Note:
The manual uninstallation of the Avira Software is only necessary if the removal via Start → Control Panel → Add/Remove Programs (Windows XP / 2000) or Start → Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features (Windows Vista / 7/ 8) does not work.

1. Preliminary steps:
   Download the latest installation file from the Avira website and save the license hbedv.key in a separate directory or have the 25-digit activation code ready. The hbedv.key, if available, is located in the program folder of Avira: C:\Program Files\Avira\Antivir Desktop\

   ---

   Note:
   This is not necessary for Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus.

   ---

   From the the download section select the desired Avira software and store it on your computer.
   Additionally please save our registry cleaner on the computer.



2. Safe mode of Windows:
   Start Microsoft Windows 7 / Vista / XP / 2000 in safe mode (press and hold F8 during the boot of your system). In the menu select safe mode and confirm this with Enter. The operating system will restart after confirming Windows by pressing Enter again.
   Please see this article for instructions on how to boot in safe mode in Windows 8.



3. Removing Avira program files:
   Start Windows Explorer with Start → (all) Programs → Accessories → Windows Explorer. Then navigate to the directory C:\Program Files\. Here, delete all existing Avira AntiVir directories: C:\Program Files\Avira\*.*

   ---

   Note:
   In case you created a custom directory during AntiVir's installation, delete it. Rename the Avira AntiVir directory if you should not be able to delete the above mentioned directories. After a restart in safe mode you can remove this directory.

   ---




4. Removing Avira application files:
   Within Windows Explorer change into the directory C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\ (Windows XP / 2000) or C:\ProgramData\ (Windows 7 / Vista/ 8) and delete the Avira AntiVir directories that are located there. ... \Avira ... \

   ---

   Note:
   If the Application Data folder is hidden, go to Tools → Folder Options → View and select the option "Show hidden files and folders" or in Windows7/8: Show hidden files, folders and drives.

   ---




5. Clean Windows Registry:
   Unpack the Avira Registry Cleaner in a folder of your choice. Run the RegistryCleaner program by clicking on RegCleaner.exe. After clicking on Scan for keys activate the option Select all and click on Delete.



6. Uninstall completed:
   Restart your Computer now. You can now reinstall the Avira software.

We hope we could help you with these instructions. Enjoy and feel safe with your new Avira Software.