How To Switch From One Antivirus Software Program To Another
If you're ready to replace your current Antivirus Software or Internet Security Suite with a different one, you might be wondering what steps you should go through to make it as painless as possible.
If switching to a new antivirus software is something you want to do,
then switching to a new antivirus software is something you should do.
Don't let uncertainty stop you from getting it done.
The outline below is to help alleviate any apprehension you may have, even if you are fairly comfortable with computers.
One of the first things to consider is time.
Things will tend to go more smoothly if your not trying to hurry.
If you don't think you have the time to do this right now,
Bookmark This Page and come back when you do.
There are basically two things you will be doing.
The first is removing your existing antivirus software program and the second is installing a new antivirus software program or suite.
Before you do either of these, it's a good idea to clean up your computer a bit. While cleaning up your temporary internet files is optional, it could help with the downloading process.
Antivirus software program downloads are pretty large files and if you clean up some of the junk that has probably accumulated on your computer, these files may download a little faster.
Steps For Switching Antivirus Software
Run Disk Cleanup
Download the Antivirus Software You Are Switching To
Uninstall Your Existing Antivirus Software Installation
Install Your New Antivirus Software
Click your Start button.
Mouse over All Programs, Accessories, System Tools.
Click Disk Cleanup.
Select the drive you want to clean up. (Typically C:)
Click OK.
Wait for your drive to be analyzed.
Check all of the boxes to include all actions.
Click OK.
Depending on when you last ran this, it might take a while.
Don't cancel it. Let it do its job.
(If you're undecided,
Purchase PC Tools Internet Security
)
Don't Forget To Use Your Coupon Codes.
Click Save To Disk.
Save The Download To A Familiar File. (My Documents, etc.)
(Be Patient. These downloads can take a while.)
Important!
After you disable your current antivirus software and before your new antivirus software is operational, there will be a period of time that you will not have any virus protection.
Once the download is complete, you should disconnect your computer from the internet.
Unplug the telephone or ethernet cable from your computer to ensure there is no access to the internet or intranet (if you are on a network).
This will help minimize the risk of infection while you are without virus protection.
(Disable Your Antivirus Software From Its Control Panel)
You may be able to Uninstall Your Antivirus Software or Internet Security Suite by clicking the uninstall link on your Programs Menu if one was created when the software was originally installed.
If you can't find an uninstall link on your Programs Menu, use the Add or Remove Programs utility.
Click Your Start Button.
Click Control Panel.
Double Click Add or Remove Programs.
Locate Your Antivirus Software On The List.
Click Remove.
Many Antivirus Programs and Security Suites will prove to be extremely difficult to remove. This is actually good! You really don't want your computer's first line of defense to be easily removed.
Perfect Uninstaller and
Final Uninstaller are a couple of programs that are specifically designed to assist with removal of stubborn programs.
Remember That Familiar File? (My Documents, etc.)
Double Click The Installation File (application or .exe).
Click Run And Follow Any Prompts.
Don't forget to reconnect your computer to the internet and check for updates for your newly installed antivirus software.
This basic outline will get most users through to the desired result of switching from one antivirus software to another antivirus software, but it won't necessarily be exact for everyone due to the infinite number of hardware, software, and operating systems configurations.
