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I am trying to remove AVG 8.5 from my computer, it will not remove using CONTROL PANEL ADD/REMOVE and it will not uninstall using the actual program selection. How do I get rid of it?

Uninstalling AVG 8.5

Since AVG 8.5 is not showing up in the Control Panel’s Add and Remove Programs utility, the next obvious step is to go to Start > Programs > AVG 8.5 > Uninstall AVG, which is what the FAQs of AVG’s support page recommends. However, it sounds as though this isn’t showing up in your list in the Start menu, correct?

Because the Start button’s list sometimes doesn’t display everything that it should, let’s go into Windows Explorer to check the actual AVG folder for an uninstall.exe (or similarly named) file. Right-click the Start button and choose Explore. This opens Windows Explorer where you can look under Program Files for an AVG folder. Inside the AVG folder, you should find an uninstall utility. If so, try uninstalling AVG with that.

Try Installing the Latest Version of AVG

AVG’s FAQs also suggest installing the latest version of AVG when you have trouble uninstalling AVG 8.5. While this may work, consider downloading the AVG Remover from AVG instead.

The AVG Remover

AVG offers a utility called the AVG Remover on its Download page. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are offered, so make sure to download the appropriate one for your operating system. (If you’re unsure whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system, go to Control Panel > System and look under System in the System Type area). The AVG Removal tool removes everything related to AVG including registry entries, installation files, AVG user files and settings, and Virus Vault content. It does require a system restart during the process, so before you run this tool, close your programs and save your data.

Of the three choices, if you cannot find a built-in installer in your AVG folder, I would go with the AVG Remover tool from AVG’s Download page.

Neither Firefox or iTunes will open on my computer. I’ve restarted several times. Help please?!

Restarting is always a good move when programs won’t open because rebooting frees up system resources that could be interfering with your programs opening properly. Since that hasn’t worked, let’s dig a little deeper.

Rollback Recent System Changes

It sounds like this has just started. If so, performing a System Restore may be a viable option. If your computer is running Windows XP or Vista and System Restore has been enabled, go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore and choose a Restore Point from when you could open Firefox and iTunes successfully. This will reset your computer to that point without affecting your newly added data. You will need to reinstall any new hardware, software, or updates since that point. Keep in mind that those reinstalls may reintroduce the problem that interfered with these programs in the first place though.

Try Opening the Programs Directly

If you are launching Firefox and iTunes via a shortcut icon on your Desktop, try opening them directly from their .exe files. It could be that the shortcuts have become broken or corrupt.  Mozilla is typically located in C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe. If the shortcuts are corrupt and you can open the programs locally, there could be either a file association problem or corrupt icon cache.

Update your Operating System

Operating system updates often solve intermittent problems with other programs. Likewise, updates often cause conflicts (which is why System Restore helps). If you haven’t updated your system in a while, do so now and see if that repairs the issue.

Check to See if Programs are Running

Does either of these programs give you an error message? Firefox sometimes doesn’t close properly and then stubbornly refuses to open again. Go into Task Manager and look for firefox.exe under the Applications tab. If it’s running, stop it. Try launching it once again.

Uninstalling and Reinstalling the Programs

Sometimes, it’s easier to uninstall and reinstall applications then it is to figure out what has gone wrong.  

Another good step when your computer suddenly refuses to operate as it should is a thorough antivirus and antispyware scan. Malware often gobbles up so much of your computer’s resources that programs no longer open. This could be a symptom of a larger problem. Assuming you have a reputable antivirus product, update it, and run a full system scan. If you don’t have one, we recommend any of the product we reviewed last year: Antivirus Reviews.

ParetoLogic Antivirus was going to delete some Microsoft files along with the cookies. Why? Doesn’t Microsoft need to verify that I have all their files?

You’re right; Microsoft doesn’t want you removing important operating system files. This is one reason why the operating system hides many of its system files. Unfortunately, malware makers are smart. They know that if they name their virus after a legitimate Microsoft file, computer users are less likely to delete the file. After all, if a user thinks a file is a necessary Windows file, he’s not going to delete it.

Viruses as Imposters

It is not uncommon for malware makers to give their viruses the same names, or clever variations, of legitimate operating system files. For example, the “lsass.exe” (spelled with an “L”) file is a legitimate Microsoft operating system file but a file named “isass.exe” (spelled with an “I”) is malware. This is one of my favorite examples because depending on the font and case used, the “L” and “I” can be easily confused. For example, don’t the following two words look remarkably similar?

• lsass.exe
• Isass.exe

Another example is “systray.exe” versus “systemtray.exe.” If you’re thinking that Microsoft uses one of these files to control the “System Tray” area of the taskbar, you’re right; one of these files does do that. The other is a nasty imposter. Casual users aren’t necessarily equipped to know which one is which. That’s why we rely on antivirus products. In this example, the legitimate Microsoft file is systray.exe and the systemtray.exe file is part of the Bigfoot Trojan.

The svchost.exe file is another popular Windows file that virus makers like to name their viruses after. Below are a few filenames based on the svchost.exe name that have been used by known malware programs:

• svchosts.exe
• sychost.exe
• syshost.exe

While these are examples of malware that use a similar looking filename, many other viruses use the exact same name as a real Microsoft files or folders. For example, your Windows computer contains a legitimate operating system folder called System32, but you’d better be careful if you find an actual system32.exe file - it’s most likely malicious!

How Antivirus Programs Know Real Microsoft Files from Fake Files

It’s tough for computer users to know the difference, but not so tough for antivirus programs. After all, these programs use complex algorithms and huge databases to sniff out the malicious programs. These programs know where the legitimate files are supposed to be stored on the computer and recognize imposters hanging out in the wrong directories.

Therefore, if your computer’s antivirus program is telling you that it has found malicious files and these files appear to be Microsoft files, it’s highly probable that they are in fact malware. If you’re unsure, do a quick check on the Internet using a phrase such as, “Is the ___.exe file a virus?”    

I can’t download AVG free due to an invalid binary code error. I seem to be having problems with other downloads also.

This type of problem seems to be an intermittent problem that other computer users have experienced as well. AVG uses several binary files in order to run. If one or more of these aren’t actively working, you will not be able to complete the download. The solutions for this problem vary according to other individuals with the same type of problem. Go through the suggestions one at a time until you find one that works for you. Typically, however, the fix for this type of problem is simply to wait a few days and try again. AVG occasionally has a problem when they bring out a new version or update and it rights itself after a day or two.

Troubleshooting Download Problem - Invalid Binary Code: Check the Basics

Since more than one version of AVG Free is available, you need to make sure that you are trying to download the correct version for your operating system.

Make sure that your Internet connection is working properly since this could lead to problems downloading AVG. Open the “Control Panel” and select “Network Connections.” Select “Local Area Connection” and “Repair.”

Special rules apply if you are using a dial-up Internet connection. You’ll need to open AVG, enter the “Tools” menu, select “Advanced Settings,” select “Update,” and select “Dial up.” Now look to make sure that you have enabled the option to “Use dial up connections.”

Make sure that your clock/date settings on the computer are accurate. For some reason, if these settings are inaccurate, they sometimes leads to problems accessing website downloads.

Scan your computer for spyware/viruses just in case your computer has been infected. It is possible that the presence of some malware is interfering with your download.

Troubleshooting Download Problem - Invalid Binary Code: Start Over

If you are still experiencing problems with the installation, start over with a fresh installation. If you have a partial installation of AVG on your computer, you’ll have to uninstall it per the directions on AVG’s website and reinstall it.

Troubleshooting Download Problem - Invalid Binary Code: Wait a Day or Two

AVG is noted for fixing problems of this sort in just a few short days or so. It seems as though new updates or versions of AVG experience problems that generate an invalid binary code message. Other users of this application have expressed similar problems that were resolved by AVG. Therefore, if you try to download AVG in a few days, it might work without any problems whatsoever.

Can I get a free anti-virus program that will scan and get rid of viruses from my computer and if so, what is the site?

Yes, you can get free antivirus programs that will scan and remove viruses from your computer. However, before you do so, I want you to be aware of some of the pitfalls of freebies so that you can make the best choice possible for your limited budget.

Fake Antivirus Programs

The first warning is to be extremely careful! We get questions from our readers all the time asking how to remove a so-called free antivirus program. In most cases, it turns out that the downloaded program is actually a fake! These rogue antivirus programs often generate ads or alarming security alerts, prompting the user to pay for the full version of the product.

Search for free antivirus programs through trusted sites such as the developer or one of its partners. Do NOT click on advertisements for “free antivirus” programs as you never know who’s behind the ad or where the ad will direct you. In other words, do your research and go directly to the source.

The Pros and Cons of Free Antivirus Programs

Many good antivirus programs are available for free. However, keep in mind that free usually comes with a price as far as performance goes. You may not pay in money, but you may have to deal with manual updates, less frequent updates, or limited support. You may have to view advertisements in exchange for “free.” On the other hand, these tradeoffs may be just right for your needs.

We have done quite a bit of research into the more popular antivirus products on the market in 2009. Look through our reviews and you will find several reputable antivirus developers that offer free versions for personal use. Avira Antivir and Avast are both good choices that come to mind.

No matter which free antivirus product you choose, realize that your computer is not necessarily protected against all threats. Look for protection from spyware too.

I am interested in the ParetoLogic Antivirus Plus antivirus program. Is it safe for downloading and does it offer real time protection for PCs?

We do recommend ParetoLogic Antivirus along with several other reputable computer security products here at Filetonic.com quite often. When considering any antivirus product, it’s smart to research it thoroughly to ensure that you are getting a good product that will protect your computer from harm. Below are a few considerations.

Choosing an Antivirus Program

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing an antivirus program. One of the most important considerations is the frequency of updates. Since there are new malware programs and viruses issued daily, antivirus companies need to stay on top of the threats. The best way to do that is with daily virus definition updates. While free programs are attractive due to being free, a major drawback of most free antivirus programs is that they don’t include automatic updates. This means that people have to check for updates manually, which they often don’t.

Paretologic Anti-Virus PLUS Active Protection

The Paretologic Anti-Virus PLUS program offers real time protection against viruses and other threats, updating its definitions and issuing updates constantly. With its Active Protection, Paretologic Anti-Virus PLUS guarantees computer security against all manner of online threats and dangerous downloads.

Quality Customer Support

Another important consideration is value. For the price of an antivirus product customers should feel that they are getting a superior program, and one that is easy and comfortable to use. Along with value is all-important customer support. Should you run into a virus problem after you buy your antivirus software, it is nice to know that the program technicians are there with support when you need it. Paretologic’s Anti-Virus PLUS program offers assistance from a software support team, dedicated to registered Paretologic customers. Working quickly and responsively, these techs will work with you to solve your problems and ensure your product satisfaction.

Beware of Rogue Programs and Impostors

You are right to ask about the safety of antivirus software programs that are available online, as hacker often use rouses like this to attract victims who unknowingly install malware on their systems. When choosing an online program, you want to make sure that you are on an official retail website, not an imitation. Rogue programs often have similar website names, in an attempt to fool people - like paretologic2009.com. Beware of imposters and only trust the original - paretologic.com.

Westcoast Labs Certified

The Paretologic Anti-Virus PLUS is a safe download and a superior program. Certified with an Anti Malware Checkmark by Westcoast Labs - an independent research and test center - the Paretologic Anti-Virus program is validated as a solution of the highest quality.