skip to main content

Cleaning up computer from non-useful files

13 years ago

Hi, I'm in the process of cleaning up my computer after doing some spyware/trojan removal; and I'm adding more spyware and other security programs such as Secunia.

I was looking at my programs in Secunia and I see a couple of Symantec (activex Control) programs that it is keeping updated. I actually uninstalled Norton a couple of years ago and used the Norton Removal Tool in the last couple of weeks, so I'm wondering if these Symantec programs have something to do with Norton? I know I can stop the updates to these in Secunia, but I can't find the actual Symantec files so I can delete them, if I should delete them, that is.

When I type Symantec into my search line (Vista), nothing shows up. And, I can't find Symantec under program files. Or should I even worry about it?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

dee_can1
Original Author
13 years ago
Also, I uninstalled AVG (and used the removal tool) but I found these under Secunia Programs. I stopped the updates to them, but how do I actually remove them from my computer? I can't find them, either - they are not in Programs and Features (Vista); although I did remove two AVG Technology programs from Programs and Features yesterday, but unrelated to the ones Secunia was updating. Or, am I worrying about wanting my computer too clean? : ) Thanks.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
did you remove the actual file for both of those AVG and Norton from your C programs? if not go to your Programs list and look for any files or folders that may be related to those names and delete them.

If you don't have either on the pc now I see no reason to have anything still updating from either of them.

another option to try is using App remover to see if it finds anything or REVO uninstaller both are free

AppRemover

Completely Uninstall Programs And More With Revo Uninstaller
Related Discussions
Computer crashes at start up
Q
Comments (3)
Hi jean_mi_z5, Reports inconclusive to me. It's showing a lot of system file crashes, but those crashes can be caused by 3ed party files / drives causing the Microsoft drivers to crash and I don't see any 3ed party listed. If you're having a lot of blue screens and it appears you are, I strongly recommend you post at the link provided. Under the topic below BSOD, Crashes, Kernel Debugging Here is a link that might be useful: BSOD, Crashes, Kernel Debugging
...See More
Clean up computer
Q
Comments (12)
Glad the problem was caused by Bad modem and it was fixed. We had similar problem about two months ago. Downloading slowness only happened between around 9:00am to 7:00pm, sometimes to the point we received nothing. Of course at first intenet provider denied they caused it. After we checked moden (it was a fairly new one), wireless SW, our computers, connectors from moden to cable, from cable to wall plugs...etc. it seems everything was good. I said it must caused by weather because we had record heat this summer. The look I got clearly indicated I was crazy. DH said we just needed to buy a brand new modern, or not to use internet during day time ( what a brilliant solution!!) I sometimes work from home, I HAVE TO use internet during day time. I called the internet provider for a house call. May be I sounded too crazy for them to deny an appointment. The service person checked everything as we did, everything was fine. Then he went up to attic. Came down said the connector between provider's cable to our house was too old and too small gaudge, it restricted signal flow when temperature went up. He replaced the connector with one that allows must higher amount of signal flow. The problem was solved. I was too happy to write down the name of the hardware he replaced with.
...See More
Using a router--cannot pull up files
Q
Comments (1)
Make sure both computers are part of the same workgroup. Sounds like it could be a permissions problem. Windows, by default, doesn't share many folders to protect you. There should be a couple of existing shared folders but depending on which version of Windows you have they are in different places/have different names. Create a new folder (call it anything you'd like). Right click on the folder and choose properties, then sharing. Enable sharing for the folder and make sure you have permissions set to read, write, modify for all users. Copy your recipe there and see if you can access the file from another computer.
...See More
Copying files from one computer to another?
Q
Comments (14)
I have Comcast high speed. Their website says it is 6 Mbps (which means nothing to me). The old computer has XP. I assume new computers have network cards? How can I check to see if the old one has one? I have NO geeky know-how. None. I've always worked for a company with a help desk that greatly discourages us doing anything on our computers (well, other than work). I am also old enough that PCs were somewhat rare until I was out of school. I know how to use programs, but I don't very little about the actual operating systems.
...See More
dee_can1
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, Raven. I was checking Program Files and didn't see anything there. I ended up looking under Program Data, and found a couple of files for AVG and Norton, so I deleted those. I'll see if that takes care of it. I'll also stop the updates in Secunia, which hopefully won't see any more files for those programs.
dee_can1
Original Author
13 years ago
Hmm, I just found out the way to find out where the files that Secunia is updating are located. If you right click on the program in Secunia, and then click on 'show details', it shows the location and you can double click on it. The Symantec location led me to a folder called Shared Symantec (which I did not see directly under Program Files, but it was under Common Files under Program Files). I deleted the whole folder.

Hopefully it doesn't contain any files that I need seeing as it was 'shared'. I'll leave it in my recycling bin for awhile. Also I double-clicked the AVG location in Secunia, and deleted ALOT of AVG files. I guess I should have played around more, but sort of gave up when I didn't see anything under Program Files. Thanks for your help.

Related Stories

FEEL-GOOD HOME 12 Very Useful Things I've Learned From Designers

By Becky Harris

These simple ideas can make life at home more efficient and enjoyable

ORGANIZING 8 Steps to a Winning Filing System

By Laura Gaskill

When you streamline your paperwork and digital files for easy use and maintenance, it's an organizational triumph

LAUNDRY ROOMS Soak Up Ideas From 3 Smart Laundry Rooms

By Mitchell Parker

We look at the designers’ secrets, ‘uh-oh’ moments and nitty-gritty details of 3 great laundry rooms uploaded to Houzz this week

THE HARDWORKING HOME Mudrooms That Really Clean Up

By Mary Jo Bowling

The Hardworking Home: Houzz readers get down and dirty with their ideas for one of the home’s hardest-working rooms

FURNITURE Objects of Desire: File These Secretary Desks Under ‘Gorgeous’

By Christine Tusher

Space saving and ever functional, these fold-up desks are raising the bar for home offices and work nooks everywhere

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

ART The Best Ways to Care for, Clean and Store Art

By Laura Gaskill

Keep your treasures on canvas and paper in top shape with this expert advice from two gallery directors

MOST POPULAR A Magical Tree House Lights Up for Christmas

By Sarah Greenman

From the Most Popular file: An incredible tree house takes things up a notch for the holidays. See how it came to be

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Household Habits and Customs to Borrow From Other Countries

By Елена Амбросимова

Discover why salt may be the perfect house-warming gift, how to clean rugs in snow and why you should invest in a pair of ‘toilet slippers’

HOME OFFICES You Can Kick That Ugly Filing Cabinet to the Curb

By Joanna Tovia

When you’re ready to break out of the gray metal box, consider these creative options for storing your files

Sponsored

More Discussions

Tired of MS Office 365 Monthly Fees?

1