PROBLEM: PC Tools 6.1.0.25 with Win7 64 bit removal

Jaq · 17 Dec 2009

Installed PC Tools 6.1.0.25 on Windows 7 64 Bit - didn't like the lack of facitilies and now when I try to remove it I get an error 'can't find PCTcFFix64.exe'.
After removal, I now can't get internet access.

The funny thing is I can still access the net through the XPmode virtual machine.

I've searched the forums and can't find a working solution to this, also a google search dosen't really offer a solution.

I am able to get internet acces back when I reinstall the anti virus software, but now I want it off my machine.

Anyone got any ideas?
I'm doing a Windows Defender full scan just in case and will report back if and when I find a solution.

Sorry if this already has a solution, but I can't find one on this site.

smackheadz · 17 Dec 2009

try removing with revo http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_..._download.html

Jaq · 17 Dec 2009

smackheadz said:

try removing with revo Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download

I am a bit reluctent to install additional software to remove something it might not know about.

It dosen't seem to be a problem with the removal of the antivirus software, more with it altering something in the network settings or internet browers (IE & Firefox).

I've checked the Program Files (x86) and the software is completly removed.
Maybe a registry setting is causing this.

By the way - no errors with Windows Defender.

Others have had the same problem, PC Tools don't seem to offer any kindof solution except to remove some registry keys - which don't exist in my installation.

bnwrx · 17 Dec 2009

A possible idea would be to reinstall the program after downloading from PCtools. Then install REVO uninstaller and then use REVO to uninstall PCTools. I know it sounds redundant but it might work. On my machine REVO recognizes PCTools.

Jaq · 17 Dec 2009

bnwrx said:

A possible idea would be to reinstall the program after downloading from PCtools. Then install REVO uninstaller and then use REVO to uninstall PCTools. I know it sounds redundant but it might work. On my machine REVO recognizes PCTools.

Thanks for the suggestion. Gave it a try using the advance option - nice try, but didn't work. Still no internet access after the uninstall.

Unfortunately, I've deleted the system restore for when PC Tools antivirus was installed so a restore is also not an option. I prefer to work out a solution anyway.
I'll keep trying.

I did have a dig around in the registry, but could find no relevent keys.
On a side note - I also have this installed on the XPmode virtual machine.

I think the problem is the program is meant for 32 bit, and the install notes do not state it will run with windows7 64 bit.

win7clutz · 17 Dec 2009

It appears that PC tools still running and blocking Internet access (Firewall). Find and kill the service in Administrative Tools. I don't use PCTools so I can't tell you the name of the service but you'll probably recognize it when you see it...

Jacee · 17 Dec 2009

Did you try this? (found in PC Tools forum)

Boot into safe mode, then:
Uninstall PC Tools Antivirus:
1. Goto start menu > run > services.msc > Ok
2. In the services list - Locate PC Tools Antivirus Engine, right click it and Stop(if applicable)
1. Goto start menu > run > type in: regedit
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PCTools - Delete PCTAV
3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\PCTools - Delete PCTAV & PCTAVSvc
4. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall - Delete PC Tools AntiVirus_is1
5. Navigate to C:\Program Files - Delete the PC Tools Antivirus folder

Note: If you receive a notice "Cannot delete PCTAVShellExtension.dll: Access is denied" - Goto start menu > run > copy and paste in: regsvr32 "c:\program files\pc tools antivirus\PCTAVShellExtension.dll" /U > Click on OK - Now try deleting the PC Tools Antivirus folder

Jaq · 17 Dec 2009

Jacee said:

Did you try this? (found in PC Tools forum)

Boot into safe mode, then:
Uninstall PC Tools Antivirus:
1. Goto start menu > run > services.msc > Ok

....

Yep, tried all that - no such entires in the registry - didn't try stopping the services but will have another go on the morrow.

I also have the PC Tools firewall installed, but this is not blocking the internet as I disable it after removing the antivirus when trying to regain access.

Jaq · 17 Dec 2009

win7clutz said:

It appears that PC tools still running and blocking Internet access (Firewall). Find and kill the service in Administrative Tools. I don't use PCTools so I can't tell you the name of the service but you'll probably recognize it when you see it...

Couldn't resist trying all the above.

Restarted in safe mode, uninstalled PC Tools antivirus and firewall, stopped the antivirus services from running, cleaned out the keys suggested in the registry and rebooted.

Low and behold, no internet access.

Installed Microsoft Security Essentials, updated, and did a full scan - no problems found. Tried IE & Firefox, still no internet access through a browser. Removed MSE and reinstalled PC Tools antivirus and back it came.

Currently running PC Tools Antivirus with Windows firewall.

No services are running for PC Tools.
Note MSE updated ok, so the internet connection is fine - just browser access seems disabled (no email either) until I reinstalled the antivirus software.

I'm getting a feeling the antivirus software is altering the registry and disabling access.

Any help from anyone would be appreciated. I'm sure someone has an answer as lots use PC Tools software on this site.

smackheadz · 17 Dec 2009

have a read here and try the fix cant uninstall PC tools antivirus without it stopping me getting on the net via IE - PC Tools Community Forum