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Problems uninstalling Microsoft Security Essentials

I have a clients laptop on my bench that is causing me problems. They had TrendMicro's application on their system and took it off and asked me to install Microsoft Security Essentials on the system and do a general clean up of non-essential software on the system. I found several empty folder and deleted them and then I found Microsoft Security Client folder on the system. I tried to delete it and I get a message "Cannot delete the directory is not empty". I tried to look in the folder and I get a message "the file cannot be accessed by the system". So I thought I would install MSC and then try to uninstall to clean up the system. When I try to install Microsoft Security Essentials I get a screen indicating that there is an instance of MSC running and an error number 0x80070643. I looked up that error number and it states that the firewall is not running. I looked in the Windows Security Center and it show Microsoft Security Essentials is running but I can't find it anywhere on the drive. I went to Microsoft Knowledge Base and searched for any information on removing Security Essentials and located a batch file to run. I ran the batch and it removed all files listed in the above mentioned Microsoft Security Client folder and all the folders' properties show the folders are empty. I still cannot install Security Essentials. Help

SOLUTION

aadih

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webwil

ASKER

I followed all the steps recommended and I still cannot install Microsoft Security Essentials. The Windows Security Center still shows that Microsoft Security Essentials is still running as the virus protection even though it is not installed.

aadih

See if the following helps:

< http://grok.lsu.edu/Article.aspx?articleId=13699 >

Also (on a hunch) please scan your PC with MalwareBytes AntiMalware (free).

webwil

ASKER

I ran MalwareBytes and found several malware files and removed them but I still cannot install Security Essentials. Two items I mentioned in my original question have not been addressed. I was hoping someone would have encountered these problems and have a solution. One is that Windows Security Center shows that Microsoft Security Essentials is installed and up-to-date and running fine and it is in fact not installed on the system, I have searched the entire drive and not been able to locate it. The other problem is in Windows Explorer there is a folder labeled Microsoft Security Client and it has 4 folders listed in it labeled Antimalware, Backup, Drivers, and en-us. I cannot delete these folders the message I get when I try states "Cannot delete the directory is not empty." When I try to look in one of the folders the message " <folder name> is not accessible. The file can not be accessed by the system". I appreciate the help I've received so far and look forward to more assistance. Thanks

aadih

Look at this page and experiment with the registry settings for the security center (please make a system restore point first):

< https://ist.uwaterloo.ca/security/howto/2006-09-08/ >

About deleting the folders and directory, try:

(1) from a clean boot
(2) from safe mode
(3) from safe mode command prompt (and using dos commands to navigate, list, and delete).

As a last resort, make a bootable Linux disk or USB, Knoppix, or UBCD, boot up from it, and delete the files and the directory.

webwil

ASKER

I booted with Linux on a usb flash drive and deleted the Microsoft Security Client folders. I still cannot get rid of the problem with the Windows Security Center showing that Microsoft Security Essentials is running and I believe that is the cause of not being able to install Security Essentials. I'm wondering if I were to run a repair of the Windows Operating system if that might clear up the problem. Any ideas out there?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

aadih

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webwil

ASKER

I thank you all for your helpful suggestions. I had to format the drive and reinstall the OS. The repair did not work.

aadih

Sorry to her that. :-(

But glad that you got it working. :-)