Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Geeky stuff
Original poster

anti virus help needed

13 replies

gio71 · 26/03/2009 18:49

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

OP posts:
MaryBS · 26/03/2009 19:02

Have you uninstalled McAfee first?

Original poster
gio71 · 26/03/2009 19:10

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?

OP posts:
MaryBS · 26/03/2009 19:50

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.

Original poster
gio71 · 26/03/2009 19:56

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

OP posts:
MaryBS · 26/03/2009 20:18

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.

Original poster
gio71 · 26/03/2009 20:32

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

OP posts:
MaryBS · 26/03/2009 20:43

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 · 26/03/2009 20:47

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.

Original poster
gio71 · 26/03/2009 20:47

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

OP posts:
Original poster
gio71 · 26/03/2009 21:41

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?

OP posts:
Original poster
gio71 · 26/03/2009 22:34

sorted with avg for now! cheers

OP posts:
MaryBS · 27/03/2009 02:47

Glad you got sorted!

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

Original poster
gio71 · 27/03/2009 07:43

hope you're feeling better soon.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page