Avast is an excellent non-commercial version of antivirus software, the functionality of which meets the basic security needs. However, there are situations when it does not cope with the requirements and it is necessary to install more advanced products, for example, Kaspersky Anti-Virus or other paid utilities.
This is where knowledge of how to remove Avast 4 antivirus or later is useful. Since the computer usually cannot operate several anti-virus monitors in compatibility mode.
Conventional and emergency uninstallation methods. How to remove Avast antivirus from computer
The first and main way in this topic is to use the standard tool “Add or Remove Programs”. This method is suitable for most cases of standard uninstallation of applications and components.
Windows XP Control Panel already has such a tool. Visually, it is displayed as an icon with an envelope and a CD. Click on the icon to launch this system applet.
When launched, a list of registered applications and update components is displayed. We scroll through the list page, looking for the Avast or Avast application.
Click on the found list item. How to remove Avast? In this item, the “Delete” or “Change” button should be displayed. By pressing it, the wizard for changing product settings or the uninstaller is called.
How to remove Avast 4 antivirus using awclear.exe
Unfortunately, not always the regular way to uninstall Avast completely erases the registration of the application from the system. In the registry, as a rule, there are many unnecessary keys that interfere with the installation of other security systems. And then the question of how to remove Avast 4 antivirus, as well as the fifth and sixth version of the software, remains open.
To solve this problem, there is a special clear utility from the manufacturer - aswclear.exe. But this tool is used only in cases where the regular uninstallation of the product failed. Consider using aswclear on a local computer
Installation and use instructions
Install aswclear.exe from a network source or CD onto a local computer. In order not to download the archive with viruses or other malware code, download the installer only on trusted web resources.
It will require basic knowledge of English, as this language is embedded in the utility interface.
Enter the Windows diagnostic mode without releasing the pressed F8 key (when you turn on the computer).
In the start menu, select the option “Diagnostic mode from failures”. The selection is made with the arrow keys (upper and lower).
Run the tool in diagnostic boot mode. The program displays the message “select product to uninstall” (which version of the product you need to safely remove). If there was a question about how to remove Avast 4 antivirus, enter the version number installed on the PC.
Next, the application will ask you: "enter to folder where selected product is installed" (select the directory with the installed version of Avast). This item can be ignored if the default directory was selected during the installation process.
All necessary parameters are collected. Now you need to complete the cancellation of the Avast installation by clicking on “Uninstall”.
The awclear.exe utility will analyze registry entries and data folders of this antivirus product. After the analysis and deletion procedure, a reboot is required, which the program will also warn you about.
Following the instructions, you will cancel the installation of Avast software. If these actions did not give the desired result, you can contact the avast.com support team by attaching a screenshot of the problem. Or, to clear the registry of "junk" entries using auxiliary programs.
For example, through the regular registry editor regedit. In the search bar, enter "Avast" and methodically delete all occurring entries by coincidence. Then again, restart the computer.