I cannot UNINSTALL Spy Hunter no matter what I try!

Anonymous
2012-02-14T06:19:09+00:00

Help!!!!

Hello, Unfortunately, I cannot uninstall SpyHunter (supposedly) anti-spyware trial version. I found it because was trying to get rid of another annoyance,the SEARCHQU. browser hijacker. When I googled, "remove Serchque," I found what I think I remember a Softpedia (?) website touting SpyHunter as a great tool for removing browser hijackers. For one, I didn't realize it was a trial version until I went to remove all of the stuff on my computer that is (according to SpyHunter) there.

Well, I deeply, deeply regret downloading that thing and in the future, I will try to be even more careful. However, I have tried EVERYTHING to remove it, including following Enigmas' own uninstall intructions-- nope, isn't working. I cannot uninstall it from the Windows Uninstall programs in the control panel. It just re-installs itself. I tried Revo uninstaller, but it doesn't even list SpyHunter in the list of programs--- which, by the way, it is still listed in the control panel Uninstall program list. I have attempted to uninstall about 10 times, I've re-booted--still there. As mentioned, I've followed Enigmas' instructions, no luck-- and why may I ask is some registry manager that I didn't download on the computer that is apparently necessary for removing SpyHunter? I searched for SpyHunter in it as per instructions, hit Enter(ditto) and nothing at all happened. No registry entries for SpyHunter came up. Revo claims that no such thing as SpyHunter has been installed on the computer. (couldn't find it installed, or some such thing.) --- But I'm telling you, it is still there sending me pop-ups about every last web page or download that might threaten it! (or so it seems.)

I am tired and pissed off that it takes so much vigilance and time (frick, I've just spent 3 hours trying to figure this out!) I have a family and a life! Damn, are Mac's this much work and hassled? Because if not, I'm saving my pennies. However, until the day when I can afford that, I would appreciate any and all advice. Sorry about the rant, I'm just really frustrated. Everyone else in my house is asleep but me.....

Thanks,

Gillian

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2015-02-04T09:28:49+00:00

@ Everyone

Please read **here** for updated information about SpyHunter and further instructions in case the recommended removal procedure fails.

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Anonymous
2012-02-14T10:53:25+00:00

Fix problems with programs that can't be installed or uninstalled

<<http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program_Install_and_Uninstall>>

UTC/GMT is 10:49 on Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-08T14:42:22+00:00

    NuclearKumquat - This is exactly how I ended up deleting SpyHunter4... I mean exactly. 

    I wasn't completely sure that I really got all of it, but now I feel much better.  Thanks!

    Now, if only I could find a way to get my money back... ;>)

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-01-07T08:42:28+00:00

    Thank you for your excellent and comprehensive information.  I am sure it will be useful to those who have found themselves infected with SpyHunter.

    Well done, and a happy new year to you.

    Cheers!

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-07T04:01:22+00:00

    I know this thread is old, but I just had this problem recently. I'm glad it was resolved for some people, but I had to take different measures to uninstall it on my computer. I hope if anyone else has the misfortune of installing SpyHunter, they'll find this.  Here's how I finally got it completely removed. 

    1. Click on the Start menu icon and go to "Control Panel".  Then click on "Programs and Features" (or "Uninstall a Program").  Scroll down to Spyhunter and double click to uninstall. If Windows asks for permission to let the program run click "Yes".
    2. When you've uninstalled it from the start menu, click on the Start menu again. This time, type "regedit" into the search bar and then hit enter.  Again, if you're asked whether you want this program to run click "Yes".  Now press ctrl+F (or go to "Edit" then "Find"). A search box should pop up. Type into it "SpyHunter" and hit enter. Delete the entire SpyHunter folder when it comes up, or anything it shows is associated with SpyHunter.  Now press ctrl+F again and this time search for "enigma".  You should find another folder, this time named "esgiguard". Delete that entire folder as well.
    3. Close out the registry editor and click the start menu again. Open up "Computer".  Now go to drive C, then to Program Files (If you have "Program Files" and "Program Files (x86)" then check both of them. Mine was only in "Program Files").  Search for a folder titled "Enigma Software" (I don't remember the exact name, it will be "Enigma Industries/Software/whatever". It may just be called "Enigma"). Delete the entire "Enigma" folder.
    4. Go to your desktop and open up the Recycle bin.  Click "Empty the Recycle Bin".
    5. Restart your computer. When it reboots, repeat step 2 to check for "SpyHunter" and "Enigma" again. Then check Program Files again. If you don't find anything in either of them, you've successfully rid yourself of SpyHunter! I hope this has been helpful.

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