How do you delete a program that won't delete? I am running XP.?

Question

I went to add/delete programs and I know this program needs to be deleted because it is under the 'guise' of Internet explorer security, but it is not from microsoft. Ever since this spyware/spam/crap program was downloaded with out my knowing or wanting, these add pages and anti-spyware and crazy messages keep coming. I ran McAfee several times, and no corrupted files were found.

Here's the kicker. When I try to remove program, It prompts me to reboot computer before uninstallation. Even though that doesn't make sense, I still tried it 3 times. Same thing happens. What can I do to get rid of this crap?

Thank-you!! :)

OK so I don't know the name of the file. I had some ideas, but everything is hidden. I am scared to delete something important and just screw everything up. I was looking at the processes and they are all .exe files, with hard to understand file names. Lots of ideas. TY people.

Answer 1

you can try this
http://software-files.download.com/sd/sxJxaHMTMcreGzU2CUDOWTy8YjcaudbMye8yv9fJhZ1DYNSSnevCE8h0oVAsIqgwEweqL8imoKhwa8fLhM64fvvqaNeZTcLk/software/10401314/10122137/3/spybotsd14.exe?ptype=3001&ontid=8022&siteId=4&edId=3&pid=10401314&psid=10122137

Answer 2

I believe that you can accomplish this task while in safemode .while booting your computer please choose boot menu , and then choose safemode.If you will then go to the control panel and add and remove programs and click on the program and remove.It should be removed at this time.The programs are designed to not be removed as so you will have to pay for upgrades or remove by way of complete format of your machine.They are a nuisance and I think they should be outlawed.One such program is an antivirus software called mcaffe i had to remove it this way and delete all references to it on the system by doing a system search and deleting everything with the words in it.Good luck to you and hope you can accomplish it the way I instructed .

Answer 3

Windows want let you delete some programs if it is a part of your system If you installed the program go to search on the start tab type the name in then click search all files and folders when they appear click on them then delete. If you want to uninstall a program click on control panel find add and remove windows components find the program click remove .restart PC.

Answer 4

If you are the admin: You go in safe mode (when you turn on, you are given the choice by windows), access the file, change the permissions to the file (so that you CAN delete it). then turn off, turn on again in normal mode, and bingo, you can delete the file.

Easy... but a pain.
Often, those files are unwanted viruses or companion programs for share-ware...

Answer 5

download and run "cwshredder" a very small and extremely effective program. go to panda active scan and follow the prompts. It appears you have a re-installer (hidden file will recreate after reboot). as a last resort go to a forum at www.geekstogo.com it is free and people on the malware section will clean any virus on your pc. good luck.

Answer 6

when you boot your com keep pressing F8 until a screen with options come out most probably you'll see the word safe mode with networking. select this option and your computer will continue to boot when it's completely booted try to download Ad-aware to remove the mal-ware on your computer. @ the same time run McAfee to try to find the virus sa sometimes in normal operation the virus just disappears

Answer 7

If you know the program name, try to end it in Windows Task Manager > Processes, then delete the program manually.

Answer 8

try removing it through the control panel or delete the files under the program files folder and then remove it.

Answer 9

you can,t delete a running program, try a start up in safe mode and then try to remove it

Answer 10

wow, ironically i had exactly the same thing, i eventually gave up and reinstalled my entire computer. (maybe you'll find something better)