Avast is fine on XP here is the link:
http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download.

1 Download it to your desktop. Once you have the set up file on desktop follow the directions for removing McAfee.

2 Uninstall McAfee using the instructions below:

http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507

Once McAfee has completed uninstalling:
3 Double click the Avast set up file you downloaded before and install Avast.

I'm just having sooo much trouble here. I've followed the instructions for removing McAfee..when I get to where I click to remove, I get a message that cleanup has failed because it is already running. I can't click on the log files. Do..I just forget it for a while and see if it runs the cleanup? I can't see where it is running, but I keep getting that message.

I figured as much, lets try it this way boot to safe mode and try removing it. Let me know. Here all day.

Restart your computer.
When the machine first starts again it will generally list some equipment that is installed in your machine, amount of memory, hard drives installed etc. At this point you should gently tap the F8 key repeatedly until you are presented with a Windows Advanced Options menu.
Select the option for Safe Mode using the arrow keys.
Then press enter on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode.
Try removing it from safe mode.

That is exactly why I quit McAfee. Someone in here suggested free anti virus, I went to that and have never been sorry.

I booted in safe mode and clicked the removal icon. I got the message "Error obtaining full permissions for cleanup. Some products may not be fully removed." It went ahead and the little blue squares moved across. Is is safe to install another anti virus program or do I need to do something to make sure all of McAfee is uninstalled? It wouldn't let me "view log"

Go ahead and install Avast now.

I want to see a hijackthis log after you install Avast. Do you need instruction to post it?

Do you recommend Avast or AVG?

avast

Okay...I'm going to go with Avast. Now the Hijackthis logs...where do they come from? Do I get that after I install and run Avast? I need instructions if I do anything other than copy/paste or take a screen shot pleast. I really appreciate all you are doing for me on this.

Install Avast first, really no need to run it now.Then You need to download hijackthis here are instructions.

They are much simpler then it appears in writting:

Click Here to download HJTInstall.exe On the web page on the right use that version Version 2.0.2 and click on installer
� Save HJTInstall.exe to your desktop.
� Doubleclick on the HJTInstall.exe icon on your desktop.
� By default it will install to C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis .
� Click on Install.
� It will create a HijackThis icon on the desktop.
� Once installed, it will launch Hijackthis.
� Click on the Do a system scan and save a logfile button. It will scan and the log should open in notepad.
� Copy" and Paste the entire contents of the log� into your next post.
DO NOT use the AnalyzeThis button, its findings are dangerous if misinterpreted.
DO NOT have Hijackthis fix anything yet. Most of what HJT lists will be harmless or even required by your Operating System.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 2:44:39 PM, on 3/1/2010
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\Program Files\HPQ\IAM\bin\asghost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP ProtectTools Security Manager\PTHOSTTR.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\DLA\DLACTRLW.EXE
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Imation\ImationFlashDetect.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\IFXSPMGT.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\IFXTCS.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\AMT\LMS.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\Program Files\ProtectTools\Embedded Security Software\PSDsrvc.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Search Enhancement Pack\SeaPort\SeaPort.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Common\ViewpointService.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Shared\hpqwmiex.exe
C:\Program Files\ProtectTools\Embedded Security Software\PSDrt.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Contacts\wlcomm.exe
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\avastUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - (0EBBBE48-BAD4-4B4C-8E5A-516ABECAE064) - (no file)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - (18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3) - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - (5C255C8A-E604-49b4-9D64-90988571CECB) - (no file)
O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - (5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890) - C:\WINDOWS\System32\DLA\DLASHX_W.DLL
O2 - BHO: Search Helper - (6EBF7485-159F-4bff-A14F-B9E3AAC4465B) - C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Search Enhancement Pack\Search Helper\SEPsearchhelperie.dll
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - (9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6) - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - (AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7) - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar_32.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - (AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D) - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.5.4723.1820\swg.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - (B164E929-A1B6-4A06-B104-2CD0E90A88FF) - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - (DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9) - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: HP Credential Manager for ProtectTools - (DF21F1DB-80C6-11D3-9483-B03D0EC10000) - C:\Program Files\HPQ\IAM\Bin\ItIeAddIN.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - (E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C) - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Google Toolbar - (2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F) - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar_32.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PTHOSTTR] C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP ProtectTools Security Manager\PTHOSTTR.EXE /Start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SDMSSplash] "C:\Program Files\HP_SDMS\SDMSSplash\launcher.exe" "launchdir=C:\Program Files\HP_SDMS\SDMSSplash"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SetRefresh] C:\Program Files\Compaq\SetRefresh\SetRefresh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CognizanceTS] rundll32.exe C:\PROGRA~1\HPQ\IAM\Bin\AsTsVcc.dll,RegisterModule
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Recguard] C:\WINDOWS\Sminst\Recguard.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\INSTAL~1\UPDATE~1\ISUSPM.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DLA] C:\WINDOWS\System32\DLA\DLACTRLW.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast5] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast5\avastUI.exe /nogui
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe" -t (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe" -t (User 'Default user')
O4 - Startup: ImationFlashDetect.lnk = C:\Program Files\Imation\ImationFlashDetect.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Google Sidewiki... - res://C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\Component\GoogleToolbarDynamic_mui_en_96D6FF0C6D236BF8.dll/cmsidewiki.html
O9 - Extra button: Research - (92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263) - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://*.mcafee.com
O16 - DPF: CabBuilder - http://kiw.imgag.com/imgag/kiw/toolbar/download/InstallerControl.cab
O16 - DPF: (28B66320-9687-4B13-8757-36F901887AB5) (CanvasX Class) - http://www.seehere.com/ips-opdata/layout/fujius02/objects/jordan-canvasx.cab
O16 - DPF: (4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21) -
O16 - DPF: (6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C) (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1166108683015
O18 - Protocol: dssrequest - (5513F07E-936B-4E52-9B00-067394E91CC5) - (no file)
O18 - Protocol: sacore - (5513F07E-936B-4E52-9B00-067394E91CC5) - (no file)
O20 - Winlogon Notify: !SASWinLogon - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASWINLO.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: OneCard - C:\Program Files\HPQ\IAM\Bin\AsWlnPkg.dll
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast5\AvastSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate) (gupdate) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: HP Port Resolver - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\HPBPRO.EXE
O23 - Service: HP Status Server - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\HPBOID.EXE
O23 - Service: hpqwmiex - Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Shared\hpqwmiex.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: Security Platform Management Service (IFXSpMgtSrv) - Infineon Technologies AG - C:\WINDOWS\system32\IFXSPMGT.exe
O23 - Service: Trusted Platform Core Service (IFXTCS) - Infineon Technologies AG - C:\WINDOWS\system32\IFXTCS.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Intel(R) Active Management Technology LMS Service (LMS) - Intel - C:\Program Files\Intel\AMT\LMS.exe
O23 - Service: NBService - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\Nero BackItUp\NBService.exe
O23 - Service: PC Angel (PCA) - SoftThinks - C:\WINDOWS\SMINST\PCAngel.exe
O23 - Service: Personal Secure Drive Service (PersonalSecureDriveService) - Infineon Technologies AG - C:\Program Files\ProtectTools\Embedded Security Software\PSDsrvc.EXE
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Viewpoint Manager Service - Viewpoint Corporation - C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Common\ViewpointService.exe

--
End of file - 9629 bytes

Sorry it took me so long to get back here...I'm here now. That seems like a lot of information

No McAfee files, congratulations. lets clean it up a bit while your here.

If you could view these instructions on another computer that would be most helpful, if not consider printing them out.

Close all windows, only have hijackthis open. Do System Scan Only Place a check mark in the following entries:

R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - (0EBBBE48-BAD4-4B4C-8E5A-516ABECAE064) - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - (5C255C8A-E604-49b4-9D64-90988571CECB) - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - (B164E929-A1B6-4A06-B104-2CD0E90A88FF) - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe" -t (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe" -t (User 'Default user')
O4 - Startup: ImationFlashDetect.lnk = C:\Program Files\Imation\ImationFlashDetect.exe
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://*.mcafee.com
O16 - DPF: (4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21) -
O18 - Protocol: dssrequest - (5513F07E-936B-4E52-9B00-067394E91CC5) - (no file)
O18 - Protocol: sacore - (5513F07E-936B-4E52-9B00-067394E91CC5) - (no file)

Once all the check marks are in place.
Click Fix checked, hijackthis will warn against a bho being removed go ahead and do it.
Close hijackthis.
Reboot your computer.

You need to update adobe reader!!!!

You should uninstall Viewpoint from the ADD/ REMOVE programs list

Dont check this! Sorry about that.

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] "C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe" -hide

Okay...I've done almost all of the above...how do I update adobe reader? I find it under "all programs", but I see no place to update it

Uncheck the McAfee scan. This is the latest version.

Here is a link that might be useful: adobe

Are you talking about 015 - Trusted Zone: http://*.mcafee.com

I already checked it and ran the hijackprogram.

Is this the McAfee Site Advisor?

I was going to ask you if I can get the Site Advisor without having McAfee. But...I already checked the one I mention above, so it is gone....

At the adobe page,the link I gave you above there is an option to scan with McAfee, that's what I meant.

You would be better off with Web of trust (Wot) to replace Site Advisor.

Web of trust, see link.

Here is a link that might be useful: mywot.

I want to thank you for all your help today....I seem to be up a going very well now :o) As far as I can tell everything is working like it should....WHAT A DAY! I know I shouldn't let it run my blood pressure up, but it does...thank you again!

One last thing...can you post the link for Wot and are there any special instructions I might need for installing it?

WOT
just click there and on that page click on the download now and you want to get the one for the browser you use so if you use Internet Explorer choose the one for it IE if you use firefox choose the one for firefox, if you use both then you have to get both for each browser and use the specific browser to get them.
that is all there is to it, after that you will see the green yellow or red circles to let you know if you want to go to that page, if it is red stay away.

Thank you :o)

I got the following error message while trying to update Adobe Reader...did I need to uninstall 9 before installing 9.3? I thought 9.3 would install over the older verson...

You think it would install over it but not this time. Remove adobe from your add / remove programs list. I would remove everything called adobe unless you purchased a special adobe program like photo shop or something. Then I would run Ccleaner. Then reboot. Then reinstall Adobe.

Lets see how it goes. We could always install another reader like foxit reader if we need to.

I got that message and then went to add/remove and it lists Adobe Reader 9.3 there...so I guess I'm good to go...everything else seems to be up and working just fine now...that makes me happy :o) Thank you