Kitz Forum

Computer Software => Windows => Windows Tips & Tutorials => Topic started by: oldfogy on October 02, 2008, 07:52:19 PM

Title: How to Remove a program that runs in the background as soon as the PC
Post by: oldfogy on October 02, 2008, 07:52:19 PM

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How to Remove a program that starts and runs in the background as soon as the PC is started in Vista or XP

Have you ever had one of those annoying programs that just refuse to be removed?
Sometimes the problem is that the program does not have it's own "Uninstaller"
And using windows "Add or Remove programs" also may not completely remove it all
 because some parts are still running in the back-ground.
(Such as Antivirus or Firewall programs)

This particular example is to remove the AVG Antivirus program.
(But the same principle applies to all programs of this nature)

In this example we are going to replace AVG Antivirus with "Avast Antivirus"
(Which is not only a free program but also very good)

First of all download the new "Avast Antivirus" program from here (ready for installation later)
(You can of course use any other Antivirus program that you may want to)
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

Note: There "MUST" only be ONE Antivirus program and ONE Firewall program "actively running" on your system at any one time.
(Having more than one Antivirus and one firewall program actively running at the same time can cause conflicts on the PC resulting in errors)

************************

How to Remove AVG Antivirus

1. First you need to go to the "System Configuration" utility:
1a. Vista = Click "Start" then at the bottom in "Start Search" type "msconfig" (without the quotes)
1b. XP = Use the "Run…" box

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi92.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl39%2Foldfogy%2FProgRem_01.jpg&hash=a8c60dfcccf97ae143b3d392984a58807a8a9c0b)

2. From the "System Configuration" panel select the "Startup" tab
* * If you click the bar that says "Startup Item" it will put the list in alphabetical order * * (NO sort in XP)
….. Remove the tick from the "AVG Anti-Virus system" check-box

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi92.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl39%2Foldfogy%2FProgRem_02.jpg&hash=f34455840895f316dba03ee49473e4f3c68659d5)

3. Now select the "Service" tab
* * If you click the bar that says "Services" it will put the list in alphabetical order * * (Vista & XP)
.… Remove “ALL” the ticks from the "AVG " check-box's (there may be more than what’s shown here, so check)
4. Select "Apply"
5. Select "OK"

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi92.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl39%2Foldfogy%2FProgRem_03.jpg&hash=d8d912f53f3ce08924c55ec4f2bb24a28339dbf8)

6. Restart the PC when asked.

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi92.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl39%2Foldfogy%2FProgRem_04.jpg&hash=081a3967a1828ca472c097d0912c438c4539a070)

When the PC restarts you will now get this warning message to remind you that you have changed something.
If you do not place a tick in the box at the bottom left corner, this box will show each time you restart the PC.

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi92.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl39%2Foldfogy%2FProgRem_05.jpg&hash=444db55b477bb7f42c25507012f66e403eeb854b)

* * * * * * * * * * *

When the PC has restarted:

Go to “Control Panel”

9a. Vista = select "Program Features"
9b. XP = Add or Remove Programs

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi92.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl39%2Foldfogy%2FProgRem_06.jpg&hash=6f5f6d4394aa41dc947f760c6428f02c5e68965a)

10. Find and select "AVG" then select, (Vista = “Uninstall/Change”) (XP = “Change/Remove”)
* * Vista, If you click the bar here, it will put the list in alphabetical order
..... Then close the window

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi92.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl39%2Foldfogy%2FProgRem_07.jpg&hash=b9cad6a4bb4127989704b2ed7c6c4ba7b335d74b)

11. When the PC is restarted the program will now be completely removed from the system.
..… So you can now either install the new Antivirus program, (or whatever) or just carry on as usual.

Title: Re: How to Remove a program that runs in the background as soon as the PC
Post by: Floydoid on October 03, 2008, 10:34:28 AM

Another great tutorial OF :)

Might I just add that for some stubborn programs, the only way to get rid of them is with the Revo Uninstaller (http://www.revouninstaller.com/).

And whilst we're on the topic, if you need a crowbar approach for a file that refuses to delete (usually because windows is claiming that it is still in use), then Move on Boot (http://www.softwarepatch.com/software/moveonboot.html) is a useful tool to have in your amoury.  (It adds more options to the file properties dialogue box.)

Apologies for hijacking your topic.

Title: Re: How to Remove a program that runs in the background as soon as the PC
Post by: kitz on October 03, 2008, 11:45:58 AM

>> Another great tutorial OF
Agreed

>> Apologies for hijacking your topic.

Not at all .. its really quite relevant if someone has a stubborn program that isnt playing ball...  so imho worth adding in the same thread as OFs tutorials

Title: Re: How to Remove a program that runs in the background as soon as the PC
Post by: oldfogy on October 03, 2008, 12:46:06 PM

Many thanks  Floydoid.

I knew there were programs around but could not remember the name/s so was rather hoping someone would step in.

As Kitz implies "more info is better than none at all"

Title: Re: How to Remove a program that runs in the background as soon as the PC
Post by: Floydoid on October 03, 2008, 01:24:58 PM

There are others, but those are the best ones I know of.

Title: Re: How to Remove a program that runs in the background as soon as the PC
Post by: Accordion on November 12, 2008, 07:35:54 AM

This is good - I learned something new about the Configuration Utility.

(Makes note to self - must not stay away from here so long!!)

Title: Re: How to Remove a program that runs in the background as soon as the PC
Post by: mr_chris on November 12, 2008, 05:33:31 PM

This is just a warning about playing with the Services tab of MSConfig.

Some system services are dependent upon others for correct operation, and it's possible that disabling certain services could cause the computer not to reboot properly.

If this happens, don't panic!

When the computer restarts, if the startup menu isn't already present (the one where you select Safe mode etc), then press F8 immediately after the BIOS has run through its POST, but before the Windows logo appears.

From the list, choose "Last known good configuration (your most recent settings that work)". This will restore the configuration of the computer's services to what they were last time Windows successfully booted.

Just thought I'd throw that in there :)