Have you ever dealt with the removal of antiviruses or replacing one protection program with another? If so, then you probably know that to do this quite often is very difficult, and sometimes (without special knowledge) impossible at all. Next, consider how to remove Kaspersky Internet Security. This antivirus is taken solely as an example, since the basic methods that will be presented below can be applied to other software products of this type.
Running a little ahead, it’s worth mentioning right away that today the matter is simplified by the fact that for most well-known antiviruses, developers provide their own uninstall tools. Nevertheless, even when using them, unforeseen problems can arise, and among other things, you must also take into account several important nuances associated with the correct execution of removal operations.
How to remove Kaspersky Internet Security: general methodology and preliminary steps
The general rules for the antivirus described do not differ much from the actions used for similar antivirus software products. Since the developer himself gives you your own means of removing all the components of the installed package, you can initially use it. In the same way, you can simply use special uninstall programs for these purposes, such as iObit Uninstaller or optimizers, which provide functions for deleting user and / or system applications (for example, CCleaner).
But before uninstalling, you will need to shut down the active antivirus, that is, exit the program using the corresponding menu item, called through RMB on the icon in the system tray. After that, it also does not hurt to check the presence of active antivirus processes in the "Task Manager" and, if possible, complete them.
How to completely remove Kaspersky Internet Security, including the license and other protection components?
Now you can begin to perform basic operations. Some users immediately begin to search the Internet for specialized anti-virus removal tools. Speaking specifically about how to remove Kaspersky Internet Security, it can be noted that in this case you absolutely do not need it. To start the process, you must have at hand the installation distribution kit or use your own built-in uninstaller, from which you should select the installation start file. The application itself will determine that the antivirus is installed on the computer, and then prompts you to select the desired action. At this point you only need to confirm the deletion. After moving to the next stage, you will be prompted to select the components to be stored.
For example, if you had (or still have) a valid license for Kaspersky Internet Security for 365 days, but you plan to reinstall the antivirus, it is better to leave it. If you replace the antivirus with another, it is highly recommended to remove it. It is also undesirable to mark the points of saving the program operation parameters and the data of iChecker checks. But the contents of the content of quarantine is better to get rid of.
When proceeding to the next step, all that remains is to confirm the deletion and wait for the process to complete. Upon completion, a reboot will be offered automatically, and it must be completed without fail.
What to do if the antivirus is not removed?
If the antivirus for some reason is not removed, first of all, pay attention to the fact that the installer needs to be run only as administrator. If problems arise in such a situation, try to perform similar actions by booting the system in safe mode. But the most basic trouble is that when uninstalling, the antivirus installer may require a password. But how to remove Kaspersky Internet Security if you forgot the desired combination? Whether you like it or not, you will first have to restore the password, for which you will need to contact support, and after recovering it, repeat the deletion procedure.
Using uninstallers
Despite some difficulties, just related to passwords, you can do without the funds offered by Kaspersky Lab. Either uninstaller programs or optimizer applications, which in most cases ignore such requests, will be the best tools even for an inexperienced user. As such programs, you can recommend either the iObit Uninstaller package or the CCleaner program.
In the first application, it is advisable to immediately note the item for automatic cleaning of residues, and in the second one at one stage it will be necessary to agree with the deletion of registry entries and residual files.
Despite the fact that at the initial stage, its own anti-virus removal tool will be launched, upon completion of its work, the password may not be required.
Actions on mobile devices
As for the removal of Kaspersky Internet Security for Android, you should not use the built-in tools from the application section for this. Unfortunately, a special uninstaller for mobile systems is not provided. Nevertheless, you can do much easier by installing the CCleaner mobile application or using the Revo Uninstaller utility.
True, some experts note that the disadvantage of the second applet is that in the absence of root rights, it does not always remove the leftovers, even if it finds them and offers to get rid of them. In order not to root the phone or tablet, the easiest way is to delete the specified directories from the memory card or internal storage (based on where the antivirus was installed) manually, for example, by connecting the mobile device to a Windows computer. You can also use mobile file managers like E-xplore or ES Explorer.