AVG Free 2015 ZEN removal?

[vomacka]

A few days ago, my AVG Free 2015 auto-updated and installed a 30 day trial of ZEN on my Win 7 system.

I really don't want ZEN and want to remove it from my system.

I tried to uninstall ZEN from Programs and Features. But all it did was give me a message that said "I could not uninstall ZEN right now". (Notice the words, RIGHT NOW?)

Since this is a 30 day trial, does anyone know what happens when the 30 days are up? Will the program remove itself? Will I then be able to remove it from my system?

Thanks for your help.

Scott

 

[RolandJS]

I ran into this same problem with AVG within one of my Windows XP Mode. I think I had to uninstall AVG prime first, and then ZEN also disappeared along with it. If I can recall the exact steps that I had to earlier take -- I'll post ;em here.

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi:

Such unwanted freebies are just one of the "hidden" costs of the "free" AVs.

It looks as if RolandJS is correct -- you probably need to uninstall both ZEN and AVG in order to get rid of ZEN.
See if this helps:
Please give option to uninstall or not load ZEN for AVG Free | AVG

Hello Rich, thanks so much for the detailed explanation. I surmise you had gone to ZEN free trial inadvertently. I request you to use the uninstall the ZEN from the control panel. That would be mentioned in the program list as "AVG". I believe you would be able to also see another program in the list which says "AVG 2015". Please remove both the programs from your system. Have a look at this article to uninstall your AVG and AVG 2015 via Control panel. After removing them and rebooting, please use this link to download and install the free version of AVG 2015 : Access Denied .

Before you follow all the steps, especially reinstalling 2015, I would check to see if AVG 2015 is still supported.
If it is not, you may be better off upgrading to a current, supported version.
Be sure to watch during the setup wizard for any OPT-OUT items that may install ZEN or other bundled crapware -- un-tick (deselect) them if you do not want them.

MM

 

[ICIT2LOL]

My personal two cents worth mate dump the AVG altogether it is a piece of work that one - hopeless.

If you cannot get rid of it using the dedicated tool or through Control Panel then if you are reasonably confident enough then I would dig into the registry and look for the entries for AVG and the Zen. But that is only if you are happy to do that but as a precaution before I do anything in the registry I do this
Registry - Backup and Restore in fact I always do this after a clean install

If you want a free AV see the real time section in this Free Windows Desktop Software Security List | Gizmo's Freeware steer clear of AVG (of course) Comodo (dreadful nagger) and McAfee

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi:

^^ That was not the OP's question, but it's probably sound advice nowadays. ^^

AVG was recently purchased by Avast.
So, AVG as a brand will likely go away eventually.
It may be time to start looking for a new AV.

There are many fine choices for AV, both free and paid.
None will be perfect or will suit all computers, users and budgets.
Except for MSE (WD under Win 8/8.1/10), most/all of the "free" AVs come with hidden costs, in the form of upgrade ads, toolbars, bundled software, reduced features, and/or reduced support.
Each user needs to evaluate and choose the AV/security suite that best suits his/her needs.
No AV or combination of security products can protect 100% of computers 100% of the time from 100% of malware.
The first and last line of defense remains the computer part between the chair and the keyboard.

Cheers,
MM

 

[cornemuse]

I too, dont/didnt like zen, removing avg removed zen nicely. AVG just kept getting more & more bloated, & slowed down the computer noticeably. Its history, , , ,

 

[RolandJS]

Indirectly related, if/when deciding to not go with either Avast or AVG anymore, I recommend looking into Emsisoft Anti-Malware, the pay-for yearly version, which also now includes anti-virus definitions. The strong shields can sometimes generate "in your face alerts" however, after some configuration/settings work - I've managed to minimize the "in your face alerts" and simply go into the Quarantine bucket and restore the known-goods.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Sorry MM I misread that