Avira Knowledge Base - Problem Details

Manual uninstallation of AntiVir software version 8 or 9 is necessary, only if the normal procedure using Start -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs (Windows XP/ 2000) or -> Programs and Features (Windows 7/ Vista) does not work.

1. Preliminary steps:

   Download the current installation file from the Download section of our website www.avira.com and save a copy of the license file HBEDV.KEY in a separate directory, or keep at hand the 25-characters Activation Code.

   The license file HBEDV.KEY is located in Avira folder:
   C:\Program Files\AntiVir PersonalEdition...\ (Version 8)
   C:\Program Files\Avira Premium ...\ (Version 8)
   C:\Program Files\Avira\Antivir Desktop\ (Version 9)
   Note: not necessary for Avira AntiVir Personal FREE.

   In the Download section, choose the desired desktop AntiVir software and save it on your computer:
   http://www.avira.com/en/download/index.html

   You also need to save on your computer our RegistryCleaner: registrycleaner.zip

2. Safe Mode in Windows:

   Start Microsoft Windows 7/ Vista/ XP/ 2000 in Safe Mode: Keep pressing F8 during the PC boot process, select <em>Safe Mode</em> from the menu and press Enter twice.

3. Remove AntiVir program files:

   Open Windows Explorer: Start -> (All) Programs -> Accessories -> Windows Explorer. Then navigate to the directory C:\Program Files\ (Windows 7/ Vista/XP/2000) and delete all existing AntiVir directories completely.

   • ...\AntiVir ...\
   • ...\Avira ...\

   Note: In case you created a custom directory during AntiVir's installation, delete it.
   If you cannot delete the above mentioned directories, rename them first. Then, after a restart in Safe Mode, you will be able to delete them.

4. Remove AntiVir application files:

   In Windows Explorer open the directory C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\ (Windows XP/2000) or C:\ProgramData\ (Windows 7/  Vista) and delete the existing Avira AntiVir directories located there.

   • ...\AntiVir ...\
   • ...\Avira ...\

Note: If the Application Data folder is hidden, go to Tools -> Folder Options -> View and select the option "Show hidden files and folders".

5. Clean Windows Registry:

   Unpack Avira Registry Cleaner in a foder on your system.
   Run the RegistryCleaner program with the file RegCleaner on Windows Vista/XP/2000. After clicking on Scan for keys, activate the option select all and click on Delete.

6. Uninstall completed:

   Restart the computer. Now you can re-install Avira AntiVir.

We hope these instructions were useful and we wish you to enjoy your new AntiVir Software. Stay safe!