Solved Can't Uninstall MS Security Essentials

[Web Dude]

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?

 

[richc46]

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

 

[Web Dude]

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!

 

[richc46]

Glad that it worked out for you

 

[MontgomeryMinds]

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.