Can't Uninstall MS Security Essentials


  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 7 Professional 32 bit
       #1

    Can't Uninstall MS Security Essentials


    Greetings! I'm running Windows 7 Pro 32-bit SP 1 on an HP Compaq 6005 Pro SFF PC.

    A few weeks ago, I uninstalled (so I thought) MS Security Essentials in order to install different antivirus software. In spite of that, Windows Update keeps offering me optional updates for it. Action Center shows that it's still installed as antivirus and antispyware protection, but just turned off. (Can't turn it on.)

    There's a folder in PROGRAM FILES labelled "Microsoft Security Client" which contains the following items...
    MpAsDesc.dll
    MpClient.dll
    MpCommu.dll
    MpSvc,dll
    MsMpEng.exe

    Whenever I try to delete the folder or any of these items, I see a popup message stating that I need permission from the SYSTEM to do so. (I even tried to delete it with the computer in "Safe Mode", but was unsuccessful.) I've tried to use several different uninstallers; but, neither "Microsoft Security Essentials" nor "Microsoft Security Client" shows up in the list of installed programs. Also, I've followed some of the instructions involving the registry offered in another forum; but, alas, nothing has worked.

    Does anyone have a suggestion?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #2

    If nothing else works, try the unistall tool mentioned at the end of this article. I always uses uninstall tools to uninstall an antivirus. There are parts hidden all over the computer.
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2435760
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2
    Windows 7 Professional 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Problem Solved


    Thanks for your suggestion.

    I was finally able to delete the "Microsoft Security Client" folder using "Safe Mode". Don't know why my first attempt to do so didn't work. Action Center is no longer showing Security Essentials as being installed as antivirus and antispyware. So, it's really uninstalled this time!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #4

    Glad that it worked out for you
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Pro 64bit
       #5

    richc46 said:
    If nothing else works, try the unistall tool mentioned at the end of this article. I always uses uninstall tools to uninstall an antivirus. There are parts hidden all over the computer.
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2435760

    As of 03/30/2020, that page is 404 not found on Microsoft's site. Support for Windows 7 ended Jan 14, 2020. I guess they mean it.
      My Computer


 

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