Windows 7: Unable to uninstall MS Security Essentials

For the last two months I have been unable to upgrade MSE. It will stop early on installing looking for a file (u:\21bcc7df7a14f5430a4b\x86\). I can't uninstall, as it asks for the same file. And I can't reinstall, because it asks for the same file and/or it states that I can't have 2 MSE's installed.

I have tried uninstalling in Safe mode - looking for same file.
I have tried suggestions found on other sites but get the same results.

Anyone have any idea?

Have you seen this Microsoft article?

How to manually uninstall Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0.1963 if you cannot uninstall it by using the Add or Remove Programs item

It's always helpful to try and list other possible solutions you've tried as it stops people going over the same ground that you have already.

seavixen32 - Thanks for your reply.

I had seen the article from MS but was unsure of "doing the registry thing". However I tried it but could not find any of the MSE items to delete nor any of the other items (such as msmpsvc, msseces.exe and the others).

I think that MSE was partly uninstall when I tried uninstall (a total of 8 times). I got a popup telling me that I was not protected because MSE was not running but when I when to security it stated that MSE was turned on. I restored to a point before I tried uninstalling and everything seems to be working except that the upgrade still will not install.

I just ordered more memory and will be upgrading the pc to 64 bit next week. This will solve the problem

Thanks for your help.

There is always the probability that your system is already infected with something & that is preventing the install. You may wish to run a scan with MS Malicious Software Removal Tool & Malwarebytes just to be sure.

Malware Removal | Anti-Malware | Remove Malware

Microsoft Safety Scanner - Antivirus | Remove Spyware, Malware, Viruses Free

The following link will give you the option to D/L the free version of Malwarebytes.

Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer

Other possibilities for not installing are listed here:

Cannot install Security Essentials - error 656

Do you by any chance have another AV running on your system? This could be causing a conflict.

Thanks for your reply.

I run a nightly schedule of SuperAntiSpyware, Malwarebytes, SpyBot, Crap Cleaner and MSE. All show nothing . I also ran MS Malicious after the first failed upgrade install of MSE.

The reason that MSE will not upgrade is it can not find a file that needs to complete the job. See post #1 image. It looks for u:\21bcc7df7a14f5430a4b\x86\ which is not there.

Upgrading to 64 bit will solve the problem.

Thanks again.