How do I remove Windows OneCare?

I'm trying to uninstall WindowsOneCare Live. I got in on the beta test, which was a big mistake. When I uninstall it, my Internet won't work. I'm using a cable connection. Is it just something in the settings?

I would GREATLY appreciate any help you can offer :)

Dave's Answer:

My main question to you is: how did you uninstall Windows OneCare? From exploring the different web sites talking about this always-on antivirus, anti-spyware solution from Microsoft that's still in beta (see What is Windows OneCare? for details), it appears that this program is darn difficult to correctly and completely remove.

Even the official Windows OneCare Blog doesn't offer any useful information on how to uninstall this beta product.

Here's the best set of instructions i can find, and, unfortunately, it involves editing your registry file, a task not for the faint-hearted:

Start --> Run, type MSCONFIG and hit Enter.
Click on the Startup tab. Uncheck all the programs that seem to be related to OneCare Live. Uncheck all spyware and malware programs also. Save the changes.
Restart your computer
If these steps do not resolve your problem, try this instead: Start --> Run, type SERVICES.MSC and hit Enter.
Stop and set to Manual or Disable all services you don't need. See Services Guide for Windows XP for a handy reference on what you can and cannot disable here.
One more step: Start --> Run, type REGEDIT and hit Enter.
Then in Registry Editor click Edit --> Find and search for all words related to OneCare Live, then delete all matching keys.

Now you can delete the OneCare files from your hard drive manually.

As I said, this isn't the easiest program to delete in the world. And, as with anything to do with editing the registry, please make sure that you create a restore point before you make any changes. You can do that with Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> System Restore.

The moral of this story: be darn careful what beta programs you decide to install on your computer, and make double sure that you do a full backup before you both install it and try to uninstall it. Just in case.

Finally, if you go through all these steps, you should be able to reset your computer for Internet access. Worst case, start up the Network Wizard and let it step you through creating a brand new Internet connection. Don't forget to re-enable your old Virus and Spyware utilities too, of course.

Good luck to you!

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Categorized: Windows PC Help (Article 4290, Written by Dave Taylor)
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Reader Comments To Date: 33

Alicia said, on November 26, 2005 6:19 AM:

Just wanted to thank you so much for answering my question so quickly! I just sent your link to a lot of my friends! Forever grateful,

Alicia

James Womack said, on December 2, 2005 12:17 AM:

There's a file in the Microsoft OneCare Live folder called "uninst.exe" - when double-clicked, it takes you to a feedback page on windowsonecare.com and uninstalls the program (which requires a reboot, of course).

Joe said, on December 4, 2005 11:31 AM:

I tried the uninst.exe but was met with this error: 0x80004005

Broken Arrow said, on March 28, 2006 3:37 AM:

In my case, the OneCare BETA icon is showing red in the tray stating some action is required. But when double clicked, it resulted into "Windows OneCare has encounter a problem and needs to close" & the GUI fails to start (but the icon is still in the tray & the application is running). I failed to uninstall it from Add Remove Programs nad UNINST.EXE but they all resulted into the same error message! Can someone help me please...

hgey said, on August 15, 2006 1:36 AM:

Here's a newer article on the OneCare site that might be a useful reference for people who are still unsure how to uninstall the application:

http://www.windowsonecare.com/support/help.aspx?query=PROC_UNINSTALL_SERVICE.HTM

Hope that helps some people out!

sukoli said, on September 27, 2006 4:23 PM:

just goto the onecare site and download the cleanup utility, to remove it

Mickie said, on November 28, 2006 11:02 PM:

Your help on deleting OneCare Live was interesting. However, the files appear to be gone on my computer. It is the registry keys that won't delete. I spent about 5 hours today with various tech service reps trying to get OneCare off my machine. Tomorrow, a higher level rep will call--they tell me--to try some more.

In future, I will take your advice about restore points.

Doug Bell said, on December 15, 2006 5:07 PM:

ONECARE CLEANUP FILE:
Just received this from Brad at Microsoft Support...Canada. I searched for help for three days. Got phone support...no charge...because I had Onecare installed and paid for.

Cleanup Windows Live Onecare...... remove all.
Go to the site below. Save to your desktop.
Then go to your desktop. You will find a new onecare icon. Click on the icon and run...follow the prompts.
THEN RESTART YOUR COMPUTER.
Let me know if this helps dbell5@carolina.rr.com

http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/a/5/3a55dc68-6466-43e8-b886-f6e1ab829d12/OneCareCleanup.exe

Reggie said, on January 11, 2007 7:46 AM:

Here is an email i got from MS Support. I hope it helps.

------------------------------------
To give the most accurate support possible, I would like to give a brief summary of the issue as I understand it.

After upgrading to Vista, OneCare stopped working, we tried to manually remove its registries, and components, but the Beta version still could not be installed.

If I have misunderstood, please do not hesitate to let me know.

I understand the inconvenience you have experienced. Please be assured that I will do my best to help you.

This issue is caused by OneCare registry. I suggest the following steps to troubleshoot the issue:

Delete the OneCare registry value
===================================
1. Click Start, type "regedit" (without quotation marks) in the "Start Search" box and press Enter. Click Continue if necessary. The Registry Editor program will come up.
2. Expand to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DIFxApp\Components\{153AA63E-3BFD-495C-A35F-85F66650141D}

3. Right click on the folder "{153AA63E-3BFD-495C-A35F-85F66650141D}" and choose Delete.
4. Go ahead to delete the following registry keys:

Note: if some keys do not exist, please ignore them.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DIFxApp\Components\{31836BDA-30AF-433D-ADF0-C375B8C79C0B}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DIFxApp\Components\{A4421BD9-DE51-46CF-8C30-AF450F466A76}
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WinSS
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WinSS
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\WinSS
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{D07A8E7E-D324-4945-BA8C-E532AD008FF3}

Reggie said, on January 11, 2007 8:21 AM:

Ok some background on the above post. I had live one care trial installed on xp pro. I upgraded to vista ultimate. l1c broke. I couldnt uninstall it via add/remove. I cleaned the registry myself in and out of safe mode with no luck. It would say its gone...but when i tried to install the l1c beta for vista it would say i had to remove the installed version.

after performing the steps above. i was able to install l1c beta. i dont know if i want to try and uninstall it now. i will see how it runs on vista.

product needs some work though. i guess i really like ms to put myself through this.

Reggie said, on January 13, 2007 4:46 PM:

Ok this definatly worked and goes hand in hand with my previous post.

-------------------------------
Thank you for your reply. From your last email, I understand that we received the MSI error when clean OneCare components.

This issue is caused by installer files, let's use the following steps to remove OneCare:

1. Please download the Windows Installer Cleanup utility from this link and save it to the Desktop:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/E/9/D/E9D80355-7AB4-45B8-80E8-983A48D5E1BD/msicuu2.exe

2. Double click the msicuu2.exe file and follow the wizard to install this program.
3. Then, please run it from Start-> All Programs-> Windows Install Clean Up.
4. Check if the following items are listed, if so, please highlight them and then click on the Remove button.

Dr Watson for Microsoft Windows OneCare Live
Microsoft Windows OneCare Live
Microsoft Protection Service
PX Engine
Microsoft Malware Protection Engine Files
Microsoft Malware Protection On Access Scanner

After that, use the clean up tool again to complete the uninstallation.

George said, on January 20, 2007 2:20 PM:

All this talk about uninstalling...could someone tell me how to install it on a second computer. CompUSA installed it on my new computer, and gave me the CD in it's original case. I can't get it to install on my notebook, so I called their so-called "tech" and some young girl couldn't tell me what time of day it was!!! When I insert the CD, a dialog box appears saying I need Windows XP SP2 in order to install the program. I HAVE it on the computer already, and even downloaded an update for it, but I keep getting the same message. I have to say that the program seems to be working great on my new HP computer. Anyone have any answers about installing it on a second computer? Could anyone point me in the right direction to find an answer? Sure do thank anyone who might be of assistance.

joanna said, on January 29, 2007 1:51 PM:

i have tried everything that everyone has posted on the forums, even contacting microsoft, they said they would get back to me, which they havent, trying to install panda, and it wont let me, because there is obviously a hidden file somewhere left from OneCare.I have XP Professional, any new idea's guys?

Kevin Oberst said, on February 27, 2007 1:55 PM:

OK, i must have a real prob. here... cause i have tried everything in this search to UNINSTALL WINDOWS ONECARE LIVE,and todate i have not been successfull in my attemps. if anyone PLEASE of you have any other tips/tricks/hints/ideas please(x)onetrilion help......to the gods i look up and i swear i hate this file it really blows :)P

Kevin Oberst said, on February 27, 2007 3:50 PM:

Upadteing my earlyer question......I have the Beta version and its not in my program files,and i have used the uninstall program as well to no avale.. please again any help at al would greatly be appreceated.

newton said, on March 7, 2007 12:31 AM:

i cant uninstall my windows onecare beta still i tried everything

victor vital said, on March 29, 2007 4:31 PM:

why not just use OneCare clean up tool???

Pat said, on April 2, 2007 2:41 PM:

I got an email informing me that my subscription to Windows Live OneCare was being renewed if I don't cancel it. When I try to cancel it, it won't let me click on...the popup is blocked and I don't know how to cancel the darn subscription. I don't want a $49 charge to an account for something I hate. Got any suggestions? Phone Numbers? Website? Real people?

sohail said, on September 5, 2007 11:30 AM:

i can remove windows live one care bu it also removes my dvd/cd drivers so when my pc is rebooted the dvd/cd drivers vanish from my computer!
and whenevr i system restore it back before i uninstalled windows live onecare the drivers come back!
note to alll beta lovers out there!
always craete a system restore point before instaling any beta programs never knwo when that restore point migh be in handy!
i deldted mine and now am stuck with no firewall and a broken anti-virus program!!!!!
does anyone knwo about a diffrent firewall i can use until my dvd drive is fixed??

saiful said, on October 1, 2007 6:59 PM:

how can shall i remove windows live one care pls

Gary H. said, on November 12, 2007 4:45 AM:

Thank you for a great web site. I have finally uninstalled windows one care using information from this site. Gary H.

Gary Keats said, on February 3, 2008 12:36 PM:

Windows live onecare is an outrage and there should be a class action against microsoft.
I bought this piece of crap for my wife's laptop as I was told it was a good simple anti-viral program.
Besides being a nightmare to activate, it repeatidly deactivates requiring going into "services.msc". the issues about changing router settings and screwing up other computers and tivos is beyond upsetting.
madder than hell
how I either have to put up with garbage or have a meltdown trying to delete it
gary k keats

Tbone said, on February 17, 2008 6:27 AM:

Onecare behaves like a virus with a link to a website. You should not need to download a utility to delete this.

Allan said, on March 5, 2008 9:27 AM:

I Hate Live One Care it wants to backup all the time. It also whants to udate windows every day and wont install updates 2003 office.
it's a drag i called Live one tech and they took a long time i thought they fixed it they put it in some how that it egnores updates then one day it asks every day again to update but it will not complete install . Very unhappy with program !
Any solutions ?
Thanks Allan R

sarah said, on May 1, 2008 6:34 PM:

please take away the live onecare programe cause i cant go to some of my other websites.and i get soo mad when i cant go there soo plase take it offf
pleassss.

Mike Bettua said, on August 6, 2008 5:44 AM:

Microsoft OneCare in my opinion is an attempt by Microsoft to take responsibility for viruses that affect its operating system. Viruses that in my opinion are caused by Symantec.

Additionally, OneCare is no longer needed because it simply doesn't work. I'm not going to pay an annual "Gestapo" subscription fee for an antivirus program that doesn't work when there are perfectly good alternative antivirus programs out there which work great and are free such as PC Tools Antivirus.

JAria smith said, on October 1, 2008 4:04 PM:

how do i remove window live care off my computer if it want let me delete it when i go to control panel and go to add and remove file. what else can i do to delete window live care?

randy said, on November 19, 2008 9:23 AM:

thanks i used the regedit suggestion Posted by: Reggie at January 11, 2007 7:46 AM. It shouldn't be this hard to find things like this out. They should be able to tell you if you contact them. I guess its just good effective customer service. anyway thanks

Randy

Mr.M said, on May 23, 2009 1:39 AM:

GET THIS.http://social.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/onecareinstallandactivate/thread/399071e2-49dc-4767-932d-d261e3965943/.this works.

cavo789 said, on August 3, 2009 11:28 AM:

OneCare is a #€@# program. Impossible to remove it.

After two hours of search and tries, I've finally removed it : the last step was to start Regedit, go to the following key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\WinSS; right clic on it and set the permissions to Full control and then, remove the key.

Damned!

pyaolyangshen said, on November 12, 2009 11:33 AM:

You are so amazing. I can't thank you enough for this resourceful post. <33333333 !!!!!

Amy Gilliland said, on February 14, 2010 3:07 AM:

I have a question does the iPhone have the ability to download a scale if so how would I go about doing that?

David Durbin said, on March 30, 2010 4:04 PM:

I can't find out how to erase Windows Live Onecare data from my DVD's. (DVD's ONLY) Thank You

I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!

How do I remove Windows OneCare?

Reader Comments To Date: 33

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!

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