PROBLEM: PC Tools 6.1.0.25 with Win7 64 bit removal

[Jaq]

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]

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

 

[Jaq]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Uber Philf]

I just wandered in, but if i understand correctly, the uninstall goes fine, but after, you have no internet access?

Have you tried SFC /scannow ?

Could possibly be a incorrectly modified network file or system file, on PC Tool's behalf.

 

[Jaq]

Problem solved - Thanks guys!

How I did it:

Restarted in safe mode, right clicked in the system tray and existed the antivirus software.

Ran services.msc to check nothing from PC Tools was running.

Uninstalled the PC Tools antivirus from control panel - it came up with the same error it always did about not finding PCTcFFix64.exe. Ignored this, dropped to the registry to check all the keys were removed. There was a key at HKEY/Local.../WOW6432Node/Microsoft/Tracing/PC Tools Antivirus ... RASMANCS which I also removed.

Rebooted - no internet through the web browser as usual.

This is bit I did different, I right clicked on cmd and ran it as an administator. Ran 'netsh winsock reset' which asked me to reboot.

Rebooted, and everything is a-ok again.
Thanks a lot for all the help guys (and girls).

Now to spread the word to those I found having the same problem.

 

[smackheadz]

Problem solved - Thanks guys!

How I did it:

Restarted in safe mode, right clicked in the system tray and existed the antivirus software.

Ran services.msc to check nothing from PC Tools was running.

Uninstalled the PC Tools antivirus from control panel - it came up with the same error it always did about not finding PCTcFFix64.exe. Ignored this, dropped to the registry to check all the keys were removed. There was a key at HKEY/Local.../WOW6432Node/Microsoft/Tracing/PC Tools Antivirus ... RASMANCS which I also removed.

Rebooted - no internet through the web browser as usual.

This is bit I did different, I right clicked on cmd and ran it as an administator. Ran 'netsh winsock reset' which asked me to reboot.

Rebooted, and everything is a-ok again.
Thanks a lot for all the help guys (and girls).

Now to spread the word to those I found having the same problem.

lol,it did tell you to run the cmd as administrator in the link i gave you to the forum.glad you got it sorted

 

[Jacee]

Ah-ha!

The PCTLsp.dll is a PC Tools Layered Service Provider.

This file is part of PC Tools Content Filter. PCTLsp.dll is developed by PC Tools Research Pty Ltd.. PCTLsp.dll is usually located in the %PROGRAM_FILES% sub-folder and its usual size is 182,152 bytes

So it adds itself as a layered service provider ... no wonder you lost your Internet connection.

 

[Jaq]

Ah-ha!

The PCTLsp.dll is a PC Tools Layered Service Provider.

This file is part of PC Tools Content Filter. PCTLsp.dll is developed by PC Tools Research Pty Ltd.. PCTLsp.dll is usually located in the %PROGRAM_FILES% sub-folder and its usual size is 182,152 bytes

So it adds itself as a layered service provider ... no wonder you lost your Internet connection.

Intresting, although I'm wondering exactly where it is (can't find it) and should I delete it if I find it?

I'm still using the Pc Tools firewall, and if it's still on my system it's not doing any harm at the mo, so might leave it well alone.

 

[Jacee]

You can download LSPfix here: Bleeping Computer Downloads: LSP-Fix
Since you have your Internet connection back you may want to just ignore this.

 

[Jaq]

You can download LSPfix here: Bleeping Computer Downloads: LSP-Fix
Since you have your Internet connection back you may want to just ignore this.

Will do, thanks!