicating the problem or not. I waited for the Norton fix before updating.

My main problem is that ever since I updated Firefox and installed McAfee ( which I did on the same day) everytime I try to go to a website or open a new window , I get the message "not responding". Eventually it will complete the task but it takes a really long time. Can anyone help me to first of all to get rid of McAfee, to see if that helps resolve my "not responding" problem.

Thanks, Karla

My OS is Vista Home Premium. I downloaded it when I was installing another program. I have tried to uninstall it, but it isn't even listed in the list of programs in the Control Panel. It is in Program Files. I have tried to delete the Program File. It will not delete. I have even tried to delete the Folders within the Program File but, that will not work either. I use Norton 360. I also updated to Firefox 22 on the same day. I don't know if that is complicating the problem or not. I waited for the Norton fix before updating. My main problem is that ever since I updated Firefox and installed McAfee ( which I did on the same day) everytime I try to go to a website or open a new window , I get the message "not responding". Eventually it will complete the task but it takes a really long time. Can anyone help me to first of all to get rid of McAfee, to see if that helps resolve my "not responding" problem. Thanks, Karla

Chosen solution

You really need to be more specific about which McAfee software you installed but I'm guessing you installed "McAfee Security Scan Plus" if it came bundled with other software, such as Adobe products. I found this Adobe forum thread with steps to remove it:


To Remove the McAfee; just be sure to Reboot when you are finished.
You can uninstall through the McAfee Security Scan Plus folder:
Under Start menu, go to all Programs
Open McAfee Security Scan Plus folder
Select “Uninstall”
Additional information is available in the McAfee Security Scan Plus FAQ sheet. see that here:
http://us.mcafee.com/en-us/local/docs/adobe_mssp_faq.pdf   You must be an Admin to Uninstall

If you need more help removing McAfee software your best bet would be to visit McAfee Support or ask in a Windows forum, such as windowsbbs.com

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Chosen Solution

You really need to be more specific about which McAfee software you installed but I'm guessing you installed "McAfee Security Scan Plus" if it came bundled with other software, such as Adobe products. I found this Adobe forum thread with steps to remove it:


To Remove the McAfee; just be sure to Reboot when you are finished.
You can uninstall through the McAfee Security Scan Plus folder:
Under Start menu, go to all Programs
Open McAfee Security Scan Plus folder
Select “Uninstall”
Additional information is available in the McAfee Security Scan Plus FAQ sheet. see that here:
http://us.mcafee.com/en-us/local/docs/adobe_mssp_faq.pdf   You must be an Admin to Uninstall

If you need more help removing McAfee software your best bet would be to visit McAfee Support or ask in a Windows forum, such as windowsbbs.com

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Do you notice this problem particularly on sites that use Flash (e.g., video sites, news sites)? This is some standard guidance that addresses the most common issues with Flash in Firefox. I'm sure you've seen some of it before, but just in case:

(1) Make sure all recorders/downloaders that interact with Flash media are as up-to-date as possible, or disable them.

(2) Disable hardware graphics acceleration in Firefox and in Flash

(A) In Firefox, un-check the box here and restart:

orange Firefox button (or Tools menu) > Options > Advanced > General > "Use hardware acceleration when available"

(B) In Flash, see this support article from Adobe: http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/video-playback-issues.html#main_Solve_video_playback_issues

(3) Disable protected mode (Windows Vista/7/8)

See this support article from Adobe under the heading "Last Resort": Adobe Forums: How do I troubleshoot Flash Player's protected mode for Firefox?

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I can't thank you enough. I used the adobe thread that you sent me and it worked. Thanks so much. I'm just going to just wait and see if that helps with my other problem too.

                                                Karla
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You're welcome. Karla. I'm glad the steps I posted from the adobe thread helped you get rid of McAfee.

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There is no option to uninstall. It's also not listed in programs I can remove in my control panel. What should I do?

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You are replying to a question posted August 2, 2013 by someone else (this question will be archived 180 days from that date, on or about Feb 1 2014).

See forum rules and guidelines: ... For support requests, do not re-use existing threads started by others, even if they are seemingly on the same subject.

For questions about Firefox, you can use the link in the Get community support article or this one:

However, since your question is about uninstalling McAfee software your best bet would be to contact McAfee Support.