Complete uninstall

[dazedandconfused]

I need to do a complete uninstall of AVG/Grisoft/Zone Labs.

I installed this last week and now I can't get rid of it. I deleted Zone Alarm, did the proper uninstall on AVG and removed their HKeys from the registry. That didn't do it. I get an error message when I boot up saying I have files missing in order to run this program - C:PROGRA"/AVG7, a VXD file, and something about a SYSTEM .INI. This I can get around by 'hit any key to continue'. Then I am allowed about 10 minutes online until Zone Alarm locks me out. (Their page comes up no matter what site I am on or trying to open saying "We have blocked your connection to the Internet for your protection" - which is why I hated the poxy program in the first place). For whatever reason they let me keep OE so I can still send and recieve mail.

I don't know if the program has it's tendrils somewhere that I haven't found and zapped or whether I have to find the files they are asking for before I proceed.

p.s. Their Tech support claims they will respond in 1-2 days. It's been 6 days now and they haven't got back to me with any solution, nor do they answer their phone.

[pam123]

You do not delete ZA it is uninstalled llike any other program and, in fact, comes with it's own uninstall utility.
Your best shot may be a roll back to before you did the delete and a correct uninstall.

[morriswindgate]

First of all let me state, that for the lack of me, I cannot understand why anybody is using Zone Alarm anymore. When it was first offered it was a great firewall, but now it seems to have a lot of glitches including the one with uninstalling it. Sygate is a much better and more trouble free program that gives a lot less false alerts. But it has a geeky interface and since it doesn't constantly give warnings, I believe people don't think it is working. But It Does Uninstall.
Now, after giving my thoughts to all that read this thread, we can get down to your problem. The first link can help with the uninstall of ZA, and the second link is to a freeware program that will allow you to find both ZA and AVG registry keys to delete through a simple search for them. THe program does make a backup should the trouble compound.
The ZA problem is well known and the list for a google search grows daily with this same problem. The AVG problem is probably one of it trying to scan the boot sector. As with all AV program removal you will want to make sure that no entries are in the start up (Start>Run "msconfig) with all avg related ones having avg in them. Also after the uninstall you will need to delete any residual folders on the C drive. This will be found in the program files under Grisoft, in the Documents and Settings Folder under Applications. (Do this for all Users listed) You can use the Files and Folders Search under the Start menu to find them. You should also do this for ZA, but with both programs do the folder delete after removing the program and deleting the Registry key associated with the programs.
Also to prevent this type of thing occurring in the future with any type of program uninstall you might want to invest a few bucks for a program called Add/Remove Plus (http://www.aurelitec.com/software/arplus/). It has the ability to remove all traces of a program icluding ones where the uninstaller is broken. You can also download a fully operating trial version from the link to help you in this case.

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/support/znalmInstallFAQ.jsp#2install


http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm