help!! remove a programme from my pc ?

[mentality]

can any help me with deleting a partially downloaded file on internet please? i started to install some security protection that i shouldnt have, and now i cannot delete it. and it wants payment from me, i,ve tried my control panel to add and remove programmes tho it is not listed. yet it is awaiting confirmation in the task bar! aaarrgh sholud of left it alone! any suggestions please?

[Buenchico]

Some security programs can only be uninstalled by using special 'uninstall tools', provided by the firm which produces the security program.

If it's Norton software, you need this:
http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo .nsf/docid/2005033108162039

If it's MacAfee, follow the instructions under 'Removing McAfee Automatically' here:
http://www.pchell.com/virus/uninstallmcafee.sh tml

For other software, try Googling 'uninstall xxxxxx', where xxxxxx is the name of the program.

If that doesn't help, try using 'Add/Remove Programs' again but after ensuring that no elements of the software are currently running on your PC. (Pres Ctrl-Alt-Delete, enter the Task Manager and end any tasks which look like they might be associated with the software).

If you're still having problems, simply run System Restore and select a date prior to when you downloaded the troublesome software. (That leaves the software on your PC but effectively uninstalls it).

Chris

[VHG]

As you have probably already learned, DONT take any notice of pop ups or web sites that tell you that your PC is infected with hundreds of viruses and you only need to pay �39.99 to install the software and get rid of them all.

Most of these are scams and can be safely ignored.

They tend to frighten users by pretending your PC is highly infected and it gets people to cough up money for useless software.

For most users there are 3 or 4 important pieces of security software to install, and the rest can be ignored.

If in doubt ask on here and there are plenty of people who will give you impartial advice.

[themi-joseph]

Like the former president of the United States would say: "I feel your pain." We have all been there... done that. The question is, did you give any bank / credit information to them? No? Then have a nice weekend. Don't sweat the small stuff.

[mentality]

Thanku VHG and buenchicho for your answers. I think it is a scam, but is still in task bar pending for payment, once i,ve activated everythin, is jus so frustrating as cant get rid of it. I,ve tried your suggestions.. reaching the system restore part, but it won,t let me select an earlier date than today, it is a windows security centre programme, which i think is a fake. am really stuck with it : - )

[ACtheTROLL]

I think knowing who the xxxxx is is quite important ....
>>>The question is, did you give any bank / credit
>>> information to them? No? Then have a nice
>>>weekend. Don't sweat the small stuff.

depending on the xxx you may already have done just that .... trojans, keylogger, etc will look for groups of numbers that look like credit card - and then "phone home"

whatever you do - if it's not a "famous brand" prog
DON't do any banking or buying until it's sorted

even if it's norton etc - you are only sort of alright .... except you are probably without any protection right now - so again
DON't do any banking or buying until it's sorted

be afraid .... be very afraid .... until it's sorted
but do have a good weekend