anti virus help needed

[gio71]

I have got mcAfee on my laptop (vista) which was installed by sony when i sent the laptop off to be repaired. This has now expired and from what I can tell there is only a paid option to update which I dont want to do. I want to install avira which is what i had before sony changed it, have downloaded it but when i try and install it it just comes up with a runtime error message and won't work. Has anyone got any ideas what I can do? thanks

[MaryBS]

Have you uninstalled McAfee first?

[gio71]

no, am scared of doing that -will it not mean will be attacked by loads of viruses?? was thinking install avira and then uninstall mcafee?

[MaryBS]

No, you have to uninstall, as it is likely to be a conflict. You are highly unlikely to get a virus in the short time you are unprotected, but you can always run a virus scan using your new software, if you want the reassurance.

[gio71]

you can probably tell by my paranoia that i am very non tecchie but what happens if i uninstall mcafee and avira still doesnt work so am left with no software to protect?
Thanks for your help by the way , it is much appreciated

[MaryBS]

Don't worry, we all have to start somewhere!

Download another antivirus? If you stick to reputable sites while unprotected, you minimise your risk.

I had a conflict between Mcafee and AVG when I wanted to get rid of Mcafee, AVG wouldn't work till I got rid of the first one.

[gio71]

ok will give it a whirl! any advice re firewall as i currently have mcafee firewall too

[MaryBS]

Some of the free ones are OK. You might like to check though for compatibility issues with your chosen antivirus s/w. I've not had any problems with Zonealarm for a firewall. There may be better ones...

[mrspnut]

Uninstall the macafee software, enable the windows firewall that is already there and then install the new software.

Decent anti virus should just be able to disable the windows firewall as part of the installation process.

[gio71]

ok wish me luck, off to do it! thanks once again!

[gio71]

ready to scream! tried zone alarm but says that some of the drivers i have arent compatible so have uninstalled and using windows firewall for moment. Tried avira and still getting runtime error!so am now attempting to download avg and it has taken 20 mins so far and says another 30 to go! can that be right?

[gio71]

sorted with avg for now! cheers

[MaryBS]

Glad you got sorted!

Sorry I didn't come back, had an early night, wasn't feeling that brilliant

[gio71]

hope you're feeling better soon.