Removing SpyHunter
I recently repaired a computer and removed a lot of spware for a customer. I just got the computer back with more viruses - new ones as far as I can tell. Microsoft Security Essentials has been disabled and something called SpyHunter has been installed - probably not on purpose.
I cannot reinstall Security Essentials while there is another antivirus installed. SpyHunter does not appear in Add or Remove Programs, nor does it have its own uninstall program.
The only comments that I can find about SpyHunter indicate that several years ago it had been listed as malware, but that it has been delisted - making it legitimate, I suppose. Neither Malwarebytes nor Superantispyware even reported the existense of SpyHunter. In any case, the lack of being able to uninstall a program is so annoying that I really want to get rid of it.
How can I uninstall SpyHunter?
I cannot reinstall Security Essentials while there is another antivirus installed. SpyHunter does not appear in Add or Remove Programs, nor does it have its own uninstall program.
The only comments that I can find about SpyHunter indicate that several years ago it had been listed as malware, but that it has been delisted - making it legitimate, I suppose. Neither Malwarebytes nor Superantispyware even reported the existense of SpyHunter. In any case, the lack of being able to uninstall a program is so annoying that I really want to get rid of it.
How can I uninstall SpyHunter?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
I have used Revo Uninstaller to remove this exact program. It worked like a charm.
Was it listed in the 'Add Remove Programs' List? Just curious. I'm sure it will work fine if it was.. Otherwise I don't know how Revo would do anything. Just Sayin'
No, it wasnt listed in Add/Remove Programs
Easiest way to take care of an issue like this where there is leftover files is to redownload SpyHunter (Trial)
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Internet/Popup-Ad-Spyware-Blockers/SpyHunter.shtml
Install the trial, restart the computer, then uninstall it from Add/Remove Programs. This should also take care of any previous leftover from before.
If that STILL doesn't work, reinstall the program again, then use FireRunt's idea of Revo Uninstaller to uninstall SpyHunter.
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Internet/Popup-Ad-Spyware-Blockers/SpyHunter.shtml
Install the trial, restart the computer, then uninstall it from Add/Remove Programs. This should also take care of any previous leftover from before.
If that STILL doesn't work, reinstall the program again, then use FireRunt's idea of Revo Uninstaller to uninstall SpyHunter.
ASKER
FireRunt:
Thank you. Revouninstaller worked spectacularly. It looks like a good tool to have handy.
Thank you. Revouninstaller worked spectacularly. It looks like a good tool to have handy.
Glad it worked. Please accept the answer so we can close out this question.
First try downloading ccleaner: http://www.piriform.com/CCLEANER
Install it and run the cleaning tool, then the registry cleaner tool. Hopefully that will get rid of some unused registry or otherwise remnants of stuff related to SpyHunter.
Then run a search on your computer for it to see if there are any excess files you need to remove. Usually these places are good to check:
C:\Users\<username>\AppDat
C:\Program Files
C:\Program Files\Common Files
C:\Program Files (x86)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files
Then backup the registry and run a search in the registry for anything with SpyHunter, Spy Hunter, Spy or Hunter or anything else related and delete anything that looks like it may be part of the old program.
Open up the command prompt and run 'sfc \scannow' to run system file checker to repair any damaged or misrouted windows files. You may need your windows cd in the drive for this if it is Windows XP.
Open up the run prompt (windows key + R), and type 'msconfig' and hit enter to open up your System Configuration Utility. Check all of the 'checked' entries in the 'Services' and 'Startup' tab for suspicious looking startup items related to SpyHunter, or entries in weird places with odd or generic names. Google them if you have to, if you don't recognize something and it isn't located in a system32 or drivers folder it is usually a good bet to delete it. Be more careful about removing checkmarks or files referenced in the 'Services' tab, those entries are more important and usually reference windows files or needed program startups like virus scanners. The 'startup' tab however can have nothing checked inside of it and your computer will still work just fine - comb this area especially for strange entries.
I hope this helps! Try the stuff above, it is a good first step. If it doesn't work, let us know.
-Jeff